What is "real catechesis"?

Every so often, Pope Benedict XVI does a Q&A session with locals. His latest was at the Cathedral in Bressanone, Italy, with the clergy of that diocese. One priest asked the Pope what to do with people who ask for a sacrament but whose faith is superficial.

Here's the Pope's translated response, courtesy of Whispers:

Well, I can’t give an infallible answer right now, I can only try to respond based on what I see. I have to say that I’ve followed a path similar to yours. When I was young I was rather more severe. I said: the sacraments are the sacraments of the faith, and when the faith isn’t there, where there’s not practice of the faith, the sacraments can’t be conferred. When I was Archbishop of Munich I always discussed this with my pastors, and there too there were too factions, one severe and one more generous. I too in the course of time have realized that we have to follow instead the example of the Lord, who was very open also with the people who were at the margins of Israel at that time. He was a Lord of mercy, too open – according to many of the official authorities – with sinners, welcoming them or allowing himself to be welcomed by them at their dinners, drawing them to himself in his communion.

Thus I would say in essence that the sacraments are naturally sacraments of the faith. Where there is no element of faith, where First Communion would just be a party with a big lunch, nice clothes and nice gifts, then it can’t be a sacrament of the faith. But, on the other hand, if we can see even a tiny flame of desire for communion in the church, a desire also from these children who want to enter into communion with Jesus, it seems right to me to be rather generous. Naturally, for sure, it must be part of our catechesis to make clear that Communion, First Communion, is not automatic, but it demands a continuity of friendship with Jesus, a path with Jesus. I know that children often have the intention and desire to go to Sunday Mass, but their parents don’t make it possible. If we see that the children want it, that they have the desire to go, it seems to me almost a sacrament of desire, the ‘vow’ of participation at Sunday Mass. In this sense we naturally should do everything possible in the context of sacramental preparation to also reach the parents and – let’s say – also awaken in them a sensibility for the path that their children are taking. They should help their children to follow their own desire to enter into friendship with Jesus, which is the form of life, of the future. If the parents have the desire that their children should make the First Communion, this somewhat social desire should be expanded into a religious desire to make possible a journey with Jesus.

I would say, therefore, that in the context of catechism with children, the work with parents is always very important. It’s an occasion for meeting the parents, making the life of faith present also to the adults, so that they themselves can learn anew from the children – it seems to me – and to understand that this great solemnity makes sense only, and it’s true and authentic only if, it’s realized in the context of a journey with Jesus, in the context of a life of faith. The challenge is to convince the parents a bit, through the children, of the necessity of a preparatory path, which reveals itself in participation in the mysteries and begins to foster love for those mysteries.

This is a fairly insufficient response, I would say, but the pedagogy of the faith is always a journey, and we have to accept today’s situation, but we also have to open it up little by little, so that it’s not directed at the sole aim of some exterior memory of things, but so that the heart is truly touched. In the moment in which we become convinced, the heart is touched, it’s felt a bit of the love of Jesus, and it’s experienced a bit of desire to move in this direction. In that moment, it seems to me, we can say that we’ve accomplished a real catechesis. The true sense of catechesis, in fact, should be this: to carry the flame of the love of Jesus, even if it’s small, to the hearts of children, and through the children to their parents, thereby opening anew the places of the faith in our time.

Emergency call for housing of refugees

I received this message in my email today. Can you help?

---

The staff of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program sends their warm hellos and thanks for your past support of newly arrived refugees.

Many of you have been wonderful advocates for refugees for years, and it will come as no surprise to you that we are in the midst of our annual "refugee bulge." We resettle close to 70% of our annual caseload from July to September each year. (The federal calendar closes on Sept. 30, and no one flies after that until the President signs the new year's Presidential Determination - hence the overseas push out of the camps.)

Can you help us this summer?

Our two Refugee Transitional Homes are full to capacity, and Santa Clara County's housing situation is very, very difficult this year. We're finding it next to impossible to rent affordable apartments or homes on short notice. For example, we have a family of six (parents and 4 kids, ages 10 months to 13 years) from Bhutan arriving tomorrow, Friday. Their housing fell through today, and now we are scrambling to find a place for them in the next 24 hours.

Would you consider helping this family - or an individual refugee, or couple, or mother and child - during this time? Do you have extra room where you could house someone for a month or two and help us to welcome them into the country? We are expecting refugees from all over the world this month, including Burma, Bhutan, Sudan, Iraq - and we desperately need a hand.

You won't be alone - our case managers will help them with English classes, jobs, school enrollment for kids, housing - and lives will be transformed. Theirs, and yours - I know.

Thanks for considering this request, and for your past support.

Warm regards,
Coleen

Coleen Higa, Community Relations Manager
Refugee Foster Care Program
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
2625 Zanker Rd., Ste. 201
San Jose, CA 95134
408.325.5159
coleen@ccsj. org
www.ccsj.org

Video Clips from World Youth Day 2008

Here's a collection of videos compiled by Judy Swazey, liturgy director at Saint Martin of Tours Parish in San José. Congratulations to all the pilgrims! Prayers for safe travel back home.

Ideas for observing the Year of St. Paul

Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 29, 2008 (Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul) through June 29, 2009 the Year of Saint Paul. During this Pauline Year, how will your parish highlight the Pauline elements of our Church? Sure, you can bring in speakers and biblical scholars, or have a special Bible study course on Paul's letters, or go to a diocesan workshop on Paul.

But what are the things we already have at hand, without paying anything extra or adding another event to our calendar, that can help us celebrate Saint Paul?

Here are some no- or low-cost, simple ideas for you to do right now to honor this Pauline Year.

Blogito ergo sum

The Vatican Web site has long been available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Well, dust off your Wheelock's textbook because now you can read the Vatican Web pages in Latin.

$25 Lectionaries

You can't beat the price. Liturgical Press is having an inventory reduction sale through June 30, 2008.

You can get the ceremonial edition of the Lectionary for Mass at about half off (from $49.00 to $24.50). And the chapel editions are just $17.49 (down from their original price at $69.95!).

Go check out what else they have on sale. There's lots of great foundational liturgical studies texts too.

Here's the link to the Lectionaries sale page.

The Pope's video message to the US

Before his trip to the East Coast next week, the Pope sends the US Church a video message. The video is five and a half minutes. Click here for a transcript courtesy of Rocco Palmo at Whispers in the Loggia.

And if you are a Catholic with a sense of humor, click here (also courtesy of Rocco) to see the Washington, DC, Metro ad for the upcoming papal visit that the local archdiocese asked be pulled from circulation. I've heard opinions on both sides. You can decide for yourself.

Tabat Scholarship for Students of Liturgy - 2008

Below is an announcement for a $1000 scholarship for those participating in graduate studies in liturgy. In 2003, I was awarded the Tabat scholarship which helped me in my studies at St. John's University, School of Theology, in Collegeville, Minnesota. The scholarship has been awarded every year since 2002 by the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, a national organization made up of the diocesan commissions of the United States that collaborate with the US Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy--that is, it was awarded each year except for the one year that NO ONE applied!

This is FREE money, and if I know graduate students, especially graduate liturgy students, you can use all the free money you can get! So apply. You just might be pleasantly surprised.

I encourage those of you who have a vocation to serve the Church as parish liturgy directors to explore pursuing an advanced degree in liturgy, theology, or liturgical studies. We are blessed to have Santa Clara University, the Graduate Theological Union, and the University of San Francisco in our own backyard. All of these offer advanced degrees in the field of liturgy or theology.

Some other schools to consider that offer graduate degrees in liturgy are St. John's University in Minnesota, Chicago Theological Union, University of Notre Dame in Indiana, the Catholic University of America, and Washington Theological Union, both in Washington, DC. Some of these and many other schools throughout the country also offer summer-only programs or online courses to help you complete a graduate degree on your own schedule. Some even offer full or partial scholarships for laypersons pursuing graduate studies in liturgy or ministry.

Contact me if you want to talk about what it's like to do graduate studies in liturgy.

The Tabat Scholarship

Sister Joan Tabat, a School Sister of St. Francis, was a pioneer and a tireless worker for liturgical renewal. She held numerous musical and liturgical credentials and was a well-respected and honored member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). Most of all, Sister Joan excelled in the day-to-day pursuit of excellence as a pastoral musician. She had an amazing ability to bring out the music in people. Oblivious to conservative or progressive titles, Sr. Joan was driven by a deep wisdom and love for the church and commitment to the principles of Vatican II. Sr. Joan died in an automobile accident on September 25, 2000.

A grant of $1,000 in honor of Sr. Joan Tabat, SSSF, will be awarded at the national meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions in Milwaukee in October, 2008. The purpose of the grant is to provide assistance with the purchase of books, the continuation of research, or the payment of tuition.

The Tabat scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a graduate degree in a program of liturgical studies to prepare for service in the Church of the United States in an academic, diocesan, or parish setting.

Applicants should send the following to the FDLC National Office, 415 Michigan Avenue, NE, Suite 70, Washington DC 20017 (nationaloffice@fdlc.org) no later than June 30, 2008:

1. A curriculum vitae;
2. A short description of how the grant will be used;
3. Two letters of recommendation, in a sealed envelope, from professors or from someone knowledgeable about the person's work.

Download a pdf flyer of the scholarship information by clicking the link below.

Gospel of Matthew – February 15, 2008

You are invited to a spectacular and dramatic presentation of scripture, light, and movement when Michael Reardon prayerfully and powerfully proclaims The Gospel of MATTHEW, directed by Patrick Lane.

This is a contemporary translation of scripture, proclaimed in the oral tradition of the early church, designed with music, lighting, and costuming. A reception to meet the artists will follow the event.

On Friday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4848 Pearl Ave in San Jose. The public is invited to attend, and to experience the power of the Word. There is no cost for this performance.

Of Rosaries and Skateboards - Roe v. Wade

from the USCCB's Life Issues Forum
January 11, 2008

Of Rosaries and Skateboards
By Tom Grenchik

A few days before Christmas, four skateboarders rescued a crying newborn baby who had been wrapped in a paper bag and abandoned in a neighborhood dumpster on one of the coldest nights of the year. The quick-thinking New York teens called 9-1-1, waited for the ambulance, and then accompanied the baby girl to the hospital where they learned that she survived only because of their alertness and their actions. None of these boys ever expected to be called on in such a dramatic way. Appropriately, they were considered heroes for saving the baby’s life.

Even if we don’t make it into the evening news, we are all called to be just as alert and active in protecting human life. There are always opportunities to respond. The 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade reminds us that our courts and legislatures still cling to the lie that human life can be discarded whenever it is inconvenient. Abortion is still protected in our land. Had that dumpster been located behind an abortion facility, the skateboarders would have been labeled as meddling trespassers trying to undermine “choice,” instead of being hailed as heroes.

To mark this sad anniversary, many of us will join in the March for Life in Washington D.C., San Francisco, or similar marches in many cities across the country. Many of us will work in our legislatures to expand protection for unborn children, or to prevent abortion-rights activists from enshrining abortion at the state level, because they fear the coming demise of Roe. Many of us will serve at our neighborhood pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, prenatal care programs, shelters, and food pantries so those in need will know there are alternatives to abortion and many people willing to help. Many of us will speak to our neighbors, classmates, co-workers, relatives and friends about the life and dignity of each human person. Many of us will pray and offer loving assistance outside the doors of abortion facilities, the legally protected “dumpsters” of Roe v. Wade. Many rosaries will be prayed to usher in a springtime of faith and a culture of life.

And our prayers are being heard. There are many signs that our culture continues to grow in a pro-life direction. Those who promote abortion are, with good reason, fearful that Roe v. Wade is nearing the end. They fear a massive generation of young people who reject the culture of death. They fear the witness of countless women, men and family members who mourn the loss of their children to abortion. They fear the growing attention to the humanity of unborn children on the Internet, in magazines, news reports, and the ultrasound images expectant parents and grandparents forward to friends. And they fear the growing trend to view each child, even those with health problems, as a gift, and not a threat. These “fears” should give us great encouragement. Pro-life prayers and actions are working. Rosaries and skateboards are building a culture of life!


Tom Grenchik is the Executive Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Go to www.usccb.org/prolife to learn more about the bishops’ pro-life activities.

Pro-Life Mass and Prayer Walk – January 22, 2008

A Pro-Life Mass at St. Nicholas Church in Los Altos on Tuesday, January 22nd at 11:30a.m. will mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Following the mass, a silent Prayer Walk will proceed eight blocks to the Los Altos City Hall at 12:30 p.m. St. Nicholas Church is located two blocks south of Main Street on the frontage road west of Foothill Expressway.

For more information, please call St. Nicholas Church at (650) 948-2158.

Late Nite Catechism 2 – February 7-8, 2008

Sisters of the Holy Names is sponsoring LATE NITE CATECHISM 2 on February 7 and 8 at St. Mary’s Howley Hall, 219 Bean Avenue in Los Gatos. Proceeds will benefit the retirement funds for the Sisters of the Holy Names.

Call (408) 395-2868 or visit Holy Names for tickets or more information.

The Jesuits' General Congregation

On Monday, January 7, 2008, 226 delegates representing the 19,000 Jesuits worldwide will gather in Rome to say goodbye to their Father-General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach who is stepping down after serving as the society's leader for 25 years. The gathering of delegates, only the 35th of its kind in the Jesuits' 470-year history, will set the course for the society and will elect its new Father-General. The election is similar to that of a papal conclave in that the delegates cannot be dismissed until a Jesuit has received the majority vote. Further, no one goes home until the Pope himself approves the choice.

Rev. Paul L. Locatelli, SJ, president of Santa Clara University, will be one of the delegates. (And one of our Diocesan Liturgical Commission members and Santa Clara University student, John Michael Reyes, will also be in Rome during the gathering studying there during the winter quarter.)

Rocco Palmo of Whispers in the Loggia has put together a couple of nice posts here and here on the upcoming gathering.

See also what Rev. James Martin, SJ, has to say about the gathering. And for great information on this event, see Creighton University's website, GC 35 Info.

The gathering begins with Mass after which Father-General Kolvenbach will light a lamp at the tomb of Saint Ignatius at the Gesu Church. The lamp, and others like it in Jesuit chapels throughout the world, will remain lit for the duration of the congregation. Below is the prayer that the Father-General will pray at Saint Ignatius' altar. You might light your own lamp and pray for the Jesuits that the Holy Spirit will lead them through their discernment and election.

VOTIVE MASS OF THE NAME OF JESUS
PRAYER AT THE LIGHTING
OF THE LAMP AT THE ALTAR OF SAINT IGNATIUS

Father-General:

Father and Master Ignatius,
discerner of the ways of God,
faithful friend of the Lord,
and humble servant of Christ and the gospel
beneath the banner of the cross;
you who untiringly sought the greater glory of God
through discernment and prayer,
and were docile in obedience to the Lord and his spouse the Church;
you who did not seek riches or honor,
but preferred poverty with the poor Christ
and humiliations with Christ humiliated,
provided only that the most holy name of Jesus,
in which our salvation is placed,
was proclaimed to all;
intercede for us with the Father of mercies,
so that in this time of grace
we may seek and find in all things
God’s divine presence
and know his sovereign will.

To the Eternal King of all things
we entrust this least Society,
created not by human hands,
but by the powerful hand of Christ our Lord
in whom we place our hope.
May Christ conserve and prosper
what he has begun
for his greater service and praise
and for the salvation of souls.

To you, Father Ignatius, and to the Society of saints in heaven
we entrust ourselves,
so that, confirmed in faith,
refreshed in hope,
and inflamed by evangelical charity,
we may love and serve the Lord in all things
and renew each day
our prayer of offering:

All together:

“Take, Lord, receive
all my liberty,
my memory, understanding,
my entire will—
all that I have and possess;
you have given to me,
to you, Lord, I return it.
all is yours now;
do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace;
that is enough for me.”
Father General:
We ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Father General lights the votive candle and incenses the tomb of St. Ignatius.

Updated World Day of Peace Message

Benedict XVI's 2008 World Day of Peace message is now available and can be found at the Vatican website.

The resource for the World Day of Peace (Jan. 1) from the USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development has also been updated to include a summary of the message and discussion questions for use in small groups.

You can open a printable (PDF) version of this resource by clicking here.

Saved by Hope: Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict XVI

Today, Pope Benedict XVI has issued his second encyclical letter to "the bishops, priests, and deacons, men and women religious, and all the lay faithful." This letter is on Christian hope. You'll recall that his first encyclical was on love, called Deus caritas est, issued on Christmas Day, 2005. An encyclical letter is simply a document issued by the Pope to the Church, or particular members of the Church, on a theological or social point he wishes to examine. Popes use encyclicals often as teaching tools for the Church.

Another fun fact: Church documents are often titled in Latin with the first few words of the document itself.

One of my favorite paragraphs so far from Spe salvi is this:

26. It is not science that redeems man: man is redeemed by love. This applies even in terms of this present world. When someone has the experience of a great love in his life, this is a moment of “redemption” which gives a new meaning to his life. But soon he will also realize that the love bestowed upon him cannot by itself resolve the question of his life. It is a love that remains fragile. It can be destroyed by death. The human being needs unconditional love. He needs the certainty which makes him say: “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38- 39). If this absolute love exists, with its absolute certainty, then—only then—is man “redeemed”, whatever should happen to him in his particular circumstances. This is what it means to say: Jesus Christ has “redeemed” us. Through him we have become certain of God, a God who is not a remote “first cause” of the world, because his only-begotten Son has become man and of him everyone can say: “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20).

Read Spe salvi here.

Friends of Jesus at NCYC

Our own local ensemble, Friends of Jesus (FOJ), led by Nelson Gonzales, performed at this year's National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio, for about 7000 youth. Enjoy their YouTube performance of "Senor, Yo Te Amo" by FOJ.

Open auditions for "Who Do You Say That I Am?" - November 27, 2007

Julie Wind, music director at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, will be presenting a concert this spring (after Easter) of a musical called, "Who Do You Say That I Am?" Open auditions will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at 7:00pm in Loyola Hall, the parish hall of the Cathedral (80 South Market Street, San José). All interested musicians and actors in the Diocese of San José are invited to audition.

Auditions are open for both men and women. Cast needs:

• 2 narrators (men)
• Jesus
• Sara (older, in her 60's)
• Salome (mother of James and John)
• Mariam (witnessed the crucifixion)
• Paula (adultress woman)
• Joanna (wife of Chuza, in her 50's)
• Susanna (young 17 or 18yrs)
• Veronica (early 30's)
• Rachel (late 60's)
• Sophia (woman of color)
• Martha (early 40's)
• Marybeth (early 30's)
• Mary Magdalene (30's)

This piece will be performed as a spoken word concert, so people will not have to memorize a lot of dialogue, but they will have to memorize the songs.

Performance date is to be determined. Additionally, the musical will be filmed at studios in San Francisco with the same people that will be live performance cast. Cast members will need to be available throughout the summer of 2008 for filming.

For more information and to sign up for an audition, please contact Julie Wind at 408-283-8100 x2205 or music_director [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Pastor Installation of Rev. Ritche Bueza

On Saturday, October 20, 2007, I joined with the community of Saint Justin Parish and the rest of the Diocese of San José to celebrate the installation of Rev. Ritche Bueza as pastor of Saint Justin Parish in Santa Clara, California. It was standing room only, and many parishioners of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph--where Fr. Ritche had been previously assigned--were present.

Fr. Ritche always made it very easy for me to prepare for the diocesan events at the Cathedral. He was always on hand to find me liturgical ministers at the last minute, more chalices and chasubles than anyone should have in their sacristy, Spanish inserts of ritual texts for the Bishop, and the "cancel" mode when I tripped the security alarm to the Cathedral after hours. As Bishop McGrath said at Fr. Ritche's installation, he will be missed dearly at the Cathedral as the go-to person for things liturgical.

On a personal note, I want to say that the installation at Saint Justin was one of the best installation celebrations I have participated in. I knew from the moment I received my invitation that it would be a celebration of the entire Church, not of one person (Fr. Ritche's invitation cover read: "I am among you as one who serves"). I have always known Fr. Ritche to be a humble servant, never lording his authority, but using it to help others. His homily at the installation liturgy tried to communicate this sense of leadership and the ecclesial tone of the celebration. It focused not on his achievement or authority but on the parish's mission and the mutual responsibility each member has to the other. I asked Fr. Ritche if I could reprint his homily here, and he graciously agreed. I hope it will help us recall that each of us, whether pastor or parishioner, ordained or lay person, is called to lead, to serve, and to care for each other in whatever role we are given in our Church.

(See pictures of the installation here, courtesy of Melissa Tamayo.)

Installation homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.

Shortly after I began my ministry here as Saint Justin’s, I received an e-mail from one of the parishioners. When I saw her e-mail address kick in, I said to myself: “Oh my… what did I do now?” Hence, I was hesitant to open the e-mail. I was expecting a complaint such as: “Father you keep changing things on us.” You know the feeling. So, I scrolled down slowly. The message started with: “Father, when I was at mass yesterday, I sat on the western side of the church. I listened to your homily. It was hmmmm…, well, it was good.” Thank God! I said to myself.

What struck me the most was not that she said my homily was great, although I wish more people would say that, ONLY if it’s true, but it was when she said, “I am here to help and support you. You are in my daily prayers. When you experience challenges in your ministry or when you have to make difficult decisions, you can rely on my full support and prayers. I realize your ministry as pastor will not always be easy. And I know you will need our collaboration.” I thought this is one of the most beautiful e-mails I’ve received so far: simple, yet meaningful.

I am sharing this e-mail with you today especially the part about the woman’s assurance that she will help, support and collaborate with me, not only because we are celebrating the mass of installation, but also to remind myself of our scripture readings today.

In our first reading, Moses stretches out his hands to protect his brood. Moses must hold the staff of God in his hands so that the Israelites will win the battle. But since he is merely human, he grows weary, and so, in order to continue he has to be supported by rocks and Aaron and Hur. Just as Moses needed help from Aaron and Hur to continue his mission, I also need your help in continuing my ministry here at Saint Justin’s. I believe that the image of Moses stretching out his hands with the help of Aaron and Hur is an image of the Church in general, and on this day I would say that it is an image of our parish of Saint Justin in particular.

As the pastor, I cannot do my ministry well without your help. We, as the Church, are all in this together, proclaiming the presence of God’s Kingdom in our midst. Then, Saint Paul tells us in our Second Reading: “Be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient, convince, reprimand, encourage, be patient through all your teaching.”

Similarly, in our Gospel, Jesus admonishes us to be persistent. The parable makes it clear that the widow prayed always, but this does not mean that she was in perpetual prayer or practicing some novel method of mysticism. That is not the kind of widow she was, nor the kind of prayer she prayed. Like Moses and us, she too most likely got weary and had to be propped up by others. Her prayer was not perpetual, but she was consistent.

I believe that the message of the scriptures is coincidental for us as we celebrate this Mass of Installation. It challenges us to reflect on the level of our participation not only in our local parish, but in the Church in general. It invites us to be like Moses, Aaron, Hur, and the widow in gospel: consistent and persistent especially in this day and age in the Church.

As I am installed as the fifth pastor of this parish, I realize that my ministry does not end here, rather it begins here. But of course, I cannot do this without your support just as the woman told me in her e-mail.

You know, to be a pastor does not make me a superman who can do things on my own, rather, I am one of you. I can get weary. I hope that today, we can make a commitment to help each other in moving the parish of Saint Justin forward. Let us all work together in making this parish a more vibrant one. Although we may often be a community that grows weary and frightened, we promise, despite this, to be consistent and persistent and loving in our support of the widow, the sick, the poor, the displaced, the children in our midst, and of the whole parish community.

It is providential that today is also “World Mission Sunday” when we are invited to reflect not only upon the missionary work of the church, but also to remember the men and women who tirelessly work to evangelize and to make present the Risen Christ. This world mission Sunday reminds us that we need each other. God invites us to “re-launch missionary action in the face of the many serious challenges of our time.” God invites us to work together in making Him known and present to the ends of the earth.

Today and always may we learn from the woman who sent me that e-mail. Let us encourage one another as we move forward to make this community a more vibrant and more faithful community.

As we continue with this Eucharistic Liturgy, let us give thanks for the gift of our faith and the Church. Let us continue to be faithful in responding to our call to ministry in proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Together in Christ, we can make this into a reality.

"Keep in mind" - Rev. Lucien Deiss, CSSp, 1921-2007

Last week, I attended the national gathering of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) in Hartford, Connecticut. On the first full day of our gathering, after the keynote presentation, our facilitator announced that Fr. Lucien Deiss had died earler that day, Tuesday, October 9. As we sat at our tables, she led us in a prayer for Fr. Deiss. As soon as our "Amen" left our lips, someone in the assembly began singing "Keep In Mind," probably Fr. Deiss' most famous song. The entire room filled with song, a cappella and spontaneous. We all knew the words and sang for the composer who brought life to these words. We sang the faith that we wanted to believe in these moments of death--that Jesus is our saving Lord, our joy--and in the singing of it, we knew it was true. I could barely finish the refrain because I recognized in that moment that this was true prayer, true liturgy, known by heart, and done simply with grace and love.

I had learned "Keep In Mind" as a child doing music ministry for the 12:00p Mass at Saint Thomas Aquinas. We always sang it for funerals; sometimes, we'd sing it as the Memorial Acclamation (I know, a no-no). How fitting then that we would sing it for Fr. Deiss who sang it first for us.

Below is a brief tribute written by Alan Hommerding, senior editor at World Library Publications which published "Keep In Mind" back in 1965. You can see more of Fr. Deiss' recent works here.

***

On Tuesday, October 9, 2007, Reverend Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp., celebrated what he often referred to as "the most joyful day of my life" in returning home to be with his Lord. His funeral will be celebrated on Saturday, October 13 at Seminaire des Missiones in Larue, France.

Best known to Roman Catholics in the U.S. through his scriptural songs such as "All the Earth," "Keep in Mind," and "Grant to Us, O Lord," Fr. Deiss was also widely known in Europe and the United States as a scholar in the fields of Sacred Scripture and Patristics. He was selected by Pope Paul VI to coordinate the Lectionary psalter following the Second Vatican Council. His ³Biblical Hymns and Psalms² was the first significant way that millions of Catholics in the U.S. came to sing the Word of God and treasure it in their hearts. For this he was given an honorary Doctorate in Sacred Music from Duquesne University. A tireless advocate of the reforms of Vatican II, Fr. Deiss continually encouraged those who worked in liturgical reform in this country to remain fervent in prayer to the Holy Spirit, and he dedicated much of his life to liturgical catechesis through workshops and the well-known ³Deiss days² sponsored by WLP (then World Library of Sacred Music). He was, above all, a man of prayer, dedicated to the celebration of the Eucharist, and was always filled with a gentle and loving humor.

We at WLP mourn the passing of Fr. Deiss, and share in his joy as he lives and sings for all ages in the eternal light of his Risen Savior.

Keep in Mind
that Jesus Christ
has died for us
and is risen from the dead.
He is our saving Lord.
He is joy for all ages!

If we die with the Lord, we shall live with the Lord.
If we endure with the Lord, we shall reign with the Lord.
In Christ all our sorrow, in Christ all our joy.
In him hope of glory, in him all our love.
In Christ our redemption, in Christ all our grace.
In him our salvation, in him all our peace.

Returning Veterans project

Update: This project has closed.

Sr. Pat Mitchell, SFCC, Director of the Office of Parish and Planning for the Diocese of San José, is working on a project concerning our veterans who are returning home. She would like to connect with individuals who are now discharged from any branch of the military and were deployed to a combat zone within the past five years. They don’t necessarily need to live in the California Bay Area.

If you know anyone who meets these criteria, and you think they would be willing to talk with Sr. Pat Mitchell, please contact her at MitchellP[at]dsj[dot]org.