Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Temporary Position Open in Catechumenate
The Campus Ministry office at Santa Clara University is seeking a temporary employee to coordinate the processes for the Sacraments of Initiation, both the ongoing Catechumenate and a separate adult Confirmation process. The ideal person would be one who has knowledge and experience in liturgical catechesis as it relates to the Sacraments of Initiation and can engage and collaborate with young adults in a university setting. This position would be part-time and for a fixed term: January to May, 2006. For more information, please contact Lulu Santana at LSantana@scu.edu.
Christmas Musicians Needed
St. Martin of Tours Church in San Jose is in need of additional musicians for Christmas. They need an organist (and more choir members) for their Midnight Mass. They are also in need of liturgical musicians to lead their 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses on Christmas morning. They will pay according to scale for pianists, organists, and those who coordinate the music. For more information, contact Judy Swazey at408-289-9617 or jswazey@stmartin.org.
I'm looking for an Administrative Assistant
It was too short a time that Sandra Pacheco served as my administrative assistant, but her career in finance was calling her to another job. So sadly, we say goodbye to her and wish her well in her studies and career path.
Now, if you are highly organized, a great people-person, and can keep me and the associate for youth and young adults in line, then we want you!
The Office of Pastoral Ministry for the Diocese of San Jose in Santa Clara is seeking an Administrative Assitant for the Offices of Liturgy and Youth & Young Adult Ministry. This is an immediate opening for a fulltime administrative assistant with:
- a minimum of 3 years secretarial experience, good organizational and telephone skills, ability to meet deadlines;
- proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Internet Explore, Access and Publisher;
- and some knowledge of parish and Church structures and procedures.
- Bi-lingual Spanish is preferred.
Fax resume to 408-983-0203 or email resume in text to personnel@dsj.org.
For job openings in pastoral ministry in the parish, check out the diocesan job website. When I last looked, there were still many openings available in the parishes in various pastoral ministries.
Vespers for Our Lady of Guadalupe - December 9, 2005
Every year, the diocese celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with processions and evening prayer in Spanish.This year's celebration takes place on Friday, December 9, 2005 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (2020 East San Antonio Street, San Jose). The procession of parishes begins at 6:00p and the vespers at 7:00p. This year, we will be honoring the work of Catholic Relief Services and supporting its Pakistan earthquake relief.
Here's an article in Spanish by Lupita Vital, the Associate for Hispanic Catechesis for the diocese, about celebrating Advent with Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Parishes are invited to participate in the procession to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Parishes near and far have walked the distance between their parish home and Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. Some parishes also gather at a closer location and begin their procession from there. However way you do it, it's always a wonderful sight to see people of faith walking together. Parishes should plan to arrive at the church between 6:00p and 7:00p.
Evening Prayer in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Friday, December 9, 2005
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Processions: 6:00p
Evening Prayer: 7:00p
Click below to get pdf flyers you can print:
Open Call for Singers for Ordination
On Saturday, December 10, 9:00a at the Cathedral, the Diocese of San Jose will celebrate an ordination to the priesthood. Singers and instrumentalists are invited to join the music ministry for the celebration.Choir Rehearsal for Ordination
Monday, December 5, 7:00p
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph parish hall
Ordination Celebration
Saturday, December 10, 9:00a
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
There will be only one rehearsal and you must be able to attend. Please RSVP with Julie Wind at juliewind@stjosephcathedral.org or 408-283-8100 x2205.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Thanksgiving Prayers for the Dinner Table
Do you still need a prayer card to give to parishioners to help them pray at family dinner? Below are simple cards that you can print. You'll need Adobe reader.Click here for English, and click here for Spanish. Print them on card stock and cut them in quarters. There are prayers on each side of the card.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sample Intercessions for First Sunday of Advent - November 27, 2005 - Opening of Jubilee Year
First Sunday of Advent, Year B
November 27, 2005
Things, events, and news items to keep in mind:
November 27, 2005
Things, events, and news items to keep in mind:
- Click here for this Sunday's readings.
- This Sunday begins the Jubilee Year in the Diocese of San Jose commemorating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our diocese. The Jubilee Year culminates in a eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral on March 18, 2006, and ends on March 19, 2007.
- This week the nation celebrates Thanksgiving Day. Some parishioners may be travelling, and visitors may be in your parish this weekend.
The following are just samples meant to inspire your work. Use them as ideas for your own assembly's intercessions. Read 10 Principles for Writing Intercessions and Step by Step Guide to help you write your own.
Presider:
For the coming of Jesus Christ in glory,
of Emmanuel, our hope, of peace and unity for all,
let us cry out that God may remember us.
For the Church,
still waiting,
still seeking the fullness of the revelation of our Lord Jesus [pause]:
May we be unafraid to dream,
alert to God’s presence,
and awake to hear Christ’s call.
We pray to the Lord.
For the leaders of the world,
still divided,
still unable to see God’s face in the poor [pause]:
May they be roused from their sleep
to work untiringly for a world
where all are fed, sheltered, healed, and at peace.
We pray to the Lord.
For families,
still yearning for reconciliation,
still striving in faith through the daily struggles of life [pause]:
May they be abundantly blessed
with thanksgiving for all that has been
and hope for what is to come.
We pray to the Lord.
For those still waiting for welcome,
still searching for meaning,
still hoping for compassion, forgiveness, and love [pause]:
May we be watchful
for the many, surprising ways God comes to us.
We pray to the Lord.
For our Diocese of San José,
still growing in God’s riches,
still being worked by the potter’s hands [pause]:
May we be faithful servants and courageous witnesses
who show the face of Christ to the world
until the day of the Lord.
We pray to the Lord.
For the dead who wait in joyful hope
for the coming of the Lord,
especially for those we now remember [pause]:
May they be roused from their sleep
and raised up to life eternal.
We pray to the Lord.
Presider:
Lord Jesus, the Fullness of Time and Lord of History,
prepare us to recognize the coming of your Kingdom,
and make us watchful for your presence already with us.
Form us in this Jubilee Year to be a Church that matters,
especially to those most in need of good news.
Hear our prayers and do not delay,
for you are Christ, yesterday, today, and tomorrow,
Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.
FILED UNDER: INTERCESSIONS
A Marian / Advent Examination of Conscience
Below is an examination of conscience written by Diana Macalintal based on the scripture passage of the Visitation and the Magnificat (Luke 1:39-56). It would be appropriate for use at reconciliation liturgies during Advent.
Reader:
Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. [pause]
- Have we greeted one another with curses instead of blessings?
- Have we borne bitter fruit in our thoughts, words, and deeds? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [pause]
- Have we denied our own worth or the worth of others, disbelieving that God is present in ourselves or in others?
- Have we missed the presence of God because we are too busy, too hurried, or too anxious?
[pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. [pause]
- Have we closed our ears to the sound of God’s voice coming from unexpected people, places, and encounters?
- Have we grown so serious that we cannot leap for joy? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. [pause]
- Have we lost hope and faith in each other, in ourselves, in our church, in our world, in our communities?
- Do we prevent the Word from being fulfilled by our apathy, passive-aggressiveness, despair, or complacency? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. [pause]
- Does my very being, my very presence preach the goodness of God?
- Do I sing, dance, play, and rejoice with others as often as I can? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. [pause]
- Who have we looked down upon because of their particular spirituality, lifestyle, political party, educational background, or economic wealth or poverty?
- How has our need to help the lowly dominated their need to know the dignity of helping themselves? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. [pause]
- When have we taken credit for what we have not done?
- When have we denied our own participation in the evil that our communities, church, families, countries, or other associations have done? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. [pause]
- Have we lost our sense of mercy and compassion so that nothing ever angers or sickens us?
- Have we lost our sense of fear, awe, and reverence that nothing ever moves us at our core? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. [pause]
- Have we been secretly arrogant?
- Have we used our own power, status, education, or religion to put others down, even in the silence of our hearts?
[pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. [pause]
- Have we done all we can to participate in and influence the political life of our cities, states, and nations?
- Have we been afraid to be prophetic and revolutionary even at the cost of our own comfort? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. [pause]
- Have we become gluttonous for praise, solitude, piety, or the safety of those who are like us?
- Who have we sent away empty, without our acknowledgment, thanks, care, or gratitude? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Reader:
He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. [pause]
- Have we refused to give help and mercy?
- Have we broken our promises?
- Will we leave this world a more merciful, just, and beautiful place for our descendants? [pause]
All:
...Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Wisdom from a Starbuck's Cup
Down the street from my home, there's a Starbuck's. Now that's not unusual, but what makes this Starbuck's unique is that young people pack the place every night and hang out there until late into the evening. Starbuck's has become the place of community for these young adults.I've always thought that it would be wonderful if the Church could somehow "do ministry" where young adults naturally gather. Meet them where they're already at. Wouldn't it be great if we could talk about faith over a cup of coffee?
In college, I worked at the Newman Center with a priest who would "do ministry" at the campus gymnasium. He would work out and chat with the students there--mostly those who would rarely come to the church--just so they could see "Fr. Joe" in their own environment. It made it a lot easier for them to venture to the church if they already knew that "those holy people there" were just like them.
The other day, I noticed a quote on my Starbuck's cup:
I wonder…if young people were actively engaged in all aspects of society, and thought of themselves as community leaders, problem-solvers, role models, mentors and key ‘stakeholder’…how would the world change?Sometimes all young people need is an invitation from those who enjoy the same things in life as they do. Starbuck's gets it; so should we.
-- Jennifer Corriero, Co-founder of TakingITGlobal.org. She has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.
To learn more about "The Way I See It" project, click here.
Vino & Vespers - Postponed
Unfortunately, I've had to postpone Vino & Vespers, originally scheduled for November 4, 2005. I want to ensure that we have great speakers, and no matter how much I tried, none of those on my short-list could make the date. Some things just aren't meant to happen.
But Vino & Vespers will definitely take place on Friday, January 27, 2006, 7:30p. The Holy Spirit has already worked and has led me to some strong leads for a speaker for that evening. So mark your calendar now!
Don't know what Vino & Vespers is? Click here to find out.
But Vino & Vespers will definitely take place on Friday, January 27, 2006, 7:30p. The Holy Spirit has already worked and has led me to some strong leads for a speaker for that evening. So mark your calendar now!
Don't know what Vino & Vespers is? Click here to find out.
Embracing Families in Need - November 4, 2005
“Embracing Families in Need – a Day of Training for the Faith Community”
Building Peaceful Families Sponsored Event
The goal of this training is to support the continuing efforts of faith communities to prevent family violence and respond effectively to families experiencing violence. Find out how faith communities, advocacy community and the Court System can increase collaboration with outreach efforts, education, support services and spiritual guidance.
Conference Cost: $20.00.
Presentations include:
Importance of Taking Action – Presentation by Warriors for Peace WFP is a men’s educational organization whose members have taken a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. As men of faith, they will speak about their outreach efforts and the importance of faith communities taking action to end violence against women.
Domestic Violence the Batterer and the Faith Community – Learn to recognize all types of abuse including, physical, emotional, verbal, sexual and financial abuse. Information will be available on resources and how to access them (faith and secular) to assist congregants on how to hold the batterer accountable and help families to heal.
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children and Interventions That Help – Important information on the latest finding on the impact of domestic violence on children will be shared and ways you can intervene to help the most vulnerable in your faith community.
Teen Dating Abuse and Solutions – One third of all teens report they have been in an abusive dating Relationship. Learn how you can help teens speak out and speak up to find solutions to stop the violence.
Domestic Violence and Abuse in Later Life and the Faith Community Response – Older battered people are more economically vulnerable than younger ones. They are usually neglected, and isolated. Learn about the wonderful outreach efforts and services that are available in the community to help this population where abuse is often hidden.
Mandated Reporting: What Happens After You Report? – We recognize that you will follow your mandated duties. However, following a brief review of mandated reporting laws, this presentation will cover what happens after you report and the innovative programs designs to help children and keep families together when appropriate.
Family Violence and the Courts – A distinguish panel of judges from Family Court, Juvenile Court, Dependency Court and Domestic Violence Court will discuss what happens when families are in the court system and the innovative programs, services and outreach effort the courts provide.
Partial List of Sponsors include:
Santa Clara County Superior Court
City of San José
Center for Spiritual Enlightenment
Interfaith Council on Religion, Race, Economic and Social Justice
Congregation of Shir Hadash
Human Relations Commission
Resources for Family and Children
Diocese of San José
Santa Clara County Office of Education
Islamic Network Group (ING)
Support Network for Battered Women
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
Building Peaceful Families Sponsored Event
The goal of this training is to support the continuing efforts of faith communities to prevent family violence and respond effectively to families experiencing violence. Find out how faith communities, advocacy community and the Court System can increase collaboration with outreach efforts, education, support services and spiritual guidance.
Embracing Families in Need
A Day of Training for the Faith Community
November 4, 2005
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Center for Employment Training
701 Vine Street, San José
A Day of Training for the Faith Community
November 4, 2005
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Center for Employment Training
701 Vine Street, San José
Conference Cost: $20.00.
Please make check or money order payable to:
Building Peaceful Families.
Conference fee includes:
Full day of training, continental breakfast, lunch,
resources material, free parking and door prizes.
To Register: Contact Marian Brown at
buildpeace@gmail.com or 408-808-7007
Presentations include:
Importance of Taking Action – Presentation by Warriors for Peace WFP is a men’s educational organization whose members have taken a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. As men of faith, they will speak about their outreach efforts and the importance of faith communities taking action to end violence against women.
Domestic Violence the Batterer and the Faith Community – Learn to recognize all types of abuse including, physical, emotional, verbal, sexual and financial abuse. Information will be available on resources and how to access them (faith and secular) to assist congregants on how to hold the batterer accountable and help families to heal.
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children and Interventions That Help – Important information on the latest finding on the impact of domestic violence on children will be shared and ways you can intervene to help the most vulnerable in your faith community.
Teen Dating Abuse and Solutions – One third of all teens report they have been in an abusive dating Relationship. Learn how you can help teens speak out and speak up to find solutions to stop the violence.
Domestic Violence and Abuse in Later Life and the Faith Community Response – Older battered people are more economically vulnerable than younger ones. They are usually neglected, and isolated. Learn about the wonderful outreach efforts and services that are available in the community to help this population where abuse is often hidden.
Mandated Reporting: What Happens After You Report? – We recognize that you will follow your mandated duties. However, following a brief review of mandated reporting laws, this presentation will cover what happens after you report and the innovative programs designs to help children and keep families together when appropriate.
Family Violence and the Courts – A distinguish panel of judges from Family Court, Juvenile Court, Dependency Court and Domestic Violence Court will discuss what happens when families are in the court system and the innovative programs, services and outreach effort the courts provide.
Partial List of Sponsors include:
Santa Clara County Superior Court
City of San José
Center for Spiritual Enlightenment
Interfaith Council on Religion, Race, Economic and Social Justice
Congregation of Shir Hadash
Human Relations Commission
Resources for Family and Children
Diocese of San José
Santa Clara County Office of Education
Islamic Network Group (ING)
Support Network for Battered Women
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
Guidelines on Copyright
As church musicians and parish leaders, we need to understand the basics of copyright laws. We do this not simply to "follow the law" and not get in trouble but to honor the work of creativity, respect the Holy Spirit that inspires us, and give praise to the Creator who guides those who create art for our use and benefit.Here is a two-page guideline (in pdf format), and here in Spanish, prepared by Music Publishers' Association, OCP Publications, and New Dawn Music, to educate church musicians on copyright laws. The handout itself is not copyrighted, and the preparers encourage you to reproduce the guidelines and distribute them to your musicians and parish leaders.
Advent Articles - Repeat
To help you prepare for Advent which begins on November 27, 2005, check out these articles from last year:
- What is Advent?
- Advent: Season of Anticipation
- Advent Basics: Getting Back to Liturgical Essentials
- First Week of Advent - A Reflection
Stop Recruiting Volunteers
This article by Diana Macalintal originally appeared in Parish Life, #256, July 2005.
What makes being Catholic different from being part of any other organization that does good works?
In essence, we don’t have a choice but to do good. Everything Christians do is a response to God who first began that good work in us. Those who seek to be baptized are simply responding to God who “sought and summoned them in many ways” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, #53). By being baptized, we are essentially changed from being an isolated body moving by our own will to being a part of the Body of Christ, in whom “we live and move and have our being” (Preface for Ordinary Time VI). With St. Paul we say, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:19-20). The life we live is the life of Christ who continues his work on earth through the mission of the Church.
Vatican II’s Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People describes this right and duty of the faithful in this way:
Therefore, no one in the Church is ever really a “volunteer” who, as the dictionary says, is one who does a service or participates in a transaction without any legal concern or interest in the matter. By baptism, all Christians are obligated to participate in the work of the Church according to each one’s gifts and abilities.
Does this mean we can’t have volunteer fairs and sign-up sheets? Of course not. But we do need to cultivate better the sense of “right and duty” of discipleship that our baptism brings.
Read "Six Ways to Grow Disciples."
What makes being Catholic different from being part of any other organization that does good works?In essence, we don’t have a choice but to do good. Everything Christians do is a response to God who first began that good work in us. Those who seek to be baptized are simply responding to God who “sought and summoned them in many ways” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, #53). By being baptized, we are essentially changed from being an isolated body moving by our own will to being a part of the Body of Christ, in whom “we live and move and have our being” (Preface for Ordinary Time VI). With St. Paul we say, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:19-20). The life we live is the life of Christ who continues his work on earth through the mission of the Church.
Vatican II’s Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People describes this right and duty of the faithful in this way:
The Church was founded for the purpose of spreading the kingdom of Christ throughout the earth for the glory of God the Father…. All activity of the Mystical Body directed to the attainment of this goal is called the apostolate, which the Church carries on in various ways through all her members. For the Christian vocation by its very nature is also a vocation to the apostolate. No part of the structure of a living body is merely passive but has a share in the functions as well as life of the body: so, too, in the body of Christ, which is the Church. (2)It even goes on to say that “the organic union in this body and the structure of the members are so compact that the member who fails to make his proper contribution to the development of the Church must be said to be useful neither to the Church nor to himself” (2).
Therefore, no one in the Church is ever really a “volunteer” who, as the dictionary says, is one who does a service or participates in a transaction without any legal concern or interest in the matter. By baptism, all Christians are obligated to participate in the work of the Church according to each one’s gifts and abilities.
Does this mean we can’t have volunteer fairs and sign-up sheets? Of course not. But we do need to cultivate better the sense of “right and duty” of discipleship that our baptism brings.
Read "Six Ways to Grow Disciples."
Six Ways to Grow Disciples
This article by Diana Macalintal originally appeared in Parish Life, #256, July 2005.
Instead of recruiting volunteers, work on growing disciples. Here are six simple ways to begin.
- Uphold the dignity of baptism. Infants, the sick and elderly—any who are “useless” by the world’s standards are integral to the Church. Each in their unique way builds up the Body.
- Train catechumens in the work of the apostolate. Easter or Pentecost is not the time to get the newly-baptized to “sign up” for ministry. Their Christian work began when they became catechumens. Apprentice them throughout their catechumenate in the activities of the Church.
- Match talents to needs. We’re not simply filling empty slots with warm bodies. Help people discern their God-given gifts and how they can be best put to use in the work of the Church.
- Don’t use sacraments as “reward” for service. Service hour quotas for sacramental preparation create a consumerist mentality about discipleship. Instead, teach full participation in all the Church’s works as a lifelong commitment.
- Stop asking people to “help Father.” Ministry is about exercising one’s baptismal right and duty, not about helping Father. The lay apostolate and the ordained work together to accomplish the Church’s mission. Without either, the Church cannot function.
- Honor the work of the faithful in the world. Don’t denigrate those who never “sign up.” Discipleship is lived primarily at home and in the workplace.
Got other ideas? Share them by clicking on the word "comments" below.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Lilly "Making Connections" Scholarship
Through a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley will offer seven to ten one-half tuition scholarships each semester during 2006-07 to employees of the six Bay Area dioceses. As students of the Jesuit School of Theology, scholarship awardees will be able to take one course within the Graduate Theological Union at the reduced rate. The course may be taken for credit or audited.
Who is Eligible:
Church employees in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Dioceses of Oakland, Sacramento, San José, Santa Rosa, and Stockton may apply.
How to Apply:
To be considered for a "Making Connections" Scholarship, submit an application for admission and a Making Connections Scholarship application to the Jesuit School no later than January 10, 2006.
For more information, contact:
Patricia Abracia
Office of Admissions
Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
1735 LeRoy Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-549-5016
admissions@jstb.edu
www.jstb.edu
When you call or email, please let them know that you are interested in the "Making Connections" Scholarship. The GTU 2006-07 course schedule is online here.
Who is Eligible:
Church employees in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Dioceses of Oakland, Sacramento, San José, Santa Rosa, and Stockton may apply.
How to Apply:
To be considered for a "Making Connections" Scholarship, submit an application for admission and a Making Connections Scholarship application to the Jesuit School no later than January 10, 2006.
For more information, contact:
Patricia Abracia
Office of Admissions
Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
1735 LeRoy Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-549-5016
admissions@jstb.edu
www.jstb.edu
When you call or email, please let them know that you are interested in the "Making Connections" Scholarship. The GTU 2006-07 course schedule is online here.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Sponsor Formation Day - November 19, 2005
SNJM FIRE for Ministry is offering two workshops for those who work in initiation ministry. The first is particularly for those who are sponsors for catechumens and those who form sponsors.
Sponsor Formation Day
November 19, 2005
9:30a - 3:30p
Villa Holy Names Spirituality Center
82 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos
November 19, 2005
9:30a - 3:30p
Villa Holy Names Spirituality Center
82 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos
$30.00 per person (includes lunch)
Team members are urged to invite those serving as sponsors for catechumens and candidates to participate in this day of formation. The role of the sponsor will be explained in the context of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Take advantage of this opportunity to bring current and potential sponsors together for a formation opportunity created just for them!
Purification and Enlightenment/Mystagogy Team Day
January 14, 2006, 9:30a - 3:30p
January 14, 2006, 9:30a - 3:30p
Preparing for an effective and appropriate celebration of the Lenten and Easter seasons with the elect who are to be initiated this Easter will be the focus of this formation day. The day will include assistance with preparing for the Scrutinies, the preparation Rites for Holy Saturday, and the celebration of the Easter Vigil. There will also be a session on Mystagogy and how to encourage full participation after the sacraments of initiation are received. $30.00 per person (includes lunch)
SPECIAL DISCOUNT! $50.00 per person for both sessions if registration is received by October 31, 2005!
For more information: contact Sr. Miriam Malone at miriam@snjmfire.com or 408-395-1818.
To register: contact Sr. Dorothy Clare at 408-354-2312.
Church Environment Workshop - October 26, 2005
The Diocese of Oakland invites all those who prepare the liturgical environment to participate in an evening workshop on:
Preparing Your Church for the Seasons
with Sr. Marilyn Ann Morgan, rsm
Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 7:00p
Holy Spirit Church, in the Small Hall
37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
with Sr. Marilyn Ann Morgan, rsm
Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 7:00p
Holy Spirit Church, in the Small Hall
37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
Cost: $5.00 per person
This is a workshop on preparing the environment of the church to enhance the celebration of liturgy. The session will include a discussion of the principles that guide the process of preparing and executing the liturgical environment for the liturgical seasons and various liturgical celebrations.
You may pre-register and pay at the door; or register and pay at the door. Please make checks payable to Diocese of Oakland.
To register: Contact Linda Krehmeier at lkrehmeier@oakdiocese.org.
You may pre-register and pay at the door; or register and pay at the door. Please make checks payable to Diocese of Oakland.
To register: Contact Linda Krehmeier at lkrehmeier@oakdiocese.org.
Prayer Service to End the Death Penalty
Amnesty International and the California People of Faith invite you to join in an
Ecumenical Prayer Service
for the Abolition of the Death Penalty
for the Abolition of the Death Penalty
Sunday, October 23, 2005, 3:00 pm
St. James Park
at 1st and St. James, San José
Come join us to pray for the men and women on death row and also for their victims.
For more information: call Terry McCaffrey at 408-257-1360
St. James Park
at 1st and St. James, San José
Come join us to pray for the men and women on death row and also for their victims.
For more information: call Terry McCaffrey at 408-257-1360
A Gift for You! Daylight Saving - October 30, 2005
Because God loves you so much,you get a free gift of one extra hour
on October 30.
Remind your parishioners to
turn their clocks backward
before they go to bed on October 29!
Litany of Saints for the Diocese of San José
Below is a litany of saints adapted by Diana Macalintal that includes the patronal saints of the parish and religious communities of the San José diocese. This arrangement may be sung to the Litany of Saints by John D. Becker, found in most hymnals.
Litany of Saints for the Diocese of San Jose
Set to the “Litany of Saints” by John D. Becker (OCP Publications)
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
1. Mary, Mother of God…pray for us.
Our Lady of Guadalupe…
Our Lady of Peace…
Our Lady Star of the Sea…
Queen of Apostles…pray for us.
Mary of the Assumption…
Mary of the Immaculate Conception…
And Joseph, her husband…pray for us.
All you holy men and women, pray for us.
2. Clare and Francis of Assisi…pray for us.
John the Baptist, John Vianney…
Brother Albert and Anthony…
Athanasius and Christopher…
Cyprian and Elizabeth…pray for us.
Catherine of Alexandria…
Joseph of Cupertino…
Victor, Frances Cabrini…pray for us.
All you holy men and women, pray for us.
3. Justin and Julie Billiart…pray for us.
Lawrence the Martyr…
Lucy and Patrick
Maria Goretti…
Nicholas and William…pray for us.
Martin of Tours…
Leo the Great…
Thomas Aquinas…pray for us.
All you holy men and women, pray for us.
4. Thomas of Canterbury…pray for us.
Santa Teresa…
Simon and Martin…
Holy Korean Martyrs…
Andrew Dung-Lac…pray for us.
Ignatius, Vincent, Dominic…
Blessed Miguel Pro…
All Saints of God…pray for us.
All you holy men and women, pray for us.
5. Christ, the King, be merciful…save your people.
By your Transfiguration…
Your Resurrection and Ascension…
By your precious Five Wounds…
By your Holy Cross and Sacred Heart…save your people.
By your Most Holy Trinity…
Through your Holy Family…
Through your Holy Spirit…save your people.
Christ, hear us; Lord, Jesus, hear our prayer.
6. Have mercy on us sinners…hear our prayer.
Protect your holy Church…
Send your wisdom upon us…
Unite us and guide us…
Bring all peoples together…hear our prayer.
In true peace and harmony…
Comfort the troubled…
Strengthen all of us to serve you…hear our prayer.
Christ, hear us; Lord, Jesus, hear our prayer.
Is There Still Joy in the Eucharist?
Find out at the 2005 Faith Formation Conference!The Eucharist:
The Joy of Belonging to God
The Joy of Belonging to God
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Registration at the door is only $30.
Hear great speakers from around the country:
- Msgr. James Moroney
- Thomas Groome
- Fr. J. Glenn Murray
- Sr. Eva Marie Lumas
- Sr. Gretchen Hailer
- Bill Huebsch
- Jerry Galipeau
- Rev. David Pettingill
- and more!
Celebrate in prayer, visit exhibits and come away spiritually renewed and inspired. It is still not too late to register.
For information call 408-983-0127 or click here to download the conference brochure (pdf format).
What if Life Doesn't Haftabe Sooooooo Hard?
Come participate in
an easy, potent introduction
to the InterPlay Experience
with Penny Mann
and Leo Keegan.
You know you want to!
an easy, potent introduction
to the InterPlay Experience
with Penny Mann
and Leo Keegan.
You know you want to!
What if Life Doesn't Haftabe Sooooooo Hard?
Saturday, October 22 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
United Methodist Church of Campbell
1675 Winchester Blvd., Campbell
1675 Winchester Blvd., Campbell
just south of Hamilton; enter driveway by yellow fire hydrant
Cost: $79 includes workbook, Having It All! book,
and an InterPlay T-shirt
To register, call: 510-465-2797
Are you looking for something to give you more energy, ease, choice, and possibility during good and hard times? InterPlay is a creative process that leads to surprising new answers to your life questions. Easy-to-learn ideas and practices are used all over the world by people committed to more health, joy, and peace: therapists, health care providers, managers, coaches, educators, spiritual leaders, activists, artists, and many others. Decrease stress! Increase grace! Get the most out of your life! Get praise! Learn to play! Uncover new resources while having fun in this retreat/seminar full of presentations, experience, reflection and play.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
An Examination of Conscience for Musicians
As much as we'd like to think, we liturgical musicians aren't always perfect. As part of your fall cleaning and ministry renewal, check out Dan Schutte's Examination of Conscience for a Musician. As we prepare for the end of the liturgical year, let's take time to reflect on the ways God strengthens us for service and how we are always being called to conversion in our ministry.
"Built of Living Stones" Course at JSTB
The Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley will be offering a spring 2006 course introducing students to fundamental theology through the arts, using the United States bishops' document "Built of Living Stones." Course description is below. For information on applying, click here.
Spring 2006
STRA 3155 01
"Built of Living Stones"
A. Garcia-Rivera (JSTB), M. Mochizuki (JSTB)
F 9:40 AM -12:30 PM
PSR 6
Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture and Worship (2000) is the U.S. Catholic bishops' official statement on the use of religious art in the church. This is a praxis course for students in the JSTB M.Div. curriculum that offers an introduction to fundamental theology through the arts. Students in other schools and degree programs are welcome and no previous knowledge of art is required. The course is designed as a course in fundamental theology as it presents itself in the practical application of the arts in the parish as well as to develop critical visual skills for priestly/ministerial use. Lecture/discussion/guest speakers. Visits to Bay Area churches and museums including the Berkeley Art Museum, JSTB Chapel, SF Legion of Honor, Oakland Cathedral and St. Gregory of Nyssa. Evaluation will consist of active class participation, presentations (including a praxis project) and two brief papers. [1 systematic theology or liturgical studies class; 15 max. enrollment]
Monday, October 17, 2005
Catechumenate Support Group - October 20, 2005
If you coordinate the initiation process in your parish or help prepare the catechumens in any way, you are invited to gather with other catechumenate ministers to support each other in this ministry. We share questions and ideas for addressing particular challenges and discuss ways to better implement the initiation process in our parishes.
For more information, contact Diana Macalintal at Macalintal@dsj.org or 408-983-0136.
FILED UNDER: WORKSHOP AND EVENTS
Catechuemenate Support Group
Thursday, October 20, 2005
12:30p - 2:00p
Holy Spirit Parish
in the Parish Hall.
Bring your own lunch.
Please RSVP with Sandra Pacheco at
Pacheco@dsj.org or 408-983-0126.
Other Catechumenate Support Group dates for the year:
Thursday, December 15, 2005, 12:30p - 2:00p, Santa Teresa Parish
Thursday, February 16, 2006, 12:30p - 2:00p, Villa Holy Names Spirituality Center
Thursday, April 6, 2006, 12:30p - 2:00p, Holy Family Parish
Thursday, June 15, 2006, 12:30p - 2:00p, St. Joseph of Cupertino Parish
For more information, contact Diana Macalintal at Macalintal@dsj.org or 408-983-0136.
FILED UNDER: WORKSHOP AND EVENTS
Liturgical Coordinators' Gathering - October 25, 2005
If you coordinate the liturgies of your parish or help prepare them in any way, you are invited to gather with other Liturgical Coordinators of the diocese to discuss current liturgical issues, share successes and good practices, and support each other in this ministry. We gather every other month, and the meeting is free and open to all.
For more information, contact Diana Macalintal at Macalintal@dsj.org or 408-983-0136.
FILED UNDER: WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Liturgical Coordinators' Gathering
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
10:00a - 12:00p
Most Holy Trinity Parish
in the Trinity Center
(across the courtyard from the church)
Please RSVP with Sandra Pacheco at
Pacheco@dsj.org or 408-983-0126.
Other Liturgical Coordinators' Gathering dates for the year:
Tuesday, December 6, 2005, 10:00a - 12:00p, St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Tuesday, February 7, 2006, 10:00a - 12:00p, St. Lawrence the Martyr
(new date) Wednesday, April 26, 2006, 10:00a - 12:00p, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, at St. Albert the Great Church
Tuesday, June 6, 2006, 10:00a - 12:00p, St. Elizabeth Parish
For more information, contact Diana Macalintal at Macalintal@dsj.org or 408-983-0136.
FILED UNDER: WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Respect Life - Repeat
Check out these articles from October last year:
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
- Respect Life: Seeing the Whole Picture
- Respect Life: A Self-Reflection
- Respect Life: Resources for Abolishing the Death Penalty
- Respect Life Month: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Respect Life Sunday - October 2, 2005
On Sunday, October 2, 2005, the Church asks all the faithful to focus in a special way on the issues of life that are part of our contemporary experience. Some of these issues are:
Below are some links from the United Stated Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that give pastoral, historical, theological, and academic information on the Church's stance on life, as well as some preaching ideas and suggested intercessions. Many of these articles are also available in Spanish.
Statement of Cardinal William H. Keeler for the Respect Life Sunday on October 2, 2005
by Cardinal William H. Keeler
Justice, Mercy and Capital Punishment
by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
JUSTICIA, MISERICORDIA Y PENA CAPITAL
por el ReverendÃsimo Monseñor Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
John Paul II: Dying with Dignity
by Rev. J. Daniel Mindling, O.F.M. Cap.
EL PAPA JUAN PABLO II: LA MUERTE CON DIGNIDAD
por el Padre J. Daniel Mindling, O.F.M. Cap.
The Gospel of Life and Its Great Exemplar
by Helen M. Alvaré, Esq.
EL EVANGELIO DE LA VIDA Y SU GRAN EJEMPLO
por Helen M. Alvaré, Esq.
Roe v. Reason
by Richard Stith, Esq., Ph.D.
Roe v. La Razón
por Richard Stith, J.D., Ph.D
Contraception and Abortion: The Underlying Link
by Rev. Walters Schu, L.C.
Anticoncepción y aborto: una conexión fundamental
por el Padre Walter J. Schu, L.C.
Genetic Enhancement: Custom Kids and Chimeras
by Marilyn E. Coors, Ph.D.
Mejoramiento Genetico: NIÑOS DISEÑADOS Y QUIMERAS
por Marilyn E. Coors, Doctora en FilosofÃa
Help Build a World Where Human Life Is Always Loved and Defended
2005-2006 Respect Life Program Flyer
Ayúdanos a construier un mundo donde la vida humana sea amada y defendida siempre
2005-2006 Liturgy Guide
GuÃa Litúrgica 2005-2006
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
- capital punishment,
- sickness, old age, dying, and euthanasia,
- abortion,
- contraception,
- stem cell and genetic technologies,
- social attitudes toward life and death.
Below are some links from the United Stated Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that give pastoral, historical, theological, and academic information on the Church's stance on life, as well as some preaching ideas and suggested intercessions. Many of these articles are also available in Spanish.
Statement of Cardinal William H. Keeler for the Respect Life Sunday on October 2, 2005
by Cardinal William H. Keeler
Justice, Mercy and Capital Punishment
by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
JUSTICIA, MISERICORDIA Y PENA CAPITAL
por el ReverendÃsimo Monseñor Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
John Paul II: Dying with Dignity
by Rev. J. Daniel Mindling, O.F.M. Cap.
EL PAPA JUAN PABLO II: LA MUERTE CON DIGNIDAD
por el Padre J. Daniel Mindling, O.F.M. Cap.
The Gospel of Life and Its Great Exemplar
by Helen M. Alvaré, Esq.
EL EVANGELIO DE LA VIDA Y SU GRAN EJEMPLO
por Helen M. Alvaré, Esq.
Roe v. Reason
by Richard Stith, Esq., Ph.D.
Roe v. La Razón
por Richard Stith, J.D., Ph.D
Contraception and Abortion: The Underlying Link
by Rev. Walters Schu, L.C.
Anticoncepción y aborto: una conexión fundamental
por el Padre Walter J. Schu, L.C.
Genetic Enhancement: Custom Kids and Chimeras
by Marilyn E. Coors, Ph.D.
Mejoramiento Genetico: NIÑOS DISEÑADOS Y QUIMERAS
por Marilyn E. Coors, Doctora en FilosofÃa
Help Build a World Where Human Life Is Always Loved and Defended
2005-2006 Respect Life Program Flyer
Ayúdanos a construier un mundo donde la vida humana sea amada y defendida siempre
2005-2006 Liturgy Guide
GuÃa Litúrgica 2005-2006
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
Liturgical Ways to Respect Life
Here are some liturgical ways we can respect life:
- Drive safely and slowly in your church parking lot.
- Greet each other sincerely, making good eye contact. Work on remembering names.
- Move to the center of your pew so that you do not force those who come after you to climb over you to find a place to sit.
- Choir directors, cantors, MCs, priests--basically, anyone with a microphone: don't berate the assembly and put them down. Instead, give them words of encouragement and hope.
- Avoid humor at the expense of others. Don't participate in parish gossip.
- Priests, liturgists, choir directors, anyone in charge of others: don't snap at someone when they make a mistake, most especially at our youngest and most vulnerable liturgical ministers.
- Encourage parents who bring their children to Mass. Don't glare at them if their children get fussy or noisy. Offer to help them instead.
- Priests: please don't stop the homily or prayer until a parent has quieted his crying baby or left the room. When new life is in our midst, we should celebrate it, not treat it as a disturbance.
- Instead of "cry rooms" that segregate "those who disturb us," consider providing on-site child care services in which qualified adults care for young children during Mass or a play room with adult aides in which parents can slip in as needed to attend to their children.
- Better yet, make it a parish effort to help parents train their children in the discipline of Sunday worship by welcoming all children, no matter how young or fussy, into Sunday Mass. This requires that all of us--parishioners as well as parents--see children and infants as necessary members of the worshipping assembly. When they are not there, we should miss them and feel incomplete, not be glad they "aren't disturbing my prayer."
- Attend to the needs of those with autism and other developmental disabilities, celiac disease, limited eyesight, hearing, or mobility. Find out what special needs your parishioners have, such as signing for the deaf, assisted hearing devices, or braille hymnals.
- Welcome warmly those who may experience psychiatric disability.
- Make sure worship aids and projected texts are in large fonts.
- Provide space throughout the church, not just in the back rows or front pews, for those with wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and oxygen tanks.
- Don't overlook those with physical or mental disabilities as liturgical ministers if they are capable and qualified to take on the responsibilities.
- Pray for those in your local prison. Pray for those on death row.
- In your references to "family," don't forget about those who are single or separated from their family. "Community" might be a more inclusive word.
- Train ushers and Communion ministers to be watchful and go to those who have difficulty walking in the Communion procession.
- Don't forget to give Communion to those in the choir and the instrumentalists.
- Send ministers of Communion to the sick and homebound directly from Mass. Send them with not only the consecrated body and blood of Christ but also the body and blood of Christ found in the stories and news of the parish. Bring them the bulletin, tell them what happened at Mass today and this week in the parish.
- Arrange ride-shares, carpools, and transportation services for those unable to get to Sunday Mass.
Update! October 1, 2005
Susan in Kansas says:
You have a great website. I read with interest your "Liturgical Ways to Respect Life" and applauded! I'd like to suggest a couple of minor changes. You suggest attending to the needs of those with autism. I would also add the following: "and other developmental disabilities." I would also add another item: "Welcome warmly those who may experience psychiatric disability." Your points here are wonderful! For only when we do these things will we begin to fully realize the reality of the body of Christ as a vessel for healing and wholeness. Thanks for the wonderful services that you provide.
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE | LITURGY
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Classifieds: Seek and Ye Shall Find
Position Available: Choir Director
Most Holy Trinity Parish is seeking a part-time choir director for its 8:00 and 9:30 Sunday morning, English speaking liturgies. This person will be responsible for rehearsing both groups of musicians, and selecting appropriate repertoire based on knowledge of the liturgy so as to encourage full, conscious, and active participation. This person should also be willing to work collaboratively with the other choir leaders in the parish and the director of liturgy to coordinate the repertoire for large, multi-cultural liturgies. It is not necessary that this person be the primary accompanist for the choir, but good musicianship will be a mandatory component of this position. Please fax or send resume to: Melissa Broome, Most Holy Trinity Parish, 2040 Nassau Dr., San Jose, CA 95122; Fax: (408) 258-4131 E-mail: mbroome@mht-church.org.
Substitute Needed: Piano Accompanist
Substitute accompanists are needed for student vocal classes at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, California, for six weeks. Accompanists play in various styles from musical theater, opera, and classical. Contact Tish Diaz at pianogal251@comcast.net for more information.
Find other job listings in the diocese by clicking here.
FILED UNDER: NEWS AND CLASSIFIEDS
Most Holy Trinity Parish is seeking a part-time choir director for its 8:00 and 9:30 Sunday morning, English speaking liturgies. This person will be responsible for rehearsing both groups of musicians, and selecting appropriate repertoire based on knowledge of the liturgy so as to encourage full, conscious, and active participation. This person should also be willing to work collaboratively with the other choir leaders in the parish and the director of liturgy to coordinate the repertoire for large, multi-cultural liturgies. It is not necessary that this person be the primary accompanist for the choir, but good musicianship will be a mandatory component of this position. Please fax or send resume to: Melissa Broome, Most Holy Trinity Parish, 2040 Nassau Dr., San Jose, CA 95122; Fax: (408) 258-4131 E-mail: mbroome@mht-church.org.
Substitute Needed: Piano Accompanist
Substitute accompanists are needed for student vocal classes at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, California, for six weeks. Accompanists play in various styles from musical theater, opera, and classical. Contact Tish Diaz at pianogal251@comcast.net for more information.
Find other job listings in the diocese by clicking here.
FILED UNDER: NEWS AND CLASSIFIEDS
Monday, September 26, 2005
Commissioning of Liturgical Ministers
During these months before Advent, you might consider blessing your liturgical ministers as they begin another term of service for your parish. In the Book of Blessings, you can find orders for:
Commissioning of Liturgical Ministers
for Lectors, Communion Ministers, MCs, Altar Servers,
Ushers, Sacristans, and Music Ministers
FILED UNDER: PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS | LITURGY
- the Blessing of Readers (Chapter 61),
- the Blessing of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians, and Ushers (Chapter 62), and
- the Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion (Chapter 63).
Although Communion ministers who are not ordained are the only ones of these ministries to be technically commissioned—because they require approval by the diocesan Bishop since they are not the ordinary ministers of Communion, thus the difference in the chapter titles in the Book of Blessings—all liturgical ministers may be delegated by the parish to minister to their local community in these public roles of service.
If you will be commissioning only Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, use the rite found in the Book of Blessings, Chapter 63. If you decide to commission several different ministries within one celebration, you could use the following adaptation by Diana Macalintal.
Commissioning of Liturgical Ministers
for Lectors, Communion Ministers, MCs, Altar Servers,
Ushers, Sacristans, and Music Ministers
This takes place after the homily.
Pastoral Staff representative:
Many in our community have been called to service in the liturgy. With gratitude and joy we commission them now and ask for God’s blessing upon them.
Those of you who have been called to be lectors, who proclaim God’s word in speech and in action, please stand.
Those who have been called to be Communion ministers, who remind us that we are the body and blood of Christ, please stand.
Those who have been called to be MC’s, altar servers, ushers, and sacristans, who serve our gathering and help us to pray, please stand.
Those who have been called to be music ministers, who help us to sing God’s praise, please stand.
Presider: [to the liturgical ministers]
God has called you, and you have answered. So we ask you now:
Will you commit to serve God through your liturgical ministry, to prepare well and be generous with your time and talent? We will.
Will you perform your ministry with grace and serve this community with love in everything you do? We will.
Communion ministers, I ask you[1]:
Will you undertake the office of giving the body and blood of the Lord to your brothers and sisters, and so serve to build up the Church? We will.
Will you administer the holy eucharist with the utmost care and reverence? We will.
We give praise to our God who has brought all of you to this day and who will continue to strengthen you in your faith. [The assembly may show their joy with applause.]
Presider: [to the assembly]
To all of you, the assembly of the faithful, I ask you now to stand and renew your commitment to your baptism and profess your faith.
Do you believe in God the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth? I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was born of the Virgin Mary,
was crucified, died, and was buried,
rose from the dead,
and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting? I do.
Presider:
The word of God calls us to serve. With confidence, let us ask the Lord to hear our prayers and to bless our brothers and sisters who will serve us in our liturgy.
[These or similar intercessions may be used, along with additional intercessions pertinent to the community and circumstances.]
Reader:
For the Church (pause):
for a spirit of power and love and self-control,
for clear and unashamed testimony to the Gospel.
We pray to the Lord.
For all people of faith (pause):
for the stirring of the flame of peace,
for steadfast commitment to reconciliation.
We pray to the Lord.
For all who suffer from acts of violence and destruction (pause):
for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq,
for all military personnel,
for those affected by hurricane and natural disaster,
for the fulfillment of God’s vision of peace and justice.
We pray to the Lord.
For all who struggle to do the work of God (pause):
for the liturgical ministers of this community,
for deepening faith and commitment to service.
We pray to the Lord.
For all who have died, especially for those we now name (pause):
for all our dead.
We pray to the Lord.
Presider: [with hands extended over the liturgical ministers]
God of glory,
your beloved Son has shown us
that true worship comes from humble and contrite hearts.
Bless our brothers and sisters
who have responded to the needs of our community
and wish to commit themselves to your service.
Grant that their ministry may be fruitful
and our worship pleasing in your sight.
Hear our prayers and answer them in your time,
for we ask them through Christ our Lord. Amen.[2]
---
[1] The following two questions are from Book of Blessings, Chapter 63. return
[2] Adapted from Book of Blessings, Chapter 62. return
Pastoral Staff representative:
Many in our community have been called to service in the liturgy. With gratitude and joy we commission them now and ask for God’s blessing upon them.
Those of you who have been called to be lectors, who proclaim God’s word in speech and in action, please stand.
Those who have been called to be Communion ministers, who remind us that we are the body and blood of Christ, please stand.
Those who have been called to be MC’s, altar servers, ushers, and sacristans, who serve our gathering and help us to pray, please stand.
Those who have been called to be music ministers, who help us to sing God’s praise, please stand.
Presider: [to the liturgical ministers]
God has called you, and you have answered. So we ask you now:
Will you commit to serve God through your liturgical ministry, to prepare well and be generous with your time and talent? We will.
Will you perform your ministry with grace and serve this community with love in everything you do? We will.
Communion ministers, I ask you[1]:
Will you undertake the office of giving the body and blood of the Lord to your brothers and sisters, and so serve to build up the Church? We will.
Will you administer the holy eucharist with the utmost care and reverence? We will.
We give praise to our God who has brought all of you to this day and who will continue to strengthen you in your faith. [The assembly may show their joy with applause.]
Presider: [to the assembly]
To all of you, the assembly of the faithful, I ask you now to stand and renew your commitment to your baptism and profess your faith.
Do you believe in God the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth? I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was born of the Virgin Mary,
was crucified, died, and was buried,
rose from the dead,
and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting? I do.
Presider:
The word of God calls us to serve. With confidence, let us ask the Lord to hear our prayers and to bless our brothers and sisters who will serve us in our liturgy.
[These or similar intercessions may be used, along with additional intercessions pertinent to the community and circumstances.]
Reader:
For the Church (pause):
for a spirit of power and love and self-control,
for clear and unashamed testimony to the Gospel.
We pray to the Lord.
For all people of faith (pause):
for the stirring of the flame of peace,
for steadfast commitment to reconciliation.
We pray to the Lord.
For all who suffer from acts of violence and destruction (pause):
for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq,
for all military personnel,
for those affected by hurricane and natural disaster,
for the fulfillment of God’s vision of peace and justice.
We pray to the Lord.
For all who struggle to do the work of God (pause):
for the liturgical ministers of this community,
for deepening faith and commitment to service.
We pray to the Lord.
For all who have died, especially for those we now name (pause):
for all our dead.
We pray to the Lord.
Presider: [with hands extended over the liturgical ministers]
God of glory,
your beloved Son has shown us
that true worship comes from humble and contrite hearts.
Bless our brothers and sisters
who have responded to the needs of our community
and wish to commit themselves to your service.
Grant that their ministry may be fruitful
and our worship pleasing in your sight.
Hear our prayers and answer them in your time,
for we ask them through Christ our Lord. Amen.[2]
---
[1] The following two questions are from Book of Blessings, Chapter 63. return
[2] Adapted from Book of Blessings, Chapter 62. return
FILED UNDER: PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS | LITURGY
A Day of Renewal and Formation for Catechumenate Teams - October 1, 2005
Revive your initiating spirit and learn how to work better as a catechumenate team. A Discerning Heart for Initiation is a retreat day facilitated by Miriam Malone, SNJM, for those who work in parish initiation ministry.A Discerning Heart for Initiation
A Day of Renewal and Formation
A Day of Renewal and Formation
for Catechumenate Teams
October 1, 2005
9:30a – 3:30p
Villa Holy Names Spirituality Center
in the Casa Maria Conference Center
200 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos
Sponsored by SNJM FIRE for Ministry
Miriam Malone, SNJM, Presenter
$30.00 per person including lunch.
To register: jmvillalg@yahoo.com or
408 354-2312
October 1, 2005
9:30a – 3:30p
Villa Holy Names Spirituality Center
in the Casa Maria Conference Center
200 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos
Sponsored by SNJM FIRE for Ministry
Miriam Malone, SNJM, Presenter
$30.00 per person including lunch.
To register: jmvillalg@yahoo.com or
408 354-2312
FILED UNDER: WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Free Resource to Reflect on and Respond to the Gulf Coast Disaster
JustFaith Ministries has put together a small packet of reflections, catechesis, and prayer materials to help parishes respond to the tragedy taking place in the Gulf coast as a result of recent hurricanes. JustFaith Ministries offers this reprintable packet free of charge as a Word document. If you would like a copy of this file, please contact Linda Batton at Batton@dsj.org.
To contact JustFaith Ministries directly:
7406 Greenlawn Road, Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 243-9287
www.justfaith.org - info@justfaith.org
A few suggestions on how to use this resource:
The format offered is simple and flexible: scripture readings, questions of faith and a few suggestions to deepen dialogue and direct our responses.
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
To contact JustFaith Ministries directly:
7406 Greenlawn Road, Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 243-9287
www.justfaith.org - info@justfaith.org
A few suggestions on how to use this resource:
The format offered is simple and flexible: scripture readings, questions of faith and a few suggestions to deepen dialogue and direct our responses.
- Use this resource to invite people of faith to turn their prayerful attention to the continuing stories of displacement, recovery and repair.
- Find creative ways to integrate these questions, reflections, readings, and suggestions into personal prayer and group process in your JustFaith, J-Walking and JustFaith II groups over a number of weeks and months.
- Share this resource freely with family, friends, parishioners and co-workers.
- Excerpt the readings, prayer or questions for the parish bulletin, school newsletter, or diocesan paper.
- Enhance these readings with pictures, symbols, music and ritual to craft prayer services for JustFaith or parish groups.
- Use the questions and readings in letter-writing or advocacy activities.
- Our World Has Changed! - Prayer Reflections and Faithful Responses
- A Reflection on Lamentation
- In Lamentation We Turn to God
- A Reflection on Compassionate Involvement
- Moved With Compassion We Reach Out to One Another
- A Reflection on Restoration and Empowerment
- Move Us Beyond Repair to Restoration
- Calling Forth a New Vision for Action
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
Our World Has Changed! - The Gulf Coast Disaster
The following is from Prayerful Reflections and Faithful Responses to the Gulf Coast Disaster, a free resource prepared by JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith offers gives permission to parishes to reprint this. Please simply acknowledge JustFaith Ministries in your reprint.
“Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning…” (Joel 2:12)
Our world has changed! In Lamentation we turn to God.
The tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina leaves in its wake a set of humanitarian, environmental, social, and spiritual crises that are unprecedented in this nation. Rooted in the Greek word for “decision,” a CRISIS represents a turning point, an opportunity to pause, to carefully reflect, to look within, to look around and to look beyond. Crisis is a holy time, a time for repentance, a time for compassionate outreach, a time to take up new commitments and new directions. Katrina’s destruction presents all of us with a significant opportunity, if not the necessity, to enact personal and social changes. As the floodwaters recede, the extent of the devastation and the challenges of repair and restoration leave us with many deep-seated questions.
How have we been changed? With compassion we reach out to one another.
The great suffering of our people will leave its mark on this generation, as it mingles with the painful memory of September 11th in communion with the daily catastrophe affecting poor people over the planet. Our faith provides a lens to unearth layers of meaning and integrate the lessons and opportunities that suffering and even devastation can offer us. Faithful people do not stop at immediate or easy answers. Rather, we allow the deeper questions to disturb us, inform our hearts, sharpen our determination and shape our responses.
Thank God, the world has to change! We move beyond repair to restoration.
The forces of nature are felt most severely by those who are least protected and most vulnerable: the elderly, minorities, children, the infirm and those who are poor. The Scriptures recount God’s special concern for vulnerable people. Our faith challenges us to align our energies and our actions with God’s loving concern till we stand in solidarity with life at its most fragile. Disasters force us to re-consider and re-order our priorities. Tragedies become meaningful when we stop, attend to the pleas of those who suffer, allow ourselves to be moved, and respond to the profound questions that surface. Compassion, the communion of suffering, is the powerful soul-force of love that moves us to make personal changes, leads us to seek solidarity, empowers us to build-up communities, and inspires us to restore or create social systems of care that affirm life. Disasters evoke tremendous and immediate outpourings of support and relief. Though vital, this kind of outpouring is short-lived, and concern dissipates as our attention shifts to other realities. Sustaining a commitment to the people involved requires that we be willing to address the deeper questions and broader implications of repair, restoration and systemic change.
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
“Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning…” (Joel 2:12)
Our world has changed! In Lamentation we turn to God.
The tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina leaves in its wake a set of humanitarian, environmental, social, and spiritual crises that are unprecedented in this nation. Rooted in the Greek word for “decision,” a CRISIS represents a turning point, an opportunity to pause, to carefully reflect, to look within, to look around and to look beyond. Crisis is a holy time, a time for repentance, a time for compassionate outreach, a time to take up new commitments and new directions. Katrina’s destruction presents all of us with a significant opportunity, if not the necessity, to enact personal and social changes. As the floodwaters recede, the extent of the devastation and the challenges of repair and restoration leave us with many deep-seated questions.
How have we been changed? With compassion we reach out to one another.
The great suffering of our people will leave its mark on this generation, as it mingles with the painful memory of September 11th in communion with the daily catastrophe affecting poor people over the planet. Our faith provides a lens to unearth layers of meaning and integrate the lessons and opportunities that suffering and even devastation can offer us. Faithful people do not stop at immediate or easy answers. Rather, we allow the deeper questions to disturb us, inform our hearts, sharpen our determination and shape our responses.
Thank God, the world has to change! We move beyond repair to restoration.
The forces of nature are felt most severely by those who are least protected and most vulnerable: the elderly, minorities, children, the infirm and those who are poor. The Scriptures recount God’s special concern for vulnerable people. Our faith challenges us to align our energies and our actions with God’s loving concern till we stand in solidarity with life at its most fragile. Disasters force us to re-consider and re-order our priorities. Tragedies become meaningful when we stop, attend to the pleas of those who suffer, allow ourselves to be moved, and respond to the profound questions that surface. Compassion, the communion of suffering, is the powerful soul-force of love that moves us to make personal changes, leads us to seek solidarity, empowers us to build-up communities, and inspires us to restore or create social systems of care that affirm life. Disasters evoke tremendous and immediate outpourings of support and relief. Though vital, this kind of outpouring is short-lived, and concern dissipates as our attention shifts to other realities. Sustaining a commitment to the people involved requires that we be willing to address the deeper questions and broader implications of repair, restoration and systemic change.
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
A Reflection on Lamentation - The Gulf Coast Disaster
The following is from Prayerful Reflections and Faithful Responses to the Gulf Coast Disaster, a free resource prepared by JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith offers gives permission to parishes to reprint this. Please simply acknowledge JustFaith Ministries in your reprint.
“My God, my God why have you abandoned me?” (Psalm 22:2; Mark 13:24; Matthew 27:46)
Lamentation is a natural human response to tragedy. To lament means to express our sorrow, seek repentance, share our disbelief, and make our anxiety known. When we allow our pain to be felt by others, we evoke compassion, and we are moved by suffering that touches everyone. In order to lament we must allow something to affect us deeply. We lament when the pain is too much to bear, when we fail to understand why, when we feel out of control, abandoned or alone. When we lament we invite God and others to intervene. Our faith teaches us that we are transformed when we choose to share pain rather than bear pain alone. Lamentation is the first stage in reclaiming our shared responsibility in the suffering of others. Before we protest, we need to lament. Otherwise we will be reactionary rather than responsive, motivated by anger rather than moved by compassion, seeking to blame rather than looking to heal and restore what has been lost.
Some additional readings:
Psalm 130 - From the depths we cry out to God
Psalm 42 - As a deer yearns for running streams, we long for God
Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus laments over the city of peace
Luke 23:27-31 - Women lament the suffering of Jesus
Some suggestions:
- Use the prayer of lament (below) with family, friends, in your church or school.
- With your family, or your JustFaith group, consider making an act of solidarity with those who are suffering, such as a day of dedicated to fasting and prayer.
- Invite parishioners and local faith communities to join you in a prayerful memorial service, honoring the ones who have died, and pledging to support those who have been displaced.
- Create an image, poster, prayer card or monument that laments the loss of life and dignifies the suffering of the people.
- Prayerfully connect this disaster with other recent humanitarian crises (September 11th, Darfur, the Tsunami, Niger…)
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
In Lamentation We Turn to God - Reflecting on the Gulf Coast Disaster
The following is from Prayerful Reflections and Faithful Responses to the Gulf Coast Disaster, a free resource prepared by JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith offers gives permission to parishes to reprint this. Please simply acknowledge JustFaith Ministries in your reprint.
“Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to your God.” (Joel 2:13)
A reading from Psalm 69
“Save me God! The water is already up to my neck!
I am sinking in the deepest swamp, there is no foothold.
I have stepped into deep water and the waves are washing over me.
Worn out with calling, my throat is hoarse,
My eyes are strained, looking for my God…”
Who do you know personally that is suffering the aftereffects of the storm? What image, story, face, touched you deeply?
“For my part I pray to you God…
In your great love answer me, faithful in your saving power...”
How have you “prayed through this disaster?” With whom have you shared your grief or expressed your disbelief or deep-rooted anxiety?
“Pull me out of this swamp; let me sink no further.
Let me escape those who hate me, and save me from deep water.
Do not let the waves wash over me.
Do not let the deep swallow me or the pit close its mouth on me…”
How has your family, faith, church, or your daily life been affected? What has been lost or deeply disturbed by this catastrophe?
“In your loving kindness, answer me, God;
In your great tenderness turn to me;
Do not hide your face from your servant, quick, I am in trouble, answer me;
Come to my side and redeem me…”
In what ways have you felt powerless or empowered to respond to the realities of need? What or who has helped you to stop, pay attention and listen to the cries of the suffering people?
“For myself, wounded wretch that I am,
By your saving power God, lift me up!
I will praise the name of God with a song of thanksgiving…
Then, seeing this, the humble can rejoice;
Long life to your hearts all you who seek for God!
God always hears those who are in need.”
Where have you seen signs of hope? What wisdom or witness has inspired you?
“For God will save Zion and rebuild the towns of Judah:
They will be lived in, owned, and handed down to those who love God’s name.”
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
“Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to your God.” (Joel 2:13)
A reading from Psalm 69
“Save me God! The water is already up to my neck!
I am sinking in the deepest swamp, there is no foothold.
I have stepped into deep water and the waves are washing over me.
Worn out with calling, my throat is hoarse,
My eyes are strained, looking for my God…”
Who do you know personally that is suffering the aftereffects of the storm? What image, story, face, touched you deeply?
“For my part I pray to you God…
In your great love answer me, faithful in your saving power...”
How have you “prayed through this disaster?” With whom have you shared your grief or expressed your disbelief or deep-rooted anxiety?
“Pull me out of this swamp; let me sink no further.
Let me escape those who hate me, and save me from deep water.
Do not let the waves wash over me.
Do not let the deep swallow me or the pit close its mouth on me…”
How has your family, faith, church, or your daily life been affected? What has been lost or deeply disturbed by this catastrophe?
“In your loving kindness, answer me, God;
In your great tenderness turn to me;
Do not hide your face from your servant, quick, I am in trouble, answer me;
Come to my side and redeem me…”
In what ways have you felt powerless or empowered to respond to the realities of need? What or who has helped you to stop, pay attention and listen to the cries of the suffering people?
“For myself, wounded wretch that I am,
By your saving power God, lift me up!
I will praise the name of God with a song of thanksgiving…
Then, seeing this, the humble can rejoice;
Long life to your hearts all you who seek for God!
God always hears those who are in need.”
Where have you seen signs of hope? What wisdom or witness has inspired you?
“For God will save Zion and rebuild the towns of Judah:
They will be lived in, owned, and handed down to those who love God’s name.”
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
A Reflection on Compassionate Involvement - The Gulf Coast Disaster
The following is from Prayerful Reflections and Faithful Responses to the Gulf Coast Disaster, a free resource prepared by JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith offers gives permission to parishes to reprint this. Please simply acknowledge JustFaith Ministries in your reprint.
“I have observed the misery of my people… I have heard their cry…
Indeed I know their sufferings and I have come down to deliver them…” (Exodus 3:7-8)
Our capacity for empathy, our ability to identify ourselves with people or groups distinct from us, is a quality that defines us as truly human. It is completely human to be moved by compassion at the plight of “one of us,” and in times of disaster and distress we are inspired by stories of self-sacrifice and generosity. Laudable and noble as it may be, sharing our resources with people in need is only human. It’s what “fully human” people do best. More valuable and demanding than acts of generosity however, are acts of solidarity, when we move beyond “doing for” others to “being one with” one another. For it is in those moments, when we sit with and share the communion of each other’s suffering and joy, that we uncover our deeper identity. Longing to belong, we recognize our true selves in solidarity, that bonds and “re-members” us. Making the sign of the cross we could say; “God knows, God cares, and God is involved in our lives.” Giving ourselves, becoming part of each other’s lives, that is the God-in-us. Compassionate involvement in each others’ struggles is a shared cup that allows us a taste of God’s Reign, in which there is no “they” or “them,” only “us,” and “we.”
Some additional readings:
Psalm 51 - Have mercy on us God, in your kindness and compassion
Isaiah 59:6-12 - Fasting that makes us “restorers of ruined homes”
Mathew 10:35-38 - Jesus is moved by the suffering of the multitudes
Luke 6:35-36 - Love, lend and be compassionate like God
Some suggestions:
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
“I have observed the misery of my people… I have heard their cry…
Indeed I know their sufferings and I have come down to deliver them…” (Exodus 3:7-8)
Our capacity for empathy, our ability to identify ourselves with people or groups distinct from us, is a quality that defines us as truly human. It is completely human to be moved by compassion at the plight of “one of us,” and in times of disaster and distress we are inspired by stories of self-sacrifice and generosity. Laudable and noble as it may be, sharing our resources with people in need is only human. It’s what “fully human” people do best. More valuable and demanding than acts of generosity however, are acts of solidarity, when we move beyond “doing for” others to “being one with” one another. For it is in those moments, when we sit with and share the communion of each other’s suffering and joy, that we uncover our deeper identity. Longing to belong, we recognize our true selves in solidarity, that bonds and “re-members” us. Making the sign of the cross we could say; “God knows, God cares, and God is involved in our lives.” Giving ourselves, becoming part of each other’s lives, that is the God-in-us. Compassionate involvement in each others’ struggles is a shared cup that allows us a taste of God’s Reign, in which there is no “they” or “them,” only “us,” and “we.”
Some additional readings:
Psalm 51 - Have mercy on us God, in your kindness and compassion
Isaiah 59:6-12 - Fasting that makes us “restorers of ruined homes”
Mathew 10:35-38 - Jesus is moved by the suffering of the multitudes
Luke 6:35-36 - Love, lend and be compassionate like God
Some suggestions:
- Find ways at home, school, work and church to extend a welcome to displaced people.
- Offer storm-affected people (and relief personnel) in your community the opportunity to share their stories either at the pulpit, in the classroom or in print.
- Investigate the possibility of developing partnerships with groups in affected areas, for example, twinning between schools and churches and dioceses.
- Find ways to gather and send letters, notes and messages of encouragement to victims and workers. This is especially important when the reality is no longer in the headlines.
- Challenge local media networks to return to the area and report on the longer term struggles of rebuilding and resettling.
- Continue to focus the prayerful attention of your family, parish, school and JustFaith group on this reality and the people dealing with its long-lasting effects.
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
Moved With Compassion We Reach Out to One Another - Reflecting on the Gulf Coast Disaster
The following is from Prayerful Reflections and Faithful Responses to the Gulf Coast Disaster, a free resource prepared by JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith offers gives permission to parishes to reprint this. Please simply acknowledge JustFaith Ministries in your reprint.
“For gracious and merciful is God, slow to anger and rich in kindness…” (Joel 2:13)
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (15:29-38)
“Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others.
How are the most vulnerable, the sick, the poor and the children being cared for and welcomed? How have you been moved to share your personal resources of prayer, time and finances to assist the people in need?
“They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they a saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they all praised God.
What can we learn about ourselves (our nation) from the official and unofficial responses to this catastrophe? Where have you witnessed the healing presence of God in this tragedy?
“Then Jesus called his disciples around him and said: ‘I am moved with compassion for the crowd because they have been with me now for three days and they have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry for they might faint on the way.’
What or who has empowered you to involve yourself, your family, your community in the humanitarian relief response? How has this enfolding disaster affected your attitudes, patterns and priorities?
“The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’
In what ways have your church, family and work communities been motivated to unite, organize and respond to this catastrophe? How are the immense resources of this and other nations being put at the disposal of those most gravely affected?
“Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
How are the stories, questions and implications of this disaster brought into the prayer life, sacraments and celebrations of your faith community? Where are the moral voices calling us to listen, respond, question and restore?
“And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men besides women and children.”
How are your family, your community, and your local church making space to accommodate the needs of the displaced and suffering people?
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
“For gracious and merciful is God, slow to anger and rich in kindness…” (Joel 2:13)
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (15:29-38)
“Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others.
How are the most vulnerable, the sick, the poor and the children being cared for and welcomed? How have you been moved to share your personal resources of prayer, time and finances to assist the people in need?
“They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they a saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they all praised God.
What can we learn about ourselves (our nation) from the official and unofficial responses to this catastrophe? Where have you witnessed the healing presence of God in this tragedy?
“Then Jesus called his disciples around him and said: ‘I am moved with compassion for the crowd because they have been with me now for three days and they have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry for they might faint on the way.’
What or who has empowered you to involve yourself, your family, your community in the humanitarian relief response? How has this enfolding disaster affected your attitudes, patterns and priorities?
“The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’
In what ways have your church, family and work communities been motivated to unite, organize and respond to this catastrophe? How are the immense resources of this and other nations being put at the disposal of those most gravely affected?
“Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
How are the stories, questions and implications of this disaster brought into the prayer life, sacraments and celebrations of your faith community? Where are the moral voices calling us to listen, respond, question and restore?
“And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men besides women and children.”
How are your family, your community, and your local church making space to accommodate the needs of the displaced and suffering people?
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
A Reflection on Restoration and Empowerment - The Gulf Coast Disaster
The following is from Prayerful Reflections and Faithful Responses to the Gulf Coast Disaster, a free resource prepared by JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith offers gives permission to parishes to reprint this. Please simply acknowledge JustFaith Ministries in your reprint.
“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am well pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit. He shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.” (Isaiah 42:1-4)
Only a storm can reveal all the weaknesses of a shelter. Stormy weather also shows us who our friends are, and tests the extent to which we are our neighbor’s keeper. Natural disasters expose and intensify existing social inequalities. They also call into question the role of governance and the rights of vulnerable people, as well as the responsibilities of neighbors, citizens, and faith communities. Katrina’s storm surge washed up a longstanding national disaster for everyone to see. This national catastrophe is evidenced by the erosion of social infrastructure that leaves the most vulnerable exposed to the elements, the neglect of inner city communities, and the ever-widening poverty gulf that is still defined in skin tones. In many ways events along the gulf coast represent a microcosm of the daily reality for too many people across the globe. Rather than pointing an accusatory finger and returning to our usual business, it is vital that we recognize our own complicity in this human catastrophe and reclaim our responsibilities as citizens and as Christians. Katrina offers this nation an opportunity to move beyond rebuilding toward social restoration. It is vital that people of faith along with those who are poor and afflicted are empowered to:
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am well pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit. He shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.” (Isaiah 42:1-4)
Only a storm can reveal all the weaknesses of a shelter. Stormy weather also shows us who our friends are, and tests the extent to which we are our neighbor’s keeper. Natural disasters expose and intensify existing social inequalities. They also call into question the role of governance and the rights of vulnerable people, as well as the responsibilities of neighbors, citizens, and faith communities. Katrina’s storm surge washed up a longstanding national disaster for everyone to see. This national catastrophe is evidenced by the erosion of social infrastructure that leaves the most vulnerable exposed to the elements, the neglect of inner city communities, and the ever-widening poverty gulf that is still defined in skin tones. In many ways events along the gulf coast represent a microcosm of the daily reality for too many people across the globe. Rather than pointing an accusatory finger and returning to our usual business, it is vital that we recognize our own complicity in this human catastrophe and reclaim our responsibilities as citizens and as Christians. Katrina offers this nation an opportunity to move beyond rebuilding toward social restoration. It is vital that people of faith along with those who are poor and afflicted are empowered to:
- prayerfully reflect on the Gospels and our social teachings
- question our underlying social patterns and cultural assumptions
- reimagine the cities, the region, and this nation not just rebuilt, but transformed
For sure this will require more than a change in personal attitudes and social policies. Restoration seeks to redress the imbalances in all our relationships to neighbor, to nature, and to our Maker. The blueprint rests in the heart of our God, for it is God’s dream and God’s promise to give us a future full of hope. It is our task as communities of faith to give our people something worth living for.
Some additional readings:
Psalm 23 - God guides us even in dark times
Isaiah 43:1-3 - God has redeemed us called us by name
Jeremiah 29:7-15 - God’s plan is for our welfare, a future full of hope
Luke 6:16-21 - Jesus announces the great restoration in the synagogue at Nazareth
Some suggestions:
- As the rebuilding process begins be vigilant that helping agencies enter into partnership with those most afflicted, offering choices as well assistance, empowerment opportunities as well as relief.
- Find out how your parish, school and diocese are connected with national empowerment agencies like Catholic Charities and Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
- Contact the legislative advocacy committee in your diocese to create opportunities for your parish or school to connect with legislators and representatives and promote structural changes.
- Do not allow this event to overshadow other international and local realities of need—personally or in your community.
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
Move Us Beyong Repair to Restoration - Reflecting on the Gulf Coast Disaster
The following is from Prayerful Reflections and Faithful Responses to the Gulf Coast Disaster, a free resource prepared by JustFaith Ministries. JustFaith offers gives permission to parishes to reprint this. Please simply acknowledge JustFaith Ministries in your reprint.
“Then the Lord was stirred with concern for the land and compassion for the people…” (Joel 2:18)
A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (54:8 - 55:3)
“But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says your redeemer. This is for me like the days of Noah, when I swore the waters of Noah should never again deluge the earth. So I have sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you.
How has the hurricane’s aftermath affected your faith in God, your trust in civic authorities, and your assumptions about people? What has this catastrophe shown us about the infrastructure of our national society, our values, priorities, strengths, and weaknesses?
Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you, nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says your God, who has mercy on you.
What did this natural disaster teach us about our relationship to nature, to God, to those who are poor, to our government and to one another? Who bore the brunt of this disaster, and how should the responsibilities for relief, restoration and repair be shouldered and shared?
O afflicted one, storm-battered and unconsoled I lay your pavements in carnelians and your foundations in sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies and your gates of jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.
What new possibilities and golden opportunities have been brought to light by this catastrophe? What needs to change, and in what ways do we need to be changed, in order to become a more just nation?
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be your children’s peace. In justice shall you be established, far from the fear of oppression where destruction cannot come near you.
Who are the prophetic voices that speak up for the common good, speak out for those who are most afflicted, and speak hard truths to those in power? What will it take for us, for our church, for this nation to avoid simply returning to business as usual?
All you who are thirsty come to the water. You who have no money come, receive grain and eat! Come without paying and without cost drink wine and milk.
Why spend your money on what is not bread your wages for what fails to satisfy?
Heed me and you shall eat well. You shall delight in rich fare.
Come to me heedfully listen, that you may have life.”
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
“Then the Lord was stirred with concern for the land and compassion for the people…” (Joel 2:18)
A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (54:8 - 55:3)
“But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says your redeemer. This is for me like the days of Noah, when I swore the waters of Noah should never again deluge the earth. So I have sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you.
How has the hurricane’s aftermath affected your faith in God, your trust in civic authorities, and your assumptions about people? What has this catastrophe shown us about the infrastructure of our national society, our values, priorities, strengths, and weaknesses?
Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you, nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says your God, who has mercy on you.
What did this natural disaster teach us about our relationship to nature, to God, to those who are poor, to our government and to one another? Who bore the brunt of this disaster, and how should the responsibilities for relief, restoration and repair be shouldered and shared?
O afflicted one, storm-battered and unconsoled I lay your pavements in carnelians and your foundations in sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies and your gates of jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.
What new possibilities and golden opportunities have been brought to light by this catastrophe? What needs to change, and in what ways do we need to be changed, in order to become a more just nation?
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be your children’s peace. In justice shall you be established, far from the fear of oppression where destruction cannot come near you.
Who are the prophetic voices that speak up for the common good, speak out for those who are most afflicted, and speak hard truths to those in power? What will it take for us, for our church, for this nation to avoid simply returning to business as usual?
All you who are thirsty come to the water. You who have no money come, receive grain and eat! Come without paying and without cost drink wine and milk.
Why spend your money on what is not bread your wages for what fails to satisfy?
Heed me and you shall eat well. You shall delight in rich fare.
Come to me heedfully listen, that you may have life.”
What questions, suggestions and actions surfaced in prayer, at table, from your JustFaith group? Which directions will you pursue to change hearts and structures so that God’s people are not left behind and the primacy, sanctity and dignity of life are restored?
FILED UNDER: SOCIAL JUSTICE
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