Evangelization

Cheer Chain

2008-05-29T04:14:00.000-07:00

Last year, Starbucks launched a public relations campaign to start a chain of good will by passing on good things to some of their customers in the hope that they, in turn, would pass that along by doing something thoughtful for another person.

When one customer randomly decided to pay for the coffee of the stranger behind them in line, it put a new twist on the promotion. So moved by this gesture of generosity, others followed suit. Dubbed a “Cheer Chain,” this remarkable show of human kindness spread nationwide and made the news in countless communities.

You might say it is pretty lame to think of this as “altruism,” understanding the difference between actual acts of kindness verses a “virtual charity” or a gesture you can make so you can call yourself a charitable person. But, does it matter that it began as “public relations” stunt? Does it matter if the only person who gets a charitable cup of coffee is the last person in the chain? At the very least, each link in the chain is a moment of positive interaction between human beings. It feels good to do something for someone else and it feels good to have something done for you.

As Catholics, we believe that good works naturally accompany a life of faith. We are also asked to recognize the source of that goodness and to be intentional about practicing virtue (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2002-2005).

Jesus said, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:20).

Scripture teaches that entrance into God's kingdom, whether in its present or future stage, depends, not on the degree of our excellence in anything, but solely on our having the character itself which God demands.

If you want to do something as a gesture of generosity to a stranger, make it your goal not to be just part of the project, start one! When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished and people are inspired to pass kindness on.

Sparked by an extra-credit assignment Trevor McKinney, a 12-year old depicted in the movie “Pay It Forward” ( based on the novel of the same name by Catherine Ryan Hyde) undertook an assignment from his social studies teacher to “think of an idea to change the world, and put it into action”. Trevor’s idea was simple, do a big favor for three people and instead of asking them to pay it back, ask them to “pay it forward” to another three people.

There is an important lesson here for Christians. Our devotion must be directed towards Jesus. While we certainly are supposed to love our neighbor, especially our poor neighbor, we are to worship God in all we do. Jesus said, “The poor you will always have but you will not always have me (Mt. 26:11).

Kindness is a way to not only help others, but a way to help ourselves become better people.

Catholic Schools and the Church’s Primary Mission of Evangelization

2008-04-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

In the Holy Father’s Address With Catholic Educators, Pope Benedict XVI shared some thoughts regarding the nature and identity of Catholic education today. There were two points in the Pope’s remarks that the audience broke out in spontaneous applauses:

The first was when he thanked those present for their dedication, generosity and selfless contributions – and the dedication of those working in inner-city schools which serve both your country and the Church. For this , the Pope expressed his profound gratitude.

The second spontaneous applause came when the Pope called for Religious Brothers, Sisters and Priests: do not abandon the school apostolate; indeed, renew your commitment to schools especially those in poorer areas. In places where there are many hollow promises which lure young people away from the path of truth and genuine freedom, the consecrated person’s witness to the evangelical counsels is an irreplaceable gift.

The Pope referred what he called the “diakonia of truth.” Diakonia", a Greek word meaning “service”, is a shared ministry to serve God in suffering people, in the poorest, in those most in need. The task is never easy; it involves the entire Christian community and motivates each generation of Christian educators to ensure that the power of God’s truth permeates every dimension of the institutions they serve. "

He noted the work of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Saint Katharine Drexel who devoted their lives to educating those whom others had neglected – in their case, African Americans and Native Americans.

Catholic schools have helped generations of immigrants to rise from poverty and take their place in mainstream society. No child should be denied his or her right to an education in faith, which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation,” he said.

The Church’s primary mission of evangelization, in which educational institutions play a crucial role, is consonant with a nation’s fundamental aspiration to develop a society truly worthy of the human person’s dignity.

Benedict XVI concluded by focusing our attention specifically on the paramount importance of our own professionalism and witness within our Catholic universities and schools. “We have the duty and privilege to ensure that students receive instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice.” This requires that public witness to the way of Christ which shapes all aspects of an institution’s life, both inside and outside the classroom.

In Benedict XVI concluding remarks he said, “To all of you I say: bear witness to hope. Nourish your witness with prayer. Account for the hope that characterizes your lives (cf. 1 Pet 3:15) by living the truth which you propose to your students. Help them to know and love the One you have encountered, whose truth and goodness you have experienced with joy.”

With Saint Augustine, let us say: “We who speak and you who listen acknowledge ourselves as fellow disciples of a single teacher” (Sermons, 23:2). With these sentiments of communion, I gladly impart to you, your colleagues and students, and to your families, my Apostolic Blessing.”

Evangelization Precedes Catechesis

2008-04-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

There are presently 64 million Catholics in the United States which represent a retention rate of 67 percent; Baptists, 60 percent; Episcopalians, 45 percent; and Jehovah's Witnesses, 37 percent.

Some speculate that adult Catholics have left the Church because of poor religious instruction received by Baby Boomers and their children over the last 40 years. That is one explanation but if our Gen X children suffer from religious illiteracy, another question is “Why should anyone be interested in religion or anything else which does not effectively communicate the positive and aspects of participation?”

The American culture is one that provides freedom of choice. No one is likely to choose anything intolerant or served up with a “take it or leave it” attitude.

According to Bishop Blasé Cupich of Rapid City, S.D., keynote speaker at the recent 2008 National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) annual convention in Indianapolis,

We need to capture, once again that at heart of what we do is a sense of mission, a mission that is driven by our experience of the risen Lord. How can we provide an experience of God and of Christ and of the Church that shapes our hearts and enriches us.

Bishop Robert Vasa of Baker, Oregon said, “Without an evangelized heart, without falling in love with Christ -- which is really what it means to be evangelized -- the practice of the faith redounds to duty and obligation. There is only a slim possibility of persevering in the practice of a faith that is viewed primarily or exclusively this way. Perhaps those properly evangelized would not so readily leave the One they love.”

Auxiliary Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of the Diocese of San Diego noted,

The need for better catechesis and ongoing adult formation is widely acknowledged. To keep our people in the Church, their Catholic identity must result from deep love for and cultural connection with their faith tradition. They must also find inspiration and spiritual nourishment in their faith communities, and in a way that accords with Catholic-defining elements. If they don't, and if they are unhooked from this deep-seated Catholic identity, then it is not surprising if they go elsewhere to find it.

Yes, we need good catechesis but we also need to be evangelizers and animators of our Catholic faith, ...

Evangelization always precedes catechesis.

The Lord Hears the Cries of the Poor

2008-04-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Scripture tells us to help the poor. We are not to “take advantage of them (Leviticus 25:17) because those who oppresses the poor show contempt for their maker. But whoever is kind to the needy will honor God (Proverbs 14:31).

The Bible says to do what is just and right. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; for the rights of all who are destitute (Proverbs 31:8-9). Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed (Jeremiah 22:3, 16). Unlike those who are “arrogant, overfed, unconcerned and those who do not help the poor and needy,” (Ezekiel 16:49) God’s chosen people are to be “holy, loving, clothed with compassion, kind, humble, gentle and patient” (Colossians 3:12).

God hears the voice of the poor, sees their misery, toil and oppression. He brings them to a new land, “a land flowing with “milk and honey” (Deuteronomy 26:6-9). The prophet Micah said we are to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God” (6:8) because religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27).

I can only imagine the sermon Jesus would preach:

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have insulted the poor. It is not the rich who exploit and drag the poor into court?" (James 2:2-6).

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:17-18). "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:17)

If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew19:21).

“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42).“The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same" (Luke 3:11)."When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" (Luke 14:13).

Love the Lord our God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; love your neighbor as you love yourself" (Matthew 22.37). I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in" (Matthew 25:35 -40).

"Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:29-37).

Internet Resources:

Justice For Immigrants: A Journey of Hope http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/

How Do We Welcome the Stranger In Our Parishes?
A Resource for Building Unity in Diversity http://www.usccb.org/mrs/pastor.pdf

Implementing a Justice for Immigrant Campaign in the Parish
http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/ParishKit/ImplementingJFI.pdf

Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope http://www.usccb.org/mrs/stranger.shtml

I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: Meeting Christ in New Neighbors Pastoral Statement by the Catholic Bishops of Indiana http://www.archindy.org/archbishop/pastoral-2007.html

Welcoming Christ in the Migrant http://www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw/Booklet_English.pdf

Office of Migration and Refugee Policy
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
http://www.usccb.org/mrs/index.shtml

Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html

Need To Continue Evangelization Efforts

2008-04-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

According to the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey recently released by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, Catholics account for nearly one-quarter of U.S. adults. By comparison, more than half (51.3%) of the adult population is Protestant and almost one-in-six (16.1%) are unaffiliated with any particular religion.

We continue to attract a fair number of converts; 2.6% of U.S. adults have switched their affiliation to Catholicism after being raised in another faith or in no faith at all. Nevertheless, former Catholics outnumber converts to Catholicism by roughly four-to-one and approximately one-in-ten American adults are former Catholics.

No other major faith in the U.S. has experienced greater net losses over the last few decades as a result of changes in religious affiliation than the Catholic Church. While 31.4% of Americans were raised Catholic, only 23.9% of the adults surveyed consider themselves still to be Catholics. Overall, roughly one-third of those who were raised Catholic have left the church. During the same period the Protestant share of the population has steadily declined, and the proportion of the population that is religiously unaffiliated has increased significantly.

The report suggests that what has saved Catholic numbers from dropping further is the large number of Catholic immigrants, 52% of Hispanic origin. Nearly half of all immigrants to the U.S. (46%) are Catholic, compared with just 21% of the native-born population. Indeed, there are likely to be nearly 130 million Latinos or 29% of the U.S. population by 2050.

In 1990, the U.S. census counted 8,500 Hispanics in Indianapolis and we had one (1) Sunday Mass in Spanish and one (1) Spanish-speaking priest. Today there are over 100,000 Hispanics in Indianapolis, 24 Sunday Masses in Spanish throughout the Archdiocese and 17 Spanish-speaking Priests.

Archbishop Daniel Buechlein urged us to welcome immigrants as Christ himself in the pastoral letter “I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: Meeting Christ in New Neighbors.” The pastoral was the first of its kind issued collectively by the Indiana bishops.

We are proud of the efforts of our Catholic schools and parish religious education programs, particularly Mother Theodore Catholic Academies and Providence Cristo Rey High School who are intentionally reaching out to our new neighbors.

Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C. recently spoke at the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) Convention hosted by our Archdiocese and the Office of Catholic Education in which over 8,000 Catholic educators attended from across the nation and other parts of the world. Archbishop Wuerl asked us to contextualize our entire catechetical effort in the wider initiative of evangelization. He encouraged us to “envision evangelization as an indispensable point of reference for catechesis whose aim must always be to arouse faith as well as to mature and inform faith.”

“Those who proclaim the Christian message must know and love the people to whom they bring the message in order for it to be able to transform culture and the people and make them new in Christ,” Wuerl said.

The National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) has begun a new initiative supporting catechetical ministry among Latinos. The Forum on Catechesis with Hispanics is being created to increase awareness about the distinct pastoral needs of peoples of Latino-heritage. The ultimate hope is to improve catechetical frameworks and developing cross-cultural networks so that we might be more effective among the Hispanic-community.

In the Vatican document, Doctrinal Note On Some Aspects of Evangelization, U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said that “Every person has the right to hear the Good News [Gospel] of the God who reveals and gives himself in Christ, so that each one can live out in its fullness his or her proper calling.’ This right implies the corresponding duty to evangelize."

"Every encounter with another person or culture is capable of revealing potentialities of the Gospel which will enrich the life of Christians and the Church,” the document stated.

For Christian evangelization, "the incorporation of new members into the Church is an entrance into the network of friendship with Christ which connects heaven and earth, different continents and ages." In this sense, then, "the Church is the bearer of the presence of God and thus the instrument of the true humanization of man and the world.”

In short, Jesus said to “go forth and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Let’s keep up the good work and take to heart that we have to evangelize before we can effectively catechize.

PARISH RESOURCES:

Immigration Education: http://www.archindy.org/immigration/index.html

Inactive Catholic Outreach: http://beta.archindy.org/evangelization/outreach.aspx

Justice for the Poor

2008-03-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

It is a false to assume that most issues are either black or white when in fact there may be alternative perspectives and solutions.

Regarding Comprehensive Immigration Reform, manufacturers took advantage of low-wage workers in Mexico over the past 50 years to provide products primarily for the U.S. market. These manufacturers are now moving to China where labor is cheapest. Mexican people who have grown dependent on providing their labor no longer have these jobs which have subsidized our American lifestyle our entire lives.

Desperate to provide for their families, these immigrants risk everything to go where there are jobs. While we post a “no trespassing” sign at our border, we erect a “help wanted” sign at the workplace. The fact is we have had an open door policy for years right up through the Trans-Texas Highway.

I think it's fair to say that American attitudes toward the poor-- and perhaps not just in America-- are mostly disdain and fear. They are perceived as dangerous and different. Sometimes people think that their condition is their own fault, that they're simply lazy or inferior. Other Americans are more kind-hearted, but prefer not to look at the poor too closely; it's depressing, and they're surely not fun people to be with.

For too long we have ignored justice for the poor South of our border. We have done little else than take advantage of them. These attitudes are a world away from God's attitudes, as described in Scripture and what our Catholic Church teaches: from the Catholic Bishops of the United States and Mexico.

Persons who enter a nation without permission should be treated with respect and dignity. They should not be detained in deplorable conditions for lengthy periods, shackled by their feet and hands, or abused in any manner. They should be afforded due process of the law and allowed to articulate a fear of return to their home before a qualified adjudicator. They should not be blamed for the social ills of a nation.

Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope

Obviously, adding to the misery of the poor is bad; exploiting workers, oppressing immigrants, robbing the needy. Our job is to help the poor and needy. Pleading the cause of the poor, being their advocate and defender, is simply something a good person does. I am proud of our Catholic faith who, when others are silent, advocates for the poor; in our community, in our church, our nation and in the world.

The overwhelming majority of migrants simply want to work, and they work hard and contribute to the American economy. They labor in important industries in our economy, agriculture, construction, and service and overall contribute through their taxes, purchasing power, and “sweat equity.” They pay into the income, property, and sales tax system and into the Social Security system every year.

Getting people together is the best way I know to discover workable solutions. Consider starting a discussion group at your parish. In addition to the Immigration Education PowerPoint on the Archdiocesan website, there is also a Scripture Reflection: “Notes On God's Commands Concerning the Poor” at http://archindy.org/evangelization/.

Are We Happy Yet?

2008-03-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

It’s a part of our American culture to pursue happiness. The pursuit of happiness is one of those unalienable rights, secured in our Declaration of Independence. But short of being hedonistic, it is interesting to run across some statistics about what exactly makes people happy.

Image: Going to Mass by Inger Jirby

According to Pew Research, (http://pewresearch.org/) just one-third (34%) of adults in our country say they are very happy. Another half say they are pretty happy and 15% consider themselves not too happy.

In this survey, several statistics stand out: People who attend religious services weekly or more are happier (43% very happy) than those who attend monthly or less (31%); or seldom or never (26%). This correlation between happiness and frequency of church attendance has been a consistent finding in the General Social Surveys taken over the years. The same pattern applies within all major religious denominations.

For example, 38% of all Catholics who attend church weekly or more report being very happy, while just 28% of Catholics who attend church less often say they are very happy. One reason is that religious people tend to have lots of social support and connection, one of the chief ingredients in happiness. They also live with the sense of purpose and grand design that religious faith provides. This helps people both to live meaningfully and to make sense of life’s difficulties.

Married people (43% very happy) are a good bit happier than unmarried (24%) and this too has been a consistent finding over many years and many surveys. It holds up for men as well as for women, and for the old as well as the young.

Interestingly, people who have children are no happier than those who don't, after controlling for marital status. That is, married people with children are about as happy as married people without children. And unmarried people with children are about as happy as unmarried people without children. Also, retirees are no happier than workers and pet owners are no happier than those without pets.

There is virtually no difference in happiness by gender and only a bit of variance in happiness by age. But the age data run counter to the prevailing ethos of the popular culture, which is forever extolling the blessings of youth. It turns out that the young are less happy than the middle-aged or old.

There are many things in this world that can bring us temporary happiness; sufficient money, business success, good health, a loving family, loyal friends. But no worldly thing can bring enduring joy and happiness. We might become poor, fail at business, lose our health, even our spouse or our friends. Even if we gain all these things and manage to keep them, sooner or later we must leave them all behind.

God wants us to be happy. The good news is that Jesus, Prince of Peace assures us, “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Catholic Adult Faith Education

2008-02-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

“What’s Working Well In Our Parishes?”

According to participants at a recent Archdiocesan workshop, the top answers were:

- Christ Renews His Parish
- Small Church Communities
- The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
- Lenten Reflection Series

The comments were solicited from 27 parishes attending a workshop on “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, A Strategic Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States.” Dr. Matthew Hayes, President of Brebeuf High School and former Chief Catechetical Director for the Archdiocese of Louisville facilitated the day. Matt began his career as a Parish DRE and spent 14 years as the Archdiocesan Director of Religious Education here in Indianapolis. His comment on the day was “It was a grace-full experience for him.”

Participants previewed the USCCB document so the day was spent focused on the positive aspects of what our parishes are doing. There was also a good deal of discussing on “concrete approaches to Adult Faith Formation.” Donna McKenzie from St. Joseph University Parish in Terre Haute asked, “How can we deal with the limited time that families have?” and “How do we balance doctrine, faith, ritual, spirituality and community?”

Susan Isaacs from St. Mary of the Knobs asked, “How do we best train adult leaders who themselves need to be educated in the faith?” Leslie Lynch from St. Mary, Lanesville asked for more resources to begin building an Adult Faith Formation team. Ron Greulich with the Archdiocesan Stewardship Education Office commented, “I like the idea of Catechist Certification for Adult Faith Formation.”

In reflecting on the Six Dimensions of Adult Faith Formation Content and the Qualities of Mature Faith, the group also had a few recommendations for the Office of Catholic Education:

Provide a vision for Adult Faith Formation

Provide training, structure and certification for Adult Faith Formation Leaders

Offer workshops and printed material / web-based information on “how to facilitate adult groups”

“Our Hearts Were Burning” Leader’s Guide

Monthly E-mail and articles by AFF leaders

Provide a list of resources and adult programs and links which parishes can implement

Recruit new members for Archdiocesan Adult Faith Formation Committee

Help establish Adult Faith Formation Teams; reporting, communication, support, expansion, funding

Conduct quarterly meetings for Adult Faith Formation Leaders for faith-building, training, inspiration and enrichment

Communicate success stories

Encourage our Pastors to be actively engaged in Adult Faith Formation Programs and their encouragement for all adults to attend faith formation activities

Ecclesial Lay Ministry session in New Albany

Provide balance: Doctrine, faith, ritual, spirituality, community, individual, priest, laity

Provide consistent program offerings for all parishes

More full-time staff for AFF in our parishes

The group also viewed the short National Geographic documentary, “What’s Right With the World.” Keeping our goal in focus, here is the plan: Promote ongoing conversion to Jesus, facilitate active membership in the Catholic community, and become disciples to the world. Recognizing that these goals have been with us for a long time, Anne Corcoran, Adult Faith Formation Director at St. Monica commented, “Continue to focus on Parish Leadership Training,” and added, “This was a great day and a great help.”

Catechesis For Adults

2008-02-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Since his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Catechesis In Our Time” by Pope John Paul II, our Church has taught that “The catechesis of adults is the principle form of catechesis because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibility and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form.” This message was given in Rome, at St. Peter's, on October 16, 1979, the second year of his pontificate.

A group devoted to this mission is our Adult Faith Formation Committee which is part of the Evangelization Commission. Shelia Gilbert, Committee Chairperson said, “We have been waiting a long time for adult faith formation to become the standard.” “Many good Catholics have taken this to heart and have steadfastly worked towards some level of adult faith formation for nearly thirty (30) years.”

With the publication of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, we have clarified the content of our faith. “It’s now time for serious educators to plan for implementation,” Shelia said.

Shelia and the committee members stress that all catechesis should strive to build adult Christian communities that are strong in faith, clearly proclaim the Gospel, celebrate vibrant and reverent liturgy, and give courageous witness in charity. Leading by example, Shelia is an instructor for St. Mary of the Woods College, leads the Denver Bible Study program at St. Jude, and is actively involved with the Vincent de Paul Society.

“Every person has the right to hear the Good News,” Shelia said. This right implies the corresponding duty to evangelize.

Planning for adult faith formation is to serve the glory of God, the building of the Kingdom, and the good of the Church. The goal is to orient adult Christian learning toward adult Christian living.

Presently, the group is planning to unlock the treasures in the Bishop’s document, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States for archdiocesan parish leadership.

This document specifies the following three goals to guide and direct efforts in adult faith formation: Invite and Enable Ongoing Conversion to Jesus in Holiness of Life, Promote and Support Active Membership in the Christian Community and to Call and Prepare Adults to Act as Disciples in Mission to the World.

“The real challenge is to give adult faith formation the best of our pastoral resources and energies,” Shelia said.

Making adult faith formation essential and integral to the pastoral plan of the parish is the goal. In fact, adult catechesis should be the organizing principle which gives coherence to programs children and youth.

Shelia said, “To be viable, we must design adult faith formation opportunities to serve the needs and interests of the entire faith community.”

The Adult Faith Formation Committee is sponsoring a planning session for parish leadership on February 2nd, 2008. For more information, go to http://www.archindy.info/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.archindy/evangelization.org.

New Outreach To Inactive Catholics

2007-12-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

Most of us do not have to look very far to find "non-practicing Catholics" in our circle of family and friends. Many of us are concerned about these loved ones but we don't know how to help them. Obviously, most of them are searching, but how can we help them find their way home?

St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Greenfield wants to welcome home those who have been away and will be presenting a new ministry program for those who wish to return.

If there is a message or “catch phrase” to our efforts, it is very simply, “We miss you,” said Judy Davis-Fuller, parishioner at St. Michael and also a member of the Archdiocesan Evangelization Outreach Committee.

“As baptized, practicing Catholics we have a precious gift of faith and love from the Lord that needs to be shared with our non-practicing brothers and sisters,” Judy said.

Most non-practicing Catholics are waiting for an invitation to return. Many mistakenly think they are excommunicated and are not welcome to return for a variety of reasons. Judy shared that the “first thing we need to do is to pray for them.” “Secondly, we need to extend a personal invitation to come home to the Catholic Church.”

Sometimes we fall, sometimes we get overwhelmed by the ordinary and sometimes we are more sinner than saint. Judy explained how important it is to know that "the Church does not leave us!" The Spirit is truly present in the Church Jesus gave us. "We are never alone."

"Jesus Christ loves you!" He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety nine sheep and searches for the one who is lost. When Christ finds the lost one, he places them on his shoulders and carries them home.

Judy has prepared a new Catholics Returning Home Guideline for Team Members for the archdiocesan committee. The Guidelines suggest a process using four well developed programs and discusses, Recognizing the Need, How To Begin, Developing An Effective Approach, Listening Skills, Prayer, Need For Ritual and Reconciliation and a Suggested Topical Outline.

An Evangelization Outreach Website has been prepared and offers the Catholics Returning Home Guide online as well as a Parish PowerPoint Presentation, and “Home For Christmas” Video.

“There may be many reasons why people no longer worship the Lord on the Lord's Day”, Judy said. “Whatever the reasons or excuses, they melt away in the presence of God's love.”

Being ready to be family with the Church is good preparation for the rest of our lives. Judy explained, “There will be rocky times but it is better to know how to ride out the waves than to expect to be able to avoid all of them.”

“Whatever the reason you’ve been away, whether for a few years or a lifetime, you can always reclaim your Catholic faith," Judy said. “No matter what your situation or what your reasons are, with the help of our Lord, we can help you through it.”

Evangelization outreach resources can be found at:
http://archindy.org/evangelization/outreach.html

Hispanic Heritage Month

2007-09-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Part Two: Why They Come to the United States

Thirty years ago I learned about the "Maquiladora," a term used primarily to refer to factories in Mexican towns along the United States-Mexico border. These factories encompass a variety of industries and are 100% foreign-owned, usually by U.S. companies. The term "maquiladora" refers to the practice of millers charging a "maquila", or "miller's portion" for processing other people's grain. The workers in these factories have been subsidizing our privileged lifestyle our entire life.

The majority of maquiladora employees are women. Women are considered to be preferred to men because women will typically work for cheaper wages and are easier for male employers to direct and impose poor working conditions on. Some maquiladora operators have admitted a preference for women also because women often display a greater level of patience and higher dexterity than men in performing the standardized and repetitive work of an assembly plant. Therefore, the maquila industry has, based on these conditions, been accused of the exploitation of women. The preference for female workers is a reason why so many young men cross the border for work in the U.S.

Low wages, long hours and environmental concerns are significant issues but pales in comparison to the phenomenon of hundreds of female homicides in Mexico. Called “las muertas de Juárez” or “The dead women of Juárez,” the cases involve a series of rapes and murders of young women who worked in maquiladoras factories and the violent death of hundreds of women since 1993.

The victims are workers who are bussed from their homes many miles away and after 10 – 12 hours of work are bussed back. The crimes take place late in the night in isolated rural areas. Many are reported missing by their families but with little follow up. Their bodies may be found days or months later abandoned in vacant lots or outlying areas. In most of these cases there were signs of sexual violence, abuse, torture or in some cases mutilation. Over 340 bodies have been found and over 400 women were still missing. Reaction has been forthcoming but most of the cases remain unsolved.

It is no wonder these good people want a new home and a new life. This in essence is why we need comprehensive immigration reform and we should heartedly welcome them. This is the message of our Catholic Church, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Bishops in the State of Indiana who wrote:

We Catholic bishops of Indiana recommit ourselves and our dioceses to welcoming others as Christ himself. In the Gospels, we learn that our neighbor is anyone who is in need — including those who are homeless, hungry, sick or in prison. A neighbor may well be a complete stranger whose background, experience social standing is very different from ours. Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families. As Catholic bishops, we wholeheartedly support efforts to further develop our nation’s laws concerning the migration of people to our country. Current laws and immigration policies are inadequate to protect the rights and dignity of immigrants and their families. Join us in meeting Jesus in our new neighbors.

A new round of education initiatives can begin with reviewing resources from our new Immigration Education website:

RESOURCES:

I Was A Stranger and You Welcomed Me - Meeting Christ in New Neighbors. A pastoral statement from the Bishop's of Indiana. Go to: www.archindy.org/Criterion/local/2007/01-12/letter.html

Invalid Litter Dept. is a music-video from the music group, At the Drive-In and addresses the Juarez murders. The video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwzcjQq1llw.

Justice for Immigrants – A Journey of Hope, The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform. Go to: http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/

The Daughters of Juarez by Teresa Rodriguez (ISBN 0743292030). The most recent book on the murders published last year

Hispanic Heritage Month

2007-09-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

Part One: “Why I Love Our Hispanic Brothers and Sisters”

It was early evening and a full crowd had assembled for Mass in the Guadalupe Chapel on the campus of St. Mary University in San Antonio, Texas. I stood in the back next to a gentle man who appeared tired after a long day of labor. A family stood holding their young children who slept in their arms. During the Eucharistic prayer, they knelt on the cold, hard stone floor. Their personal piety inspired me to do likewise and at the elevation of the Blessed Sacrament, they lifted their hands in praise.

These were not the Hispanic students who now comprise 53% of the campus body. These were people who came to Mass during the week for sustenance and renewal. This is where they came to empty themselves of their fatigue and frustrations and center their lives in faith, family and community.

Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15th, the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries and runs through October 15th. It is a celebration of the 44 million or 14% of the people in the United States of Hispanic origin.

One of the reasons why I love our Hispanic Catholics is because it gives me the privilege of viewing a snapshot of what it must have been like for my own grandparents who came to this country many years ago. They too were poor, hard working, and hopeful. They were brave and courageous and wanted a better life for their children.

They were legal, in the sense of having obtained proper documentation but were no less allowed entry for the purpose of giving the established generation of Americans the advantage of their labor. Truth be told, we have had an open back door for years in the United States through the Trans-Texas Corridor.

The Catholic Church in the United States has always been an immigrant Church which has stood firmly with newcomers; Irish, Italian, German, Polish and now Hispanic. Our families depended on the Church for socialization, faith formation, assimilation, language translation, cultural identity and schooling for our children.

Our Church also stands for truth and justice. With the collapse of comprehensive immigration reform, much of the immigration debate has shifted to the state and local level. Increasingly, states and localities have enacted anti-immigrant measures, many of which penalize not only the undocumented, but their families, business owners, and others who interact with them.

We have the honor to welcome Christ in this generation of faith-filled newcomers. Please support immigration reform and implement a new round of education initiatives including the Bishop's of Indiana pastoral statement, "I Was A Stranger and You Welcomed Me, " Meeting Christ in New Neighbors.

We have so much to learn from our Hispanic brothers and sisters. I respect their work ethic and have a Christian sense of solidarity with their poverty of Spirit. We should be thankful for their contribution of labor but particularly their faith.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Cast Your Net To the Other Side

2007-09-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

In an ecumenical gathering on the topic, “Forming Spiritual Friendships” Mindy Caliguire, author of the book, Discovering Soul Care, explained the concept of confession as a spiritual discipline essential to our spiritual growth. Citing scripture she proclaimed, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9). Mindy said that faith sharing in small groups is helpful because there is something valuable about audibly hearing the words, “You are loved and forgiven.” She went on to say that the full expression of this spiritual discipline is found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Catholic Church.”

According to our Catholic teaching, that is nothing new. But our presenter was an evangelical Christian minister whose parents were brought up Catholic but were estranged from the Church. In her spiritual quest and authentic discipleship, Mindy became inspired by the Catholic vision and continues on the road of inquiry.

This gives us great cause to rejoice.

It is possible, according to our Catholic doctrine, to affirm correctly that the Church of Christ is present and operative in the ecclesial communities not yet fully in communion with the Catholic Church. There are elements of sanctification and truth that are present in them which are gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ which impel us towards Catholic unity.

Communities in Christian dialogue believe Jesus instituted one, holy and Catholic Church as professed in our common creed. It follows that these separated churches and communities are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the mystery of salvation. In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church.

Our Catholic doctrine state that these communities do not enjoy apostolic succession in the Sacrament of Orders, and are, therefore, deprived of a constitutive element of the Church. Being deprived in this case is to be denied something meaningful and to be deprived of the Eucharist and other means of sacramental grace is to be deprived of life.

As catechists, we do not wish to deprive anyone from the means to grow in sacred knowledge. The mission of Catholic education is to teach which is an essential ministry modeled by Christ. Our ministry is spiritual work of mercy; to instruct those who lack knowledge. New members are also a source of renewal and inspiration to us all.

Knowledge begins with concrete experience, but requires other factors not given in experience in order to reach its perfection. Knowledge requires thought, observation and interpretation, abstracting the contents of experience from the conditions which individualize them and goes to the core of reality which is faith, hope and love.

This is a challenge of Catholic education and faith formation which is a lifelong process of Christian initiation.

There are 153 million non-Catholic professed Christians in the United States.

Therefore we teach.

Spiritual Ecumenism

2007-06-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

"Thank God there are those whose faith is strong enough to freely share it with other."

That is an often quoted statement from retired Bishop William Houck of Jackson, Mississippi. He had the privilege to chair the USCCB Committee on Evangelization during the time that "Go and Make Disciples, A National Plan and Strategy For Catholic Evangelization in the United States" was written.

Bishop Houck was also fond of welcoming new Catholics from other faith traditions during the Rite of Election with a smile saying, "Don't think that we, as Catholics are perfect, we are all on a journey of faith. You bring giftedness to our community and I thank you for sharing your faith with us."

Catholic people who are confident in their faith are able to embrace evangelization and ecumenism because we understand Church as a people of God on the move (Lumen Gentium 2, Conclusion, 8, 9, 48-51). We are neither threatened nor diminished by honest dialogue.

Our Church teaches that the ecumenical process is an adventure of the Holy Spirit and a spiritual process. Christ the Lord founded one church and one church only; division openly contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the world and damages the holy cause of preaching the Gospel.

A part of our Christian formation is to be animated by an ecumenical spirit and missionary task in the world and in society. In the life of the faithful, imbued with the Spirit of Christ, the gift prayed for by Christ before his passion, the "grace of unity", is of primary importance.

What is helpful in forming good relationships is the care and attention given which draws together the real communion already existing among Christians. This may be seen in our reverence for Scripture, the inspiring, living Word of God and our common profession of faith in the triune God and in the redemptive action of Christ, the Son of God made man. It finds expression in the various Creeds Christians share; it is embraced in the one sacrament of baptism which constitutes the fundamental bond between them; it directs us all to full visible unity and a common destiny in the one Kingdom of God.

We desire to share these elements which Christians of other faith traditions hold in common. Spiritual ecumenism means therefore the teaching of Scripture, of the living tradition of the Church, and of the outcomes of ecumenical dialogues that have been personally and totally assimilated, filled with life, and becoming light and strength in our everyday life.

Catechesis will have an ecumenical dimension if it arouses and nourishes a true desire for unity and still more if it fosters real effort, including efforts in humility to purify ourselves, so as to remove obstacles on the way. We need only aim at that perfect unity which the Lord wills and by using the means that He wills.

Contagious Faith, Hope and Love

2007-05-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

June is a popular month for weddings and my daughter Katie is getting married. Soon she will be Mrs. Anthony Austin. “Kate Austin,” sounds like a great name. All those wonderful sacramental times we take on a new name to denote a new identity, a new relationship. I can’t think of a more evangelizing event as when two individuals, out of love for each other, make a covenant reflective of God’s love for us.

A father wants to pass along all those words of wisdom that ultimately, our children need to learn by heart. I can hear the groan, "Oh Dad!" But there are a few thoughts that I can share from a lived faith experience that reflect the truth of scripture and the tradition of our faith. Perhaps it can serve as a resource in your memory when your own daughter gets married some day.

FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE

Marriage is a commitment of faith and trust between a man and woman requiring openness of life and thought, free from doubt and a commitment to speak the truth in love to one another. Marriage is a promise of hope that endures all things with understanding and compassion and to never give up in despair. Marriage is a covenant of love in which both husband and wife empty themselves of their own concerns, and take upon themselves the concerns of each other as they love and care for one another.

The message for us all is that married love works to imitate and mirror God’s love for us and His tremendous commitment to love His people unconditionally. When we enter into a relationship with Jesus, He never sets impossible conditions on people before He responds to them. He never asks them to achieve a perfect standard before He accepts them. He loves his people where they are, whatever they have done. He is committed to them for eternity, regardless of their feelings about Him.

The Epistle reading Katie and Anthony chose is Romans 12: 1-13:

Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Do not conform yourselves to his age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

What is evangelizing about God's love and your love for one another is the power it has to transform and make new our way of thinking. You inspire us. We don’t have to conform ourselves to anything less than God’s love. The passage continues:

Let your love be sincere, hate what is evil, hold on to what is good, love one another with mutual affection, anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, and serve the lord. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.

As your father I am convinced of this faith of ours and ask only one thing. I would ask that you build your lives together on something worthy of confidence and this is it, ,,,

Love never fails; love will always find a way.

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, and persevere in prayer. Build your lives on the tender mercies of God which are unfailing and never disappointing. It is my hope that you be encouraged by God assurance beyond question and enabled by His Spirit that you will always find His love for you revealed in Jesus Christ.

Thank you for sharing your love with your mother and I and others. Be happy and know that we love you very much.

RENOVARE

2007-05-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Vatican II Decree On Ecumenism proclaimed that the restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Catholic Church. A divided witness to Christ is an imperfect witness. In a particular way, it is appropriate that all those who call themselves Christians, all those who profess Christ's commandment of love, should live as one family. Through unity among Christians a more authentic and more effective witness could be given to the Lordship of Jesus and a more generous service to humankind could be offered in His name.

If you ask Christians why they take part in activities for Christian unity, their answers are likely to include:

· Accepting that God's ultimate purpose is to unite all things in Christ
· Obedience to the prayer of Jesus Christ "That all might be one" (John 17:21)
· Acknowledgement that Christ is the only one who can reconcile all things and people, and that Christ's people must pray for this reconciliation
· Acceptance that the Christian Church can only be the Church that God intended if all churches acknowledge their mutual interdependence
· Desire to achieve unity in a way that enriches rather than diminishes the legitimate diversity of local churches.

The document also states, “There can be no ecumenism worthy of the name without a change of heart, … This change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name, “spiritual ecumenism,” (section 7-8). We desire to be in community with all Christian denominations and evangelical groups.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, Secretary for the Vatican Council to Promote Christian Unity, stated that, “While the search for Christian unity may need some creative ideas for overcoming long-standing denominational differences, it definitely needs education aimed at shoring up the basics of Christian life.” If ecumenism is based on unity in faith, then Christians must know and believe the faith they claim to share.

On September 14-15, 2007, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is joining twenty-six other Christian churches and denominations in a Conference for Spiritual Renewal. RENOVARE, from the Latin which means, “to renew,” articulates a balanced vision of spiritual life and faith and seeks to give a practical strategy for spiritual growth. Based on our common, time-honored means of God’s grace, we will gather together in Spirit and prayer to learn more to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.

Renovare is funded with a grant from the Lilly Foundation and the Indianapolis Center for Congregations. Please feel free to consult the Archdiocesan Evangelization website, http://archindy.org/evangelization/renovare.html

Pilgrimage In Brazil: Our Lady of Aparecida

2007-05-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

This month, Pope Benedict XVI will journey to Brazil, a county of 134 million Catholics representing 83.5% of the population.

Part of Pope Benedict’s visit will include a pilgrimage to the town of Aparecida which lies in the province of Sao Paolo. It is known as the most important Marian shrine in the country, the point onto which pilgrims from all over the world converge. Our Lady of Aparecida is the patron saint of Brazil.

A pilgrimage is a long journey or search of great moral significance. It is a journey to a sacred place or shrine of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. It is a sacred journey, especially one undertaken as a to pay homage. It all began in 1717 when three fishermen, Domingos Garcia, Filipe Pedroso and João Alves were sent out by the local authorities to find fish in the Paraiba River. They went down the river and found nothing. After many unsuccessful attempts they arrived at a place called Porto Itaguaçu.

João Alves threw his net into the water and brought back a statue of Our Lady of Conception, but the head was missing. He threw his net in again and soon reeled in the head of the statue. After that, according to the legend, the fish arrived in abundance for the three humble fishermen and their nets were full. Thus began their pilgrimage of faith. This sacred location became a place to revisit and recall our stories and experience of faith. For some, a pilgrim’s destination becomes a place to remember the faithfulness of others.

Some of the most important pilgrim destinations include, Jerusalem, site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Rome, site of the deaths of Saints Peter and Paul and other early martyrs as well as the headquarters of our Catholic Church. Many pilgrims travel to Constantinople, present day Istanbul, Turkey and former capital of the Byzantine Empire and see of the ancient Patriarchs. Lourdes in France is certainly a popular pilgrim destination where apparitions of the Virgin Mary appeared and the Way of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Aparecida remained an unassuming village with a small community of Redemptionists. They arrived from the Province of Munich in Germany and took on the responsibility for the shrine, making it the first Redemptionist parish in Latin America.

Construction of the shrine began in 1737 by the Redemptorists, and was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and our Holy Mother, patron Saint of mothers-to-be and the new-born, rivers and the sea, gold, honey and beauty. It is now the second most visited Marian shrine in the world! Aparecida is also the second largest Basilica in the world, after St. Peter’s in Rome. It can hold up to 45,000 worshippers!

During his life in Nazareth, Jesus honored the Virgin Mary and Joseph when he learned how to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Lead us Lord to be aware of the importance of pilgrimage for faithful Catholics everywhere. Lead us to understand that we too have to "attend to our Father's business," Luke 2:41-52.

"SHOUT CATHOLIC"

2007-04-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Part of my role as Associate Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is to communicate the message of evangelization. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” Seems straight forward enough and quite simple; our commission is to welcome people to Christ, specifically through the Catholic Church.

Having labored in the home-mission territory of the South where 1-3% Catholic population is not uncommon, there is a general acceptance that the “Bible Belt” has had some serious historical resistance to Catholicism. Catholics represent approximately 20% of the U.S. population. However, north of the Mason-Dixie line, only three (3) Catholic dioceses have fewer than 10% Catholic. If you draw a line from Indianapolis to Lafayette, IN and Steubenville, OH, this geographic triangle grows lots of corn but few Catholics.

At a recent collaborative meeting with our Catholic Education, Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Care officials, we discussed all the wonderful things that are accomplished in the name of Jesus through our Catholic schools, social justice ministries and hospitals.

Over 20,000 K-12 children and youth are served in our 70 Catholic schools. We are committed to serving the urban poor in education with our consortium schools and new Cristo Rey Providence High School.

Our Catholic Charities programs are committed to supporting groups of low-income individuals as they work to break the cycle of poverty and improve their communities through counseling, homeless shelters, child advocacy, adult and youth programs, pregnancy and adoption services, crisis intervention, refugee resettlement, food banks and education for justice.

St.Vincent Health, Indiana’s largest health care system, is celebrating 125 years of dedicated health care service to Central Indiana residents.

St. Francis Health Care not only provides medical and education services but also has a collaborative partnership with St. Elizabeth / Coleman (Catholic Charities) which provides domestic and international adoption, free pregnancy testing and pre- and post-natal medical care, home- and community-based outreach services, adoption and parenting counseling.

The general consensus is that we have something to “shout Catholic” about!

We do not minister to God’s people because they are Catholic. We provide outreach and service because WE are Catholic. What is unfortunate is that the State of Indiana where our Catholic schools represent the fifth largest school district, where tens of thousands receive social services and millions of dollars are freely given in health care, not everyone who benefits from great, Christ-centered education and loving care even considers actually joining the Catholic Church.

We are not in the business of proselytizing but we are in the business of “making disciples.” Maintaining brick, mortar and steel is not the mission. Jesus is the mission, the message and the messenger who is asking us to draw people close to him. That starts with an invitation to explore what it means to be Catholic. Ministry and service open the door. All we have to do is ask, “Would you like to join me at our parish this Sunday?”

We have every reason to be proud to be Catholic. We have every reason to have a high opinion of our Church, our parish programs and our outreach ministries. We must not neglect this most vital lifeline to evangelizing new people.

St. Francis was quoted to have said, “If given only a sip of water and a few berries, a bird will sing all day.” Say it and sing it. We have every reason to “Shout Catholic.”

Outreach To Inactive Catholics

2007-03-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

“Pray for those alienated from the Catholic Church.” With these words I began my witness talk and mission appeal in the Archdiocese of Boston. This happened to be during the summer when the clergy sex abuse story was at the height of public outcry. It was particularly difficult because I was representing the home mission diocese where Cardinal Bernard Law was ordained a priest. No amount of past goodness was going to sway public opinion. I did however offer a story about the infamous Boston native, Paul Revere, who was a silversmith by trade.

Some children were watching him one day in his shop and asked why he had used a furnace. “To purify the silver,” he replied. “Can’t you just leave it in there?” they asked. “Oh, no,” said Revere, “You have to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn away.” The children persisted, “How do you know when it’s done?” Paul Revere replied, “That’s easy!” “When I can see my reflection in it.”

God will never let his church be destroyed but as the story illustrates, we must undergo a purgation guided by a loving hand until we can see the very face of Christ reflected in everything we do.

Many of those who feel excruciated, or in pain or are unable to resolve their distrust, or feelings of guilt or fear remain separated from our Catholic family. Many truly live in a state of banishment and self-imposed exile.

How can we help alleviate this heaviness of heart? How can we make up for a spiritual life lost or practically nonexistent? How to be part of the solution? -- that is the question.

Tucson, Arizona Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas asked disillusioned Catholics to give the church another try. Kicanas decided to make alienated Catholics the focus of Lent this past year, asking local parishioners to pray for their fellow Catholics to "come home."

"People's alienation from the church is something that needs to be listened to, but they need an invitation. "Different groups out there are angry for personal reasons, moral reasons, people who lapsed and don't find a priority in participating in the life of the church," Kicanas said. "The Lord invited people one to one and called them by name - the more personal the better - You want to invite them home."

As a parish family, we are responsible to witness our love and concern by fostering an atmosphere of belonging so that no one should feel alienated from the parish community. Through liturgy, catechesis, evangelization, and socialization, the spiritual identity we seek to develop will be supported and enriched. As Catholics, we are dedicated to cultivating the caring spirit of Christ among every age group and every definition of family structure within our parish.

May we assist you in your journey of faith?

OCE / Evangelization
John Valenti
jvalenti@archindy.org

Need more information? Contact the Catholics Returning Home program at one of these parishes:

- Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Albany 812-944-1184
- St. Barnabas, Indianapolis 317-882-0724
- St. John, Bloomington 812-876-1974
- St. Jude, Indianapolis 317-786-4371
- St. Simon, Indianapolis 317-826-6000
- St. Gabriel, Indianapolis 317-291-7014

Compas Points Toward Home

2007-01-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

Glennonville is a postage stamp sized village in the Bootheel of Missouri and Sandy Compas is buried there. The town is not actually in the Bootheel, but in a somewhat undefined northeast part of the southeastern corner of the state. Sandy may have been as undefined as Glennonville until we take a closer look.

Sandy had a passion for teaching religion to children and adults. Born in the Gold Rush area of California and raised in Springfield, MO she considered Glennonville her home. Although she served the Catholic Church in Owensboro and Louisville, KY and most recently as Associate Director of Religious Education in the Diocese of Little Rock, “Sandy is buried in Glennonville because she did mission work there and taught at St. Teresa Catholic School three different times in her life.” We all have to determine our direction and Sandy “loved it there and said that's where she wanted to be,” according to her Sister Lynn.

Her untimely death occurred while driving back to Little Rock from the ordination of Deacon Joe Weidenbenner, (St. Meinrad Seminary) which took place in Glennonville. Sandy was very close to her “second family” the Weidenbenner’s, who “adopted her when she was a teacher there.”

"There is such a hunger for religious education on the part of the people, especially the catechists and adults," quoting Sandy in the Arkansas Catholic newspaper. "My heart has always been in the rural parishes," she said. "I feel that's where my strengths are.”
Itinerant by vocation, Glennonville was where Sandy’s heart and strength were. It is where she centered her prayer life.

The town was named for Archbishop John Joseph Glennon of St. Louis, (1903-1946) who believed that the agrarian life was especially conducive to sturdy family life and Christian virtue. In 1905, he started a program called the Colonization Movement which led to what would become the National Catholic Rural Life Conference.

Hand picked German Catholics were invited to come to the new colony to buy farmland in a remote settlement far from the banks of the Mississippi River and major highways. Twelve thousand acres were purchased by the Church for the purpose of this new Catholic evangelization.

Like the town, Sandy was small in stature; unassuming, but was pure Catholic from conception, and beneath the alluvial soil, a faith as timeless and powerful as the earthquake prone area of the New Madrid Fault.

Former Glennonville resident Margaret Oakley author of “Growing Up in Glennonville” writes:

Glennonville, home of my childhood – where have you gone? The white New England style church has been torn down. The lovely stained glass windows depicting the Stations of the Cross are gone. The beautiful little Christmas crèche so lovingly carried from Germany is gone, … The little church with the wheezing pump organ has been replaced by a characterless "modern" sixties style building. The heater works and the parishioners don't shiver in the cold winter mornings, but the coziness and comforting familiarity is gone. A circuit priest hurries though the Sunday morning Mass then rushes off to the next parish, Maiden aunts are not there to sew the shrouds. There are no all night vigils in the home for the dead.

Yet, Sandy Compas is there and she is pointing our way towards home.

She attained her reward as itinerant missionary; accomplished being a Catholic pioneer; a quiet school teacher and passionate catechist, Sandy achieved much in her rural ministry.

It is best to say simply, “She was my friend.”

NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH

2006-12-28T04:16:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy and the Herron-Morton Historic District, Indianapolis, IN

The Herron-Morton Historic District, formerly known as “Camp Morton” is an area that was used as a prisoner of war camp for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Most of the captured and wounded Confederate soldiers were from Mississippi having fought in the Battles of Shiloh and Vicksburg. Not far from this site is the Kennedy-King Memorial Park. It was April 4, 1968 and news of the assassination of Martin Luther King in Memphis had not yet reached the public. Presidential hopeful, Sen. Robert Kennedy was scheduled to deliver a campaign speech in this most neglected neighborhood of the black community. Kennedy’s advisors urged him to cancel his speech because everyone was afraid of how people would react to the news of King’s assassination.

Climbing up on to the back of a flatbed truck, Kennedy delivered a powerful and heartfelt impromptu speech to the inner city crowd gathered that evening. He spoke about healing the hearts and souls of a nation and called for reconciliation between the races. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, fires and riots broke out and thousands of people were injured. Indianapolis however, remained quiet that night, in part due to Kennedy's compassionate plea for peace and understanding. Later that same year Kennedy would also become a victim to an assassin’s bullet.

One hundred years earlier, in the same neighborhood, Camp Morton commandant, Colonel Richard Owen showed a similar compassion towards the captured Confederate soldiers. He spoke, “Of the sick prisoners at the military prison, many under eighteen years of age, “All receive the best medical treatment possible, but the best of attention cannot save some from the grasp of death.” Those who did survive went home to tell the story of how well they were treated.

In 1911, Sumner Archibald Cunningham, the editor of Confederate Veteran Magazine, received permission to place a bronze memorial tablet in honor of the very well liked Camp Morton commandant. Contributions were so great that a bronze bust of Colonel Robert Owen was substituted for the tablet and placed in the Indiana State House. The bust was dedicated in 1913 in the presence of many veterans, both north and south.

There is also a monument on the spot where Kennedy shared the spirit and message of Martin Luther King. Artist Daniel Edwards created a statue from metal which came from handguns that were gathered at a police buy back program and melted down to create material for this sculpture. The life-size figure of Martin Luther King seems to emerge from one wall and is reaching out. On the opposite wall there is the figure of Robert Kennedy. He too is reaching out.

Both historic landmarks are powerful monuments that symbolizes “love of enemy,” and a vision of reconciliation; a vision that hopefully can spread in every neighborhood and change the heart of our country and the world.

Robert Kennedy said, “We can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand and to comprehend, and to replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.”

An audio file for this speech can be found at: http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/rfk.htm

John Valenti is the Associate Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis

ADVENT: A TIME FOR EVANGELIZATION

2006-11-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

Advent is a liturgical season that highlights the evangelization mission of our Catholic Church. The gospel message calls for a need to prepare and be ready. It is a time to convert our hearts and get things right for the Lord.

The term Evangelization literally means “to preach the gospel and encourage conversion to the heart and mind of Jesus." Preaching the gospel is the art of delivering a public discourse, sermon or witness on behalf of Jesus Christ.

There are many scriptural examples effective preaching and evangelization. The elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah and finished building the temple at the command of God, (Ezra 6:14). The people of Nineveh were saved from condemnation for those who repented at the preaching of Jonah, (Mt. 12:40-42).

John the Baptist came preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins, (Mk. 1:4, Mt. 3:1). Jesus himself went throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom was the central act of his ministry.

In 1 Corinthians 1:17 we read the words of the Apostle Paul, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”

Our website serves as a portal to any one of the numerous ministries offered by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The goal of is to be an “online home for Catholics in central and southern Indiana and beyond -- to be a tool of evangelization, to draw all people more deeply into the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to help them stay connected to the broad world of our faith.”

The National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) places evangelization at the core of ministry to fire a new energy and commitment to proclaim the Gospel. Everyone in ministry must appreciate the fact that evangelization and a comprehensive catechesis are in some way part of their own responsibilities.

According to Diana Raiche, Director of Religious Education for the National Catholic Educational Association, (NCEA) the expansion of the term catechetical leader is worth noting in the NDC. . . . “A Catholic school superintendent, for example, by virtue of the catechetical responsibilities, is a catechetical leader." Since the Catholic school is a center for evangelization, the Catholic school principal is also a catechetical leader who "plays a crucial role in achieving the catechetical objectives of the parish."

According to Bishop Richard J. Malone, STL, ThD, Bishop of Portland, Maine and Episcopal Advisor for the National Conference of Catechetical Leaders, (NCCL) “We do not evangelize and catechize in a vacuum. Even as we affirm and build on culture’s positive elements, we must recognize and confront those elements that are roadblocks to evangelization and catechesis.”

During Advent, we celebrate and anticipate the good news of the kingdom which will be proclaimed throughout the world. We look forward to being evangelized. Jesus said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God for I was sent for this purpose,” (Luke 4:43). The time is fulfilled, repent, and believe in the good news.

ADULT FAITH FORMATON: Meeting The Needs of Catholics

2006-10-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

There are the conventional parish programs: Marriage preparation, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, (RCIA) Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Vacation Bible School. There are the unconventional: Apologetics 101, Lighthouse Media and The Bible Challenge Quiz. Then, there are the creative: M.O.M.S. (Ministry of Mothers Sharing), Inter-Religious Neighborhood Groups, Catholic Adult Lending Library and special outreach classes for Spanish speaking Catholics.

These programs are offered in a variety of parishes in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to respond to our call for life-long, adult faith formation. More specifically, these programs respond to the real faith and spiritual needs of our Catholic people. The goal of our Faith Formation Commissions are to meet the religious education needs of adults outside the traditional setting.

According to Jonathan Chamblee, Coordinator of Religious Education at Holy Family in Beech Grove, “Many of our Catholics feel they need comprehensible answers to some of life’s difficult questions, especially when it comes to explaining our Catholic faith to non-Catholics.” “Apologetics 101” is taught by Matt Anglemeyer, a parishioner who offers a fast-paced adventure on "Defending the Faith. “If you want to take your knowledge of the faith to a different level this class is for you,” Jonathan said.

Another response is provided by Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Albany. Using the resources from St. Joseph Communications the Faith Formation Commission began offering free Lighthouse Media CD’s on the Catholic faith in the church lobby last July. The program contains nine different CDs and three brochures on various topics. “The first set of CDs are almost gone!” according to their web-page.

Quick, … “What was the name of David & Bathsheba's first child to become King? Samuel?” Solomon? Jesse? How about, “ What King died after seeing the "handwriting on the wall?" Belshazzar? Nebuchandnessar? Give Up?

Many say our Catholics don’t know or read much scripture. Remedy? St. Louis Parish in Batesville came up with “The Bible Challenge”, which tests your knowledge of scripture right on the parish web-page. If you are feeling lucky, visit them at http://www.stlouis-batesville.org.

St. Mary’s Parish in Indianapolis offers Adult Religious Formation (Formación Religiosa para los Adultos) for Spanish-speaking Catholics. Many bi-lingual opportunities are offered for adults such as the yearly tri-parish mission with neighboring Holy Cross and Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Faith Matters and a Film Festival which shows and discusses DVD's of a theological nature.

Saint Philip Neri reaches out to the neighborhood during the Lenten Season with Neighborhood Cross Ministry. Each year, forty volunteers, both Catholic and non-Catholic, place large wooden crosses made by parishioners in their yards. Prior to placing these crosses there is a prayer service for the neighborhood.

Lorianne Meek and Maria Southwood with St. Francis and St. Clare in Greenwood helped create a responsive ministry for the Moms in the parish. The purpose of MOMS is to create in women an awareness of the inner sacred self, while at the same time teaching new ways to inspire, encourage, and affirm each other and their ministry as a mother.

St. Simon on the Geist Reservoir provides a Catholic Adult Lending Library, a resource of Catholic and Christian materials for parishioners, leaders and clergy which is opened during school hours and after Sunday Masses on the first Sunday of the month.

Our Catholic identity is maturing towards a life-long process of ongoing faith formation. Along with our systematic and age-appropriate offerings, programs supporting outreach and evangelization, intergenerational and family catechesis and small church communities are helping to develop a new generation of faithful Catholics.

St. Mary of the "Woodsies" and the Lords of the Black Onyx Ring by John Valenti

2006-09-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

That ring! The black onyx emblem of St. Mary of the Woods. Graduates, … “Woodsies” they call them, wear it proudly and never hesitate for a moment to talk about what it means to them.

“I value it but also want to share it, … as long as I get it back,” said “Woodsie” Mickey Lentz, Executive Director of Catholic Education and Faith Formation. “I want people to see it and enjoy it as much as I do.”

“YOU SEE IT IN THE STRANGEST PLACES”

“It’s amazing the places I have been where I found someone wearing it. While on vacation in Las Vegas, Mickey caught a glimpse of the icon on the finger of a fellow “Woodsie” at Mass. She was the Eucharistic minister! “They are everywhere!” Kathy Wright, Principal of St. Simon the Apostle spotted the ring on a trolley in San Diego. Sr. James Michael Kesterson, SP, Principal at St. Jude Catholic School met someone wearing a “Woodsie” ring at the airport, in Paris, France. “You see them all over Indiana, nationwide and internationally, … People want to know where you got it.” “It’s unique and really stands out,” said Sr. James Michael.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a Catholic,

four-year women's college located in West Terre Haute, Indiana. SMWC is the nation's oldest Catholic liberal arts college for women and one of the oldest institutions of higher education for women in the United States. The college is associated with the Sisters of Providence and was founded in 1841 by Mother Theordore Guerin.

In October 1998,

Pope John Paul II bestowed the title "Blessed" on Mother Theodore. Pope Benedict XVI has approved her canonization which will be held October 15, 2006 in Rome.

St. Mary of the Woods College holds an annual ceremony where juniors receive black onyx rings signifying their bond to the institution. As “Woodsies” walk off the stage after receiving their ring, most alumni realize it’s more than just a pretty object. The oak leaves are symbolic of the knowledge gained at The Woods, the six acorns are symbolic of the founders, and the insignia carved in black onyx serves as a reminder that those who wear the gold and onyx are educated women guided by "virtus cum scientia," knowledge and strength united.

“HOW DOES WEARING THE RING MAKE YOU FEEL?”

For Kathy Wright, a New York native, there was only two times her parents were able to visit the campus. The first was her Freshman year when they dropped her off and the second was during the ring ceremony and Mass her Junior year. “I was so extremely proud,” Kathy said.

“As a Catholic educator, I feel like I’ve gone the extra mile and was able to achieve something special. I gives me hope and confidence in what I have been able to accomplish,” said Mickey. “It constantly reminds me of a very good experience at a place I feel like I belong.” “Even today, the relationships I formed with fellow elementary education teachers are still going strong, … I look forward to our reunions and gatherings.”

“Who can forget that memorable moment when you finally earned your onyx ring?” said Cindy Flaten, Director of Religious Education at Christ the King Parish. I am very proud to wear the ring not only because it’s beautiful, but because of the integrity it represents and shows forth in our graduate’s identity.”

Virginia Kappner, School Data Coordinator and her friends envied the ring that Kathy Ticheno, retired Principal from Central Catholic had. “None of the rest of us had a Catholic college experience so we made a wooden one and gave it to Kathy for her birthday! Two more “Woodsies,” are Mary Pat Sharpe, Principal at of St. Joan of Arc and Sue Butwin, Deanery Religious Education Coordinator in Terre Haute.

A current “Woodsie” student in the Master’s program is Sister Teri Boland, a Sister of Providence and Principal of Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Terre Haute. “Right now I wear my Father’s wedding ring which is dear to me, but many of our older Providence Sisters pass them down in which case I would be honored to wear one.”

Another MAPT student is Becky Douglas, Coordinator of Faith Formation for the Archdiocesan Consortium of Urban Education. Although Becky only became a 'Woodsie' last January, she said, “I love it there and can feel the presence of Mother Theodore whenever I walk along the paths of the campus.” “A very strong woman, she was able to look past her hardships, … She is an inspiration and you can still feel her spirit with you at the Woods.”

Sr. Jeanne Hagelskamp, also a Sister of Providence and “Woodsie” is heading up the Providence Cristo Rey High School, the newest Catholic high school in Indianapolis. The school is scheduled to open in August, 2007 which welcomes all students and is designed to provide a college prep education to economically-disadvantaged students in a faith-based environment. The school is being sponsored by the Sisters of Providence

of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Mary Jo Thomas Day, Director of Religious Education at St. Monica has an extensive background with the Sisters of Providence. She attended a Sister of Providence grade school and graduated from St. Mary of the Woods. Mary Jo was a Sister of Providence and taught in their schools for 14 years. She then continued her post graduate work from the Woods and finished a Master’s degree in pastoral theology. Her husband John also went to a Sister of Providence grade school and her children attend Holy Cross, which used to be a Sister of Providence school.

Mickey Lentz finished her degree through the Woods External Degree (WED) Program, a distance education program which began in 1973. “Very innovative for the time and one of the first of its kind in the nation,” said Mickey. Today, St. Mary of the Woods offers more than 30 majors through the WED format. “It is something to aspire towards and the ring is symbolic of that.”

“At first I bought the pendant but went back for the ring when I could afford one.”

“You can’t help but notice the ring, especially at meetings,” said Mickey. “I find myself looking at other people’s fingers!” Many who have noticed my ring ask me, “Are you a nun?”

The Church and the Character of Hope

2006-08-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

The world today is consistently described as being in despair. Macro-issues ranging from the war torn Middle East to an unpredictable economy relate to our closer-to-home uneasiness about the price of gas, availability of health care and long-term retirement security. The word “despair” literally means the negation, of hope. The erosion of faith, honest public discourse and the evaporation of traditional social relationships produces among us a kind of hopelessness.

Everyone is susceptible to despair; the hidden or “covert” despair of those who “have” and the open despair of those who do not. We are not to confuse hope with optimism. Hope is a virtue graciously given by God apart from all deserving and offers us a future that our own past does not warrant. It is God’s free gift of grace. Optimism on the other hand is what fuels dreams of wealth, power and success that every infomercial on television tries to remedy or satisfy.

It is said that our hopes are a measure of our greatness. The question is, “What does faith have to say about restoring hope to the world?” As Catholics, we believe that the world is good and was created good, therefore we are at home in it, and our faith is at home in it. Yet, the world falls short of God’s intention and expectation. Because of sin the world becomes estranged from God.

Although I am responsible to do my part, I am relieved that the answer to such conditions has been addressed through Christ’s saving action. It is not our mission, it is God’s mission which calls us to change culture by confessing and witnessing God as hope in action. Our mission as Christ’s disciple community is to participate actively in this divine labor of faithful love. This witness to God’s reign is “hope in action.”

We are to serve God’s mission. Our Church and world belong to God and God will finally determine its agenda. God’s answer through Jesus Christ brings new life in the midst of death, hope in the midst of hopelessness, and movements toward justice and reconciliation in the midst of grinding oppression. We must witness truth and justice in a pluralistic world. We must listen to voices other than our own. In the cross and resurrection (paschal mystery) alone rest our hope, our strength and it is the Eucharist that nourishes the community.

When in despair, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians and said,

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed,” (2 Cor. 4: 7-8).

The greatest test of the Christian message in our time is whether it is able to engage and transform despair. When God reveals Himself and calls us, we must hope that He will also give us the capacity to love and serve Him in return. Hope is the confident expectation of a divine blessing. It is a hope that we will “see” God in our lives, where he is acting in love.

"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD.

How Do I Become Catholic? The RCIA Process

2006-07-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the North American Forum on the Catechumenate recently sponsored an institute for those interested in learning more about how people become Catholic. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of conversion; a gradual process that marks the stages along the path to full commitment in the Roman Catholic Church. The institute presented the compelling vision and pastoral skills to implement the initiation process and emphasized the relationship of good liturgy to good catechesis.

You may be wondering what is involved in the RCIA.

Perhaps someone has asked you, “How do I become a Catholic?”

The formation process is two-fold: First, a focus on the inner transformation of the individual and their call to discipleship by exploring the lectionary of Scripture readings and secondly, to the gradual transformation of the person as an active member of the local church.

The RCIA process is meant to help people recognize their experiences of God in all aspects of their lives. When the catechumens share the stories of their lives it includes their struggles, their hopes, their fears, their dreams and ideals. It is in all of this that they are invited to recognize and to name their experiences of God. When catechumens reflect on scriptures, they are called to broaden this experience. Through our telling of our story we make it a part of the good news that can now be shared with the world.

The RCIA also recognizes that in order to become a fully mature Christian, the catechumen must become an active and conscious participant in liturgy and have a vibrant life of prayer. Finally, the mature Christian should also be one who lives out his commitment through actions which reflect gospel values.

There are several periods in this process which may take anywhere from one to three years. The beginning period is called Pre-Catechumrnate, a time for the inquirers to ask questions. The other periods are called the Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy. These periods of the process are all preceded by formal Rites with the assembly that will be an affirmation to the community as well as the individual moving on their journey towards the Easter Vigil, where they are welcomed and initiated into our Catholic community.

An interesting by-product of the RCIA is the transformation that happens to sponsors of candidates and catechumens. Time and time again sponsors realize how much they learn about the Catholic faith by helping others through the initiation process.

What is the first step? Invite someone to explore our Catholic faith. One of the best evangelization suggestions came from a priest in Mississippi who simply ask people, “Surely you know someone you love that’s not going to church, … I want to talk with them and invite them to Mass.” Now that we have been trained, we’re ready to welcome people to the Catholic faith.

Anyone who is seriously thinking about becoming a Roman Catholic or who would simply like more information can contact any Catholic parish office for more information.

I AM S.A.M.

2006-05-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

Archbishop Daniel Buechlein of Indianapolis shared a letter that caught his attention. An anonymous person wrote, “I am not so much interested in the winning of new converts as I am in the care of and recovery of the saints, the sheep of his pasture, the stray and the stolen and the lost sheep, (Criterion, March 10, 2006).” Considering overall Mass attendance and the number non-practicing Catholics, the Evangelization Commission is looking into ways of addressing fallen away or alienated Catholics, a group nearly the size of our present active membership.

Bill Jones is a Deacon candidate with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and is interested in starting a Substance Abuse Ministry, (SAM). The stated goal of the group is to “reach out to members of the “Whole Body of Christ” and to make all feel welcomed.” “It is a way for all those recovering from addiction to experience acceptance, healing, support and understanding through their Catholic Church communities,” Bill said. What we are seeking is a “a safe and confidential parish ministry” that provides recovering persons a place to experience God’s love within our Church.

Demonstrating a deep spirituality, Bill’s wife, Mary echoed, “It’s embarrassing for families in recovery and you want to turn to the Church, if we only knew there was an open door.” “Even if you have AA or some other support group, you still need the Church,” Mary said. “It’s an unbeatable combination.”

Bill explained that once progress is made on the journey, there is less need for anonymity. “Our parishes need a visible representative that says, “If you are a recovering person, you are welcome here,” Bill said. It’s part of the new evangelization to sponsor such programs.

“What we need to do is to identify parishes that would be willing to pilot a SAM program, identify potential parish leaders and to develop training for parish leadership such as techniques for outreach and models of Catholic spirituality.

Father Larry Voelker, Pastor at the Church of the Holy Cross has served as Spiritual Director at retreats for recovering persons. “What we want to do is to create a warm and welcoming community and let people know that our Church is a place that addresses the real needs of people.”

Jesus said, “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners," (Matthew 9:13). I think Jesus knew that we all fall short of the kingdom.

One such person sought out Father Larry and said, “I hear you help people in recovery find God.” “Yes,” Father Larry said, “Come in where the love is.”

Evangelizing Catechesis and Catholic Education

2006-04-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

The new National Directory for Catechesis for the United States challenges us to provide opportunities for a parish centered, life-long process of ongoing faith formation, including evangelization; the outreach element of total Catholic education. As Jesus Christ is at the heart of all catechesis, the goal is to lead all believers to a deeper knowledge and love of Christ and the Church and a firm commitment to follow him. Evangelizing Catechesis refers to the totality of the Church’s efforts “to make disciples,” (Mt. 28:19).

Kim Orbik, Administrative Assistant for our inner-city Catholic School Consortium tells the story of a family that came to discuss their current status regarding tuition.

Mom, son, and grandma came to see me here at the Catholic Center to
discuss their options. As I walked them downstairs to leave the little boy stepped in front of me, looked up at me, and said “I love you!” I thought ‘oh my gosh, this is why I am here!’ This family was in need and I was able to help them. This is why I am here, to help those families in need and that are less fortunate that I. I love my job! Each and everyday I thank God for giving me this opportunity."

For all of the challenges to Catholic education, it is not merely a question of adaptation, but of missionary thrust. The very challenges we face in culture are the very reason our parishes and schools exist. Our parishes and schools are centers of evangelization and apprenticeship in the Christian life with special attention to those who are most vulnerable; the socially and economically disadvantaged, the poor and marginalized, urban dwelling and Hispanic, the gospel-less, and also students with disabilities.

With all the news about the sad state of education in inner city schools these days, the Archdiocese is responding with Cristo Rey, a successful high school model where every graduating senior is accepted to college.

Other evangelizing programs are featured in this edition of the Criterion, Evangelization Supplement:

- Christ Renews His Parish 10th Anniversary at St. Barnabas
- Small Church Communities: Discipleship and Evangelization
- St. Philip Neri School: An Anchor for the Hispanic Community
- Special Religious Education (SPRED) Special Needs Welcomed in Parish Communities

This renewed evangelizing mission focus affords a unique opportunity for people to interact in an environment which favors their Christian formation. The Catholic parish and school provide a place where faith and culture are intertwined in all areas of life. This evangelization effort is both the ecclesial purpose and the essential Catholic identity of everything we do in Christian formation. It is our privileged way of exercising the virtue of charity by initiating hearers into the fullness of Christian life.

John Valenti
Associate Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation
ARCHDIOCESE OF INDIANAPOLIS

The National Directory for Catechesis and the Catholic School

2006-04-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

The National Directory for Catechesis

and the Catholic School

A Philosophy of Catholic Education and Identity

Be it known to all who enter here that CHRIST is the reason for this school. He is the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes. He is the model of its faculty and the inspiration of its students.

PURPOSE

For all who work in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, the staff of the Office of Catholic Education offers the following as a synthesis of core concepts in the philosophy of Catholic Education. The complexity of the modern world makes it all the more necessary to increase awareness of the ecclesial identity of the Catholic school. It is our hope that the document be used to discuss Catholic identity in our schools in light of the new National Directory for Catechesis.

The Catholic school affords a particularly favorable setting for catechesis with it daily opportunity for proclaiming and living the Gospel message; for learning and appreciating the teachings of the Church; for acquiring a deep understanding, reverence, and love of the Liturgy; for building community; for prayer; for proper formation of conscience; for the development of virtue and for participating in Christian service, (NDC, no. 54b,9d).

INTRODUCTION

Jesus Christ is at the heart of all catechesis. The aim of catechesis is to lead believers to a deeper knowledge and love of Christ and the Church and a firm commitment to follow him.

Catechesis refers to the totality of the Church’s efforts to make disciples, to help mankind believe that Jesus is the Son of God so that believing they might have life in His Name, and to educate and instruct them in this life, thus building up the body of Christ, (Catechesi Tradendae, CCC, no. 4).

Catholic schools must provide young people with an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to strengthen their union with Christ and his Church. Catholic schools collaborate with parents and guardians in raising and forming their children as families struggle with the changing and challenging cultural and moral contexts in which they find themselves. Catholic schools provide young people with sound Church teaching through a broad-based curriculum, where faith and culture are intertwined in all areas of a school’s life. By equipping our young people with a sound education, rooted in the Gospel message, the Person of Jesus Christ, and rich in the cherished traditions and liturgical practices of our faith, we ensure that they have the foundation to live morally and uprightly in our complex modern world.

Challenges Facing Catholic Education

The Second Vatican Council called for the renewal of catechesis. Forty years later, the new National Directory for Catechesis for the United States provides fundamental theological and pastoral principles for catechesis and Catholic education for a changing culture. It is intended primarily for those who have responsibility for catechesis in dioceses, parishes, and schools. The document aims at the continued renewal of catechesis in the United States.

The challenges we face as Catholic educators are the very reason our schools exist. What makes the Catholic school distinctive is its attempt to generate a community climate in the school that is permeated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love. It tries to guide the adolescents in such a way that personality development goes hand in hand with the development of the "new creature" that each one has become through baptism. It tries to relate all of human culture to the good news of salvation so that the light of faith will illumine everything that the students will gradually come to learn about the world, about life, and about the human person, (Gravissimum educationi, Declaration on Christian Education).

A New Socio-Political and Cultural Context

In countries of long-standing evangelization, there is a growing marginalization of the Christian faith as a reference point and a source of light for an effective and convincing interpretation of existence. This situation calls for courageous renewal on the part of the Catholic school. The Catholic school must be able to speak for itself effectively and convincingly. It is not merely a question of adaptation, but of missionary thrust, the fundamental duty to evangelize, to go towards men and women wherever they are, so that they may receive the gift of salvation. In particular, the Catholic school must be a place which integrates education of the human person through a clear educational project of which Christ is the foundation, (The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, 4).

For those who work in the Church outside the Catholic school system, there is a need to recognize the contribution Catholic schools make to the evangelizing mission of the Church throughout the world, including those areas in which no other form of pastoral work is possible. Their teaching is a mission and true apostolate.

What value do you place on Catholic education in the light of significant socio-political and cultural challenges?

The Public Nature of Catholic Schools

Catholic schools fulfill a service of public usefulness, for their presence guarantees cultural and educational choice and, above all, the freedom and right of families to see that their children receive the sort of education they wish for them.

The principle of subsidiarity demands that public authorities, whose duty it is to protect and defend the liberty of the citizens, are bound according to the principle of distributive justice to ensure that public subsidies are so allocated that parents are truly free to select schools for their children in accordance with their conscience"

In the political, social and cultural sphere which make it harder or even impossible to attend a Catholic school, the Catholic school should be able to offer young people the means to acquire the knowledge they need in order to find a place in a society which is strongly characterized by technical and scientific skill. But at the same time, it should be able, above all, to impart a solid Christian formation. For the Catholic school to be a means of education in the modern world, these fundamental characteristics need to be strengthened.

Pedagogy and the sciences of education have appeared to devote greater attention to the study of phenomenology and didactics than to the essence of education which needs to be centered on deeply meaningful values and vision. We cannot reduce education to its purely technical and practical aspects thus banning all reference to religion from the cultural and educational field.

A 2002 study of Catholic school students with disabilities conducted by an independent agency, the Center for Educational Partnerships, found that 7 percent of children enrolled in Catholic schools had disabilities identified in the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. It is encouraging to see the increasing number of our school administrators and teachers who have taken steps to welcome these children and others with special needs into our Catholic schools.

How is it possible to maintain a uniquely Catholic identity in our schools in light of a growing call for public funding and support?

Subjectivism, Moral Relativism and Nihilism

The school is undoubtedly a sensitive meeting point for the problems which besiege our culture. The Catholic school is thus confronted with children and young people who experience the difficulties of the present time. Culturally and personally, many do not experience truly loving relationships and thus shun the efforts of evangelization. In this present state individuals may be incapable of giving and receiving love, much less the self-sacrifice and forgiveness needed for relationships to grow. Many lack a present capacity for compassion and long-suffering with others. There may be a lack of authentic models to guide them, even in their own families. In an increasing number of instances students come to Catholic schools not only indifferent and non-practicing, but also totally lacking in religious or moral formation. There can be a corresponding apathy on the part of families where ethical and religious formation is concerned.

Each individual human person is at the heart of Christ's teaching. The promotion of the human person is the goal of the Catholic school and the educational value of the Catholic school. The human person is our fundamental reason for existing. The human person is where the basis of Catholic education and its genuine apostolate is to be found.

COMMENT ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS:

SUBJECTIVISM is a philosophical tenet that accords primacy to subjective experiences. In an extreme form, it may hold that the nature and existence of every object depends only on someone's subjective awareness of it.

MORAL RELATIVISM takes the position that moral or ethical propositions do not reflect absolute and universal moral truths but instead are relative to social, cultural, historical or personal references, and that there is no single standard by which to assess an ethical proposition's truth. Relativistic positions often see moral values as applicable only within certain cultural boundaries or the context of individual preferences.

NIHILISM argues that the world, and especially human existence, is without objective meaning, purpose, comprehensible truth, or essential value. Nihilists generally believe all of the following: God does not exist, traditional morality is false, and secular ethics are impossible; therefore, life has no meaning, and no action is preferable to any other.

Pluralism

We live in a culture of multiple values and religious expressions. Pluralism is, in the general sense, the affirmation and acceptance of diversity. It is one of the most important features of modern democracy. In the course of the development of religion, it has taken many forms in various cultures and individuals. Religious pluralism is a loosely defined term concerning peaceful relations between different religions. Religious relativism states that one person’s religion is not the sole and exclusive source of truth, and that some level of truth and value exists in at least some other religions.

The complexity of the modern world makes it all the more necessary to increase awareness of the ecclesial identity of the Catholic school. It is from its Catholic identity that the school derives its original characteristics and its "structure" as a genuine instrument of the Church, a place of real and specific pastoral ministry. The Catholic school participates in the evangelizing mission of the Church and is the “privileged environment” in which Christian education is carried out. In this way "Catholic schools are at once places of evangelization, of comprehensive formation, of inculturation, of apprenticeship in a lively dialogue between young people of different religions and social backgrounds, (The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, 11).

The ecclesial nature of the Catholic school, therefore, is written in the very heart of its identity as a teaching institution. It is a true and proper ecclesial entity by reason of its educational activity in which faith, culture and life are brought into harmony. We are a school with a purpose.

Regarding Catholic Schools, the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) says:

“The Catholic school…is not simply an institution that offers academic instruction of high quality, but, even more important, is an effective vehicle of total Christian formation.” (NDC, 54b9)

The Catholic school affords the opportunity to meet young people in an environment which favors their Christian formation. Catholic schools are centers for evangelization, and thus their catechetical programs are essential to their distinctly Catholic identity and character.

Catholic schools continue their efforts to become more authentic communities of faith and centers of evangelization. A new challenge includes clarifying our distinctive Catholic identity as we welcome large numbers of the poor and disadvantaged, many from other Christian traditions and other faiths. These schools provide a unique situation for Catholic evangelization and the privileged context for exercising the virtue of charity toward those of other religious communities as well as for strengthening Catholic identity in the presence of other religious beliefs.

How do you see Jesus Christ as the energizing center of evangelization and the heart of catechesis in your total Catholic education program?

Widening of the Gap Between Rich and Poor

The Catholic school is rooted as a school for all, with special attention to those who are weakest. Catholic educational institutions have always responded to the needs of the socially and economically disadvantaged. Especially for the poor and marginalized, Catholic schools have historically provided the opportunity of an education, training for a job, and of human and Christian formation. Schools today must find in the context of the old and new forms of poverty that original synthesis of enthusiastic and fervent dedication which is a manifestation of Christ's love for the poor.

The challenges of urban education and the growing Hispanic Catholic population present an opportunity to continue this Catholic tradition. To these “new poor” the Catholic school responds generously and in a Spirit of love. The Catholic school has a prime responsibility for creating this unique Christian school climate which rests with the teachers, as individuals and as a community.

Making our Catholic elementary and secondary schools available, accessible, and affordable to all Catholic parents and their children including those who are poor and middle class is a major challenge and goal. Catholic schools are often the Church’s most effective contribution to those families who are poor and disadvantaged, especially in poor inner city neighborhoods and rural areas.

Research conducted by the United States Department of Education, the National Catholic Educational Association, and other independent agencies shows that Catholic schools make a major impact in closing the achievement gap for poor and minority students in inner-city environments. Catholic schools have a lower dropout rate (3.4 percent) than both public (14.4 percent) and other private schools (11.9 percent). Ninety-nine percent of Catholic high school students graduate, and 97 percent go on to some form of post-secondary education.

What ways is your Archdiocese and parish making Catholic education to these groups a priority?

Multi-Cultural Identity of the Catholic School

Catholic schools cultivate healthy interaction among the increasingly diverse populations of our society. In cities and rural areas, Catholic schools are often the only opportunity for economically disadvantaged young people to receive an education of quality that speaks to the development of the whole person. As we continue to address the many and varied needs of our nation’s new immigrant population, the Church and its schools are often among the few institutions providing immigrants and newcomers with a sense of welcome, dignity, community, and connection with their spiritual roots.

Wherever possible, Catholic schools should be available, accessible, and affordable. Catholic schools should remain available and accessible in all areas of a diocese for children who are from poor and middle-class families who face major economic challenges. In addition, Catholic schools should be available to students who are not Catholic and who wish to attend them.

In what areas do we need to further reach out to potential constituents?

A Multi-Ethnic and Multi-Religious Society

In responding to the needs of these individuals, we must continue our evangelizing efforts by maintaining our schools’ Catholic identity and mission. It is critical that we work with our people to erase any lines of prejudice and bias that may exist and create welcoming communities for these immigrants. People involved in this effort often suffer from meager human and financial resources. We need to seek support from the larger Church and civic communities to assist them in this work.

Our challenge today is to provide schools close to where our Catholic people live. In areas where there currently are no Catholic schools, we should open schools that have a mission to evangelize.

We must also serve the increasing Hispanic/Latino population, which makes up 39 percent of our current Catholic community. Hispanics/Latinos make up 41 percent of Catholics under the age of thirty, and 44 percent of Catholics under the age of ten. It is currently estimated that by the second decade of this century, the Hispanic/Latino population will compose 50 percent of all Catholics in the United States. Catholic parishes and schools must reflect this reality and reach out and welcome Hispanics and Latinos into the Catholic faith communities in the United States.

Discuss the “universal” nature of Catholic education in light of evangelization, social justice and outreach.

Resources and Development

Technology and financial capital are no better than the people who use these resources to advance the cause of Catholic education. In 2005, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reaffirmed the document, In Support of Catholic Schools to stress a commitment to the educational mission of our schools. The bishops state that Catholic schools will be staffed by highly qualified administrators and teachers who will receive just wages and benefits, as we expressed in our pastoral letter Economic Justice for All.
Catholic school personnel should be grounded in a faith-based Catholic culture, have strong bonds to Christ and the Church, and be witnesses to the faith in both their words and actions. The formation of school personnel will allow the Gospel message and the living presence of Jesus to permeate the entire life of the school community and thus be faithful to the school’s evangelizing mission.

Those who proclaim the Christian message must know and love the culture and the people to whom they bring the message in order to transform it and the people and make them new in Christ.

The NDC emphasizes the following items regarding the roles of principals and faculty:

The principal has a crucial role in working together with the parish staff and the faculty to achieve the parish’s catechetical plan. Part of every plan is seeing that catechetical instruction in the school has its proper place in the curriculum based on the Catechism and thoroughly integrated into the curriculum and objectives of the school.

Religion teachers are expected to teach the faith as an academic subject; bear witness by their lives to what they teach; be practicing Catholics with a thorough knowledge of the Christian message and the ability to communicate it; and meet all diocesan standards for the certification of catechists.

All Catholic school teachers share, in some degree, in a school’s catechetical ministry and are to promote the distinctive Catholic identity and mission of the school.

Describe what you believe to be our number one resource and our number one challenge.

The Number One Goal of the NDC, … Catechist Formation

The urgency of providing strong catechist formation is a major principle in the NDC. While there are many approaches to this crucial work, it must be done with thoroughness, care and consistency. It is an “absolute priority” for our Church today.

The National Directory for Catechesis states that the Tasks of Catechesis are:

- Promoting Knowledge of Faith
- Liturgical Education
- Moral Formation
- Teaching To Pray
- Education for Community Life
- Missionary Initiation

“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Mt. 8:19

SUMMATION: The NDC and the Catholic School

The overall theme of the National Directory for Catechesis is evangelization and focuses on a life-long process of ongoing faith formation. Effectively, conversion must precede catechesis thus; Catholic schools ideally create an environment where this conversion of heart to Christ can be nurtured. Christian initiation follows the baptismal catechumenate as the model for all catechesis and is centered in the parish.

Ever faithful to Jesus and our Church, Catholic education will remain strong and viable and will continue to witness and invite others to Christ.

1. We need to present the Christian life as a response to Christ’s invitation to follow him, in one’s personal life and family, the parish and the wider human community.

2. We must consistently put the needs of the poor and the vulnerable first.

3. We need continued support and resources for comprehensive programs for youth, adults and catechesis at all levels.

4. We need to become increasingly aware of the needs of racial, ethnic, and cultural groups as well as the richness that their diversity and unique contributions add to the Church.

Catechesis is a privileged way of “initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life” and is “intimately bound up with the whole of the Church’s life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 5, 7). Now is the appropriate time to renew our challenge to the entire Catholic community to join in this critical endeavor. The Bishops of the United States are convinced that Catholic schools continue to be “the most effective means available to the Church for the education of children and young people” who are the future of the Church, (To Teach as Jesus Did, no. 118).

Resources:

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. (Washington, DC: USCCB–Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997).

Congregation for Catholic Education, The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium (1997).

Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium was developed by the Committee on Education of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved June 2005.

John Paul II, The Church in America (Ecclesia in America) (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1999).
Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith (1982).
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All: Tenth Anniversary Edition (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1997).

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, In Support of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1990).

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Principles for Educational Reform in the United States (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1995).

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, To Teach as Jesus Did: A Pastoral Message on Catholic Education (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1973).

Christ Renews His Parish by John Valenti

2006-03-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to get a group of men together, much less to set aside a weekend to talk about God. Most guys I know spend their time thinking about making money or getting lost in sports instead of thinking about where God is in their lives.

St. Barnabas on the south side of Indianapolis recently hosted their twenty-first (21st) Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend and is celebrating their ten (10) year anniversary with a program in April, 2006.

In the movie, Jerry McGuire, Tom Cruise tries to apologize and profess his love to his wife and goes on and on pontificating until she finally interrupts and says, “You had me at hello.”

From the opening session of the Men’s Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreat at St. Barnabas, "they had me at hello” but then kept pouring it on and on and on. At one point I lamented, “My cup runneth over," but they kept pouring it on. I told Joe Beiriger, one of the weekend leaders, “I feel like I’m drowning!” He said, “Yes, in Christ’s love.”

“We (men) are notorious for thinking that somehow “we” are in control and some are actually out of control,” said speaker, Mike Chaney. At some point the Holy Spirit takes over. “Grace alone, that amazing kind of grace, helps us realize where we have gone wrong."

Pastor Fr. Jim Farrell said, “Sometime there is a need for multiple acts of forgiveness stemming from one sinful act.” The unexpected love and merciful forgiveness that Christ extends overwhelms us. “Most people do not feel worthy and have difficulty receiving love,” Fr. Farrell said, “but most surprisingly, Christ just keeps pouring it on.”

Recruiter Joe Mennel said, “I suppose we are each called at some point to respond to the promptings of our fellow parishioners to participate in a CRHP weekend.” Half the participants in our group admitted, “They wished they would have responded sooner.” Joe was very persistent. He even said a novena to St. Jude and got his twelve (12) disciples!

Participant Matt Maddox said, “It gave me an opportunity to grow and deepen my understanding of God’s love.” Echoing that message, Tom Bruno said, “CRHP was an opportunity to learn, practice and share our Christian witness.” “It’s important to find ways to share that faith with one another.”

Sincerely ask yourself, “Where do I need renewal in my life? “How has Christ worked in my life?” “How precious are we in God’s sight?”

CRHP is a gift the Holy Spirit has given to our church. Speaker Jim Rairden testified, “We can’t do anything without the Holy Spirit who renews our faith in Christ.”

There is nothing in our school curriculum that teaches us how to be a parish or how to live victoriously as a Christian. Wouldn’t it be great to renew our parish by renewing ourselves? Gene Liegibel said, “If you love somebody, you could do anything.” Richard Mazzoni said, “There’s plenty of encouragement from Scripture readings and reflections." Such was the faith of our Fathers, “All the believers were one in heart and mind, (Acts 4:32). “Treasure it!”

Again, weekend facilitator Joe Beiriger shared, “This has been the most important weekend of my life.” “Friendship, honesty, a place of trust with these men, ... We love this parish!” Greg Daeger said, “These are men who love Jesus Christ and each other and aren’t afraid to admit it!” Pat Cherry said, “I have been blessed.”

“So put on the new self, created in God’s way, in righteousness and holiness in truth," (Eph. 4:7).

Make it a priority.

Hurricane Rita Update: Neglected and Forgotten

2006-03-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

As Hurricane Rita shifted away from Houston in the Gulf of Mexico, so did the national media attention shift back to New Orleans. But somewhere between these two metropolitan areas is Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Diocese of Lake Charles and Cameron Parish were hardest hit from the swirling upward eastern winds of Rita. The Cajun Gulf Coast of Louisiana has not received much national attention since that time.

Eyewitness scenes of devastation during a recent visit conjured no memory of national coverage of this region. Perhaps it’s the lingering visuals of the Superdome or the repetitious sound bites of evacuees, or the presidential visits to the Hurricane Katrina Mississippi Gulf Coast or even the politicized scrutiny of public officials, the net result has been that very little attention has been paid to this self-sufficient part of our country. “There simply was no story that the national media wanted to cover.”

The towns and churches in Cameron Parish in the Diocese of Lake Charles in southern Louisiana are completely and totally devastated.

“We feel neglected and forgotten,” Richard Donahoe said as we toured the remains of Sacred Heart Parish in Creole, LA. Richard, the husband of Denise Donahoe, Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Lake Charles said, “Local officials worked together to effectively evacuate the area, there was no loss of life, power has been restored in a timely fashion.” There’s only one big problem, … “The towns and churches in Cameron Parish in southern Louisiana are completely and totally devastated.” The high school that Richard worked at as a science and physics teacher was also completely gutted. Out of the rubble I lifted a copy of a New American Bible which was buried next to a miniature American flag. I noted both as an appropriate symbol to commemorate our visit.

The storm surge came ashore at 12 to 15 feet high, knocked every building off its foundation and swept debris six miles inland. Across this naturally swampy area is scattered the remains of four (4) Catholic parishes and five (5) mission churches including: Sacred Heart of Jesus in Creole, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cameron, St. Eugene in Grand Chenier and St. Peter the Apostle in Hackberry and the mission chapels of St. Rose of Lima, Creole, Our Lady of the Assumption in Johnson Bayou, Holy Trinity in Holly Beach, Immaculate Conception in Grand Chenier and St. Patrick Chapel in Sweetlake.

Sandy Gay, Director of the Secretariat for Christian Formation has been pulling double duty since Hurricane Rita hit. In addition to her regular job, Sandy is helping to coordinate hundreds of requests pouring into the diocese from hurricane victims. Although the home mission Diocese of Lake Charles has a relief office, it does not have a Catholic Charities office. Teams are being formed and three (3) distribution centers have been set up to assist the people.

The priority now is cleaning up the debris. “We would welcome groups to come the Lake Charles area to help out,” Sandy said. In addition to helping hands, “we need people to bring chain saws, wheel barrows, work gloves, first-aid kits, bug repellant and if you have one, a tractor with front-end loader!.” Case workers are also needed.

Vivian Primeaux, Secretary for the Office of Religious Education lost her home and everything in it. She is blessed to have a daughter to stay with but points out that as “helpful as people have been, we really don’t have a home to accept the many offers of furniture and appliances to replace what we lost.” “By the time the government lets us back into the area and if the insurance companies pay out benefits, even if we can rebuild, that may be 18 months from now.” There are no storage facilities available.

Denise Donahoe, Director of Religious Education recently completed a postponed Catechetical Conference with the theme, “Reflecting Light in the Shadows.” Every workshop leader, including the keynote address by Lee Nagel, spoke a message of hope in the midst of despair and how “Jesus is at the heart of all catechesis.” How blest are we who need to hear “good news!” Denise said, “By all accounts, it was our best conference ever!”

Denise introduced me to Rita Levings, a Catechist who lost her home along with all of her catechetical materials. “Years of notes and resource books, blown away.” Ironically “Rita” didn’t ask to replace her personal belongings; she asked if we could help replace her “Light of Faith” books which she uses in her three-year confirmation program for 90 adolescents. “A lap-top projector would also come in handy!” she said.

The National Conference of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) is sponsoring OPERATION CATECHESIS, a project to help reestablish parish catechetical programs in the hurricane-ravaged parishes of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the dioceses of Biloxi, Lake Charles, Houma-Thibodaux and Beaumont. These dioceses face extreme hardship but rebuilding the parish as the center and focus of catechesis will make an enormous difference. What is needed are resources to reestablish and sustain these great activities with a hurricane- intense concentration. ”That will put us back in business!” Sandy said.

To assist contact the Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles, 411 Iris Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana LA, 70601 Tel: 1 337 439 7426 ext. 19 sandy.gay@lcdiocese.org

Financial contributions for Operation Catechesis are made payable to:

NCCL/Operation Catechesis
125 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-884-9753
nccl@nccl.org

John Valenti is the Associate Director for Evangelization and Faith Formation in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. jvalenti@archindy.org

Charlie, Francis, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Wilma, Andrew, Hugo, Camille

What Does God's Voice Sound Like? by John Valenti

2006-03-18T12:13:00.000-08:00

The sound of the human voice animates a message with a distinctive style and purpose. When the truth of a person voice resounds, it sings. When the singing resounds clear and true, the voices become a choir. We listen to our voices, but, “What does the voice of God sound like?

Trusting the adage that wisdom comes from the mouths of babes, I asked children in Ms. Kelley’s class of four year olds at St. Andrew / St. Rita Catholic Academy what they thought. Sharing a scripture passage from 1 Kings 19: 11-14, we learned that God’s voice was not found in the wind, an earthquake or in fire, but in a “gentle whisper.” Most of the children said God’s voice is the voice of a man, deep but soothing, comforting, maybe Daddy’s voice. Maybe a ghost!

Connie Zittnan, Director of the Archdiocesan Schools Consortium said God’s voice sounds like “balls of cotton,” billowing like the clouds. I shared this with the children and they laughed! “Cotton balls!” “That’s right, “Connie said, “God’s voice sounds like children’s laughter!”

Asking the same question to Mrs. Seger’s sixth grade students at St. Thomas Aquinas, Linda Albrecht said, “God’s voice is welcoming; a different voice at different times.” “God uses what is needed to get our attention.” God’s voice can be heard when we pray, in Scripture, during the Mass, in the Eucharist, in Christian music, in the voice of our pastor and in the voices of people who care about us; parents, (God especially talks to parents!) teachers, friends and those around us.

God sends a human voice to speak for him. "I will send my messenger ahead of you, a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him,” (Mark 1:2-3). Harry Dudley, Associate Executive Director of Faith Formation said, “God’s voice is in the sounds of silence and in the prophetic words to those who speak the social justice message.”

God’s voice can be heard in nature; God’s creation. Bernie Paradise, Associate Director of Schools and Urban Education said, “God’s voice sounds like the waves on the beach; it’s something larger than we are.” Perhaps it is the small voice of God; a gentle whisper reminiscent of the murmuring voice of the forest or like the voice of our conscience. The voice of the Holy Spirit saying, “Lord, whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8).

Our Catholic Church is a voice that echoes what we have heard. We sing. To praise God we lift our voices and hear the retelling of the story. Five-year old, Nicolas Ford, said, “God’s voice is like a chorus!”

Ciaran McQuiston, said, “If love had a voice, it would sound like God.” Aniah Baxter agrees, “God’s voice sounds like Jesus,” the voice of love, who said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me, (John 10:27).

Exaudio Vox Domino “To Listen to the Voice of the Lord”
John Valenti is the Associate Director for Evangelization and
Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Indianapolis. jvalenti@archindy.org

Small Church Communities by John Valenti

2006-03-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

"Change the Name To Protect the Innocent"

There are over a half million Catholics in the United States involved in Small Church Communities (SCC). In a sense, SCC’s are a retro-model of organizing church which is being rediscovered as a way to remain strong and growing Catholic members, even in the presence of a clergy shortage. Back in the days of Bishop Brute’ and long before there was a systematic parish school and catechetical process, the Catholic family met in small groups who gathered to nurture one another in their faith. If a visiting Bishop or priest should ride into town, candidates were ready for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Celebrating Mass was especially a highly anticipated communal event.

According to George Moon, former business manager for Our Lady of the Greenwood, several people gather each week to pray, affirm and support each other and to encourage one another to live out their profession of faith. Scripture is read, usually in accordance with the Sunday lectionary and Church teachings are discussed. A post-baptismal catechumenate (mystagogy) model is used.

“The groups focus on life-long process of ongoing faith formation for adults,” said Dede Swinehart, a member of the National Alliance for Parishes Restructuring into Communities, (NAPRC). “SCC’s use an accountable discipleship process and are a very effective way to share Catholic beliefs and teach skills for Christian living.” Lynne Brennan, of St. Monica Parish and SCC member said, “It’s like having a sponsor that goes with you through Confirmation; it’s a mentoring process.”

Unfortunately, for all the good, “Small Church Communities” became associated with a negative connotation in the 1970’s and 80’s because of the brand of liberation theology used in Central and South American base-communities. The old “Dragnet” series would advise, “Change the name to protect the innocent.” SCC’s are also called “Disciple Groups,” or “Covenant Groups.”

On the plus side, vocations are nurtured in the context of Small Church Communities. Many of our priests themselves belong to their own brand of SCC’s to both support and enliven their ministries. Many parishes use a “zone ministry” concept of SCC to organize their outreach and evangelization programs. “So a rose by any other name smells just as sweet!” said Russ Diaz of St. Barnabas Parish.

Jean Galanti, Pastoral Associate at St. Monica shares, “Being nurtured myself in an SCC helps me in the discernment process, … The group also supports me prayerfully in my ministry.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, “Prayer groups, indeed “schools of prayer” are today one of the signs and one of the driving forces of renewal of prayer in the Church, provided they drink from authentic wellsprings of Christian prayer. Concern for ecclesial communion is a sign of true prayer in the Church, (CCC# 2689).

“Organizing a parish utilizing SCC’s is a pastor’s dream,” says Father Clem Davis, Pastor at St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus, IN. “SCC’s are places where faith is nurtured and stewardship gifts are affirmed.” Father Clem asks “How many pastors wouldn’t love to cultivate disciples for the work needed to be done in the local parish?” “Imagine parish leadership that is growing in faith that is alive and energizing!” With proper pastoral care, SCC’s “make disciples,” who are active and loyal to Church teachings.

So, what’s in a name? Small Church Communities are not always that “small” but the “community” (same name given to religious orders) is always part of the larger parish. “Change the name to protect the innocent?” Alice Steppe, Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at Immaculate Heart of Mary says, “We simply call it being Church.”

Exaudio Vox Domino “To Listen to the Voice of the Lord”

John Valenti is the Associate Director for Evangelization and
Faith Formation, Archdiocese of Indianapolis. jvalenti@archindy.org

Jonah House and the Death Penalty by John Valenti

2006-02-16T03:12:00.000-08:00

Jonah House and the Death Penalty

After a conference for Diocesan leadership at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, MD, I had an opportunity to participate in some grass roots activities that highlighted our Catholic Church teaching on peace and social justice. Guided by Lasallian Christian Brother Henry Werner, my Catholic leadership training continued as a supplement to the scheduled agenda and included attendance at a protest against the death penalty and a visit to the Jonah House, a community for peace and nonviolent resistance.

The evening was cold. Despite the snow and bad weather, approximately 50 people assembled outside the federal prison in downtown Baltimore to request that the life of convicted murderer, Wesley Baker be spared. The Catholic Church teaches that killing is wrong and therefore, we are against the death penalty. Those who braved the weather and public opinion carried signs, which read, “Do Not Kill In My Name,” and “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” I was conscious of the fact that Jesus himself was executed as a criminal and the instrument of his death, the cross, is our universal symbol of the love he taught and gave us. While we marched, Baker was executed by lethal injection at 9:18 PM. He was the 1,001st person to be executed in the United States since the death penalty was reinstated.

The following day we met with Liz McAlister, widow of the late Phillip Berrigan and their son, Jeremy at the Jonah House. Jonah House has become symbolic of nonviolent opposition to war and has over the years become synonymous with peace and justice initiatives. Sitting at the kitchen table and looking out the window while Liz got a cup of coffee, I marveled at the array of llamas and spring hens roaming the Catholic cemetery outside. The animals were recently incorporated onto the property to help keep the grass cutting to a minimum. Actually, I thought their presence was an appropriate metaphor for the diverse group of people who feed their souls here at Jonah House.

As a Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation, I was interested in discussing what topics she thought should be included in our religious education curriculum and life-long adult faith formation programs. Liz was passionate about the “immorality of war” and God’s commandment against murder. “Our Catholic Church must have a more unified vision for peace and justice,” she said. “Killing is always and absolutely wrong, ,,, Everyone is a child of God.”

Reflecting a belief that Catholics need to vocalize and live out our Church teachings on all pro-life issues, Liz admitted that “We live in the margins of mainstream public opinion and we stay there being the kind of community that we want our Church to be.” Liz added, “We resist the crimes of the worst kind, … war, terrorism, … but also the planning for war.” For example, a record crowd of over 19,000 people recently conducted the 16th annual demonstration against the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, Georgia.” Renamed “The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation” in 2001, the facility trains Latin American soldiers in tactical warfare. Opponents blame the school for human rights abuses in Latin America.

When I asked, “What about the need for national defense?” Liz said, “Preparing to kill is wrong, … Killing is always and absolutely wrong.” As a leader of non-violent civil disobedience, her late husband Phil Berrigan spent many years in jail for literally “beating swords into plowshares,” a Hebrew reference that God commanded his children to “study war no longer.” When I asked how others could get involved to inform their conscience, Liz and her son, Jeremy suggested the following resources: Saint Peter Claver Catholic Worker Community in South Bend, Indiana, Catholic Peace Fellowship and the video, “Just Faith.” Another resource is the USCCB sponsored Campaign for Human Development.

We concluded our visit by making a pilgrimage to the room at Jonah House where Phil Berrigan died and to his gravesite just outside the house. The stone simply quoted the words of Jesus, “Love One Another.”

He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Micah 4:3

Exaudio Vox Domino “Listen to the Voice of the Lord”

John Valenti is the Associate Director of Evangelization and Faith formation for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. E-mail: jvalenti@archindy.org

National Black History Month by John Valenti

2006-02-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy and the Herron-Morton Historic District, Indianapolis, IN

Having recently relocated from Mississippi, I was delighted to see the pride of Indianapolis shine in the preservation of historic landmarks ranging from Civil War to Civil Rights. The Herron-Morton Historic District is a neighborhood that takes its name from the John Herron School of Art, which is now located on the campus of IUPUI and former Indianapolis mayor Oliver Morton, (1861-1867). At the start of the Civil War, the area was used as an induction center for Indiana volunteers and later as “Camp Morton,” a prisoner of war camp for Confederate soldiers. Most of the captured and wounded Confederate soldiers were from Mississippi having fought in the Battles of Shiloh and Vicksburg. Not far from this site is the Kennedy-King Memorial Park. It was April 4, 1968, and presidential hopeful, Sen. Robert Kennedy was scheduled to deliver a campaign speech in an inner city housing project in Indianapolis. John Lewis, the civil rights activist, had planned this presidential campaign stop because he wanted to make sure the candidate saw not only the black community “but the most neglected part of the black community.”

News of the assassination of Martin Luther King in Memphis had not yet reached most of the public and Kennedy’s advisors urged him to cancel his speech. Everyone was afraid of how people would react to the news of King’s assassination. There was fear of violence, rioting and more bloodshed. The police chief warned that he could not be held responsible for what might happen. Kennedy decided to go anyhow.

Climbing up on to the back of a flatbed truck, Kennedy delivered a powerful and heartfelt impromptu speech to the inner city crowd gathered that evening in the park. He spoke about healing the hearts and souls of a nation and called for reconciliation between the races. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, fires and riots broke out and thousands of people were injured. Indianapolis however, remained quiet that night, in part due to Kennedy's compassionate plea for peace and understanding. One observer said it was something like a miracle. The words spoken that night are made more poignant because later that same year Kennedy would also become a victim to an assassin’s bullet.

One hundred years earlier, in the same neighborhood, Camp Morton commandant, Colonel Richard Owen showed a similar compassion towards the captured Confederate soldiers. He spoke, “Of the sick prisoners at the military prison and hospitals of this city, the greater proportion are Mississippians, many under eighteen years of age, … They receive the best medical treatment and nursing care of attendants; but in many cases, the best of attention cannot save them from the grasp of death.”

Yet many did survive due to the care they received and in a peaceful exchange of prisoners of war, most went home to tell the story of how well they were treated. The simple acts of kindness and understanding become profound in the midst of the dilutions of hatred. Colonel Richard Owen, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King focus our attention on this message which asks us to transcend brotherly love and instead, “loved our enemy.”

Communities are blessed that remember the good and memorialize the truthful and profound acts of extraordinary kindness. In 1911, Sumner Archibald Cunningham, the editor of Confederate Veteran Magazine, received permission to place a bronze memorial tablet in honor of the very well liked Camp Morton commandant, Colonel Richard Owen, in Indianapolis. Contributions were so great that a bronze bust of Colonel Robert Owen was substituted for the tablet and placed in the Indiana State House. Cunningham commissioned Belle Kinney as the sculptor. The bust was dedicated in 1913 in the presence of many veterans, both north and south.

There is also a monument on that spot where Kennedy shared the spirit and message of Martin Luther King. Artist Daniel Edwards created a statue from metal which came from handguns that were gathered at a police buy back program and melted down to create material for this sculpture. The life-size figure of Martin Luther King seems to emerge from one wall and is reaching out. On the opposite wall there is the figure of Robert Kennedy. He too is reaching out.
Both historic landmarks are powerful monuments that symbolizes a vision of reconciliation that can touch the human spirit; a vision that hopefully can spread in every neighborhood and change the heart of our country and the world.

Epiphany of Our Lord, Sunday, January 8, 2006

John Valenti is the Associate Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis

Robert Kennedy's Speech
Indianapolis, IndianaApril 4, 1968

For an audio copy of this speech, go to http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Presidential%20Campaign%20Address%20&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanrhetoric.com%2Fmp3clips%2Fpoliticalspeeches%2Frfkonmlkdeath84564.mp3

I have bad news for you, for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world, and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and killed tonight.
Martin Luther King dedicated his life to love and to justice for his fellow human beings, and he died because of that effort.
In this difficult day, in this difficult time for the United States, it is perhaps well to ask what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in. For those of you who are black--considering the evidence there evidently is that there were white people who were responsible--you can be filled with bitterness, with hatred, and a desire for revenge. We can move in that direction as a country, in great polarization--black people amongst black, white people amongst white, filled with hatred toward one another.
Or we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand and to comprehend, and to replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.
For those of you who are black and are tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust at the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I can only say that I feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man. But we have to make an effort in the United States, we have to make an effort to understand, to go beyond these rather difficult times.
My favorite poet was Aeschylus. He wrote: "In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."
What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black.
So I shall ask you tonight to return home, to say a prayer for the family of Martin Luther King, that's true, but more importantly to say a prayer for our own country, which all of us love--a prayer for understanding and that compassion of which I spoke.
We can do well in this country. We will have difficult times; we've had difficult times in the past; we will have difficult times in the future. It is not the end of violence; it is not the end of lawlessness; it is not the end of disorder.
But the vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings who abide in our land.
Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.
Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people.

Ministry Through the Lens of Evangelization by Fr. Jim Clark

2006-02-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Evangelization is sharing the good news with all peoples. The general scripture that we emulate to be a good evangelizer of the Lord is found in the fourth chapter of the Gospel of John; the Woman at the Well. In this gospel, we find a woman alone, in a time when life depended upon relationships. She goes to the well to draw water at noontime to avoid the people who have rejected her. There, she meets Jesus and her life is changed. Jesus meets her where she’s at. The conversation starts with a common interest, a drink of water and then shifts to religion. She is so touched by the living encounter of the one who gives life that she goes to the very people who rejected her. She tells them, “He told me everything I have done. Could this not be the messiah?” Because of her testimony, the whole town went to see Jesus. In the ministry of evangelization, we emulate the woman at the well by using similar words; “This is what he did for me, could he not do the same for you?”

Pope John Paul II has given us a two step process for evangelization:

1) We evangelize by the way we live our life.

2) We need to explicitly invite people into the faith.

Meet people where they are at and listen to them. Invite them into the human struggle to find answers for themselves, engage the person to take a step further. Leave them with a question. Don’t feed them answers, engage adults by offering them food. Give them a question to reflect upon. Jesus gave children answers, he gave adults questions.

Some good questions to ask are: “How do you deal with mystery? “How do you deal with the unexplainable? How do you respond when everything goes your way, when you are in the groove, when everything comes together?” Use language that can be heard in the secular environment. Share with them an experience of God working in your life. Reflect on a time in your life that you were afraid, dejected, “it can’t get worse than this,” and share, using the framework, “Once I was…, then God did…, and now I am….”

The primarily reason, why Catholics leave an active practice of the faith is because they have moved. The average American moves once every five years. Finding a church is not on the top of peoples’ list of things to do when they move. People who have moved get out of the normal routine of going to church on Sunday. They don’t know which church to go to. A simple invitation from a neighbor “why don’t you come to our church with us,” could make all the difference. When was the last time you have invited someone to come to church with you for mass, scripture study or a social event? The primary reason people choose to practice a faith is because of a relationship. A person celebrating the sacrament of baptism at 80 was asked, “Why did it take you so long to become a Catholic? He responded, “no one invited me until recently.”

Luke 24, the Road to Emmaus, gives us the themes of evangelization.

1) Start with a question “What are you talking about? Listen to their story. How did it start? What do you think God is saying to your through this? What brought you to this point in your life? What led you here?

2) Help people see their experience in the midst of whole plan of God. Where have you experienced God in your story? Reframe the story to help the integration process of body and soul. Help unpack the lesson to see clearly, listen to their real needs and speak to their real needs. Help them to pay attention to what they have learned.

3) Ritualize it for them, (breaking of bread) honor the sacredness of what is. Ritual helps people see through whatever they are going through and feel God’s presence in it.

Remember that your faith is something you can’t keep to yourself, show the good news through how you live your life, smile and pass it on! We are to live our faith passionately and invite others into the full practice of their faith or joining us as Catholics.