August 6, 2012, Volume VI, Number 32
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Dominic – August 8, 2012
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) – August 9, 2012
Saint Lawrence – August 10, 2012
Saint Claire - August 11, 2012
Question of the Week
For the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 12, 2012
“…the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” How do you understand this
statement? What does it tell you about nourishment? Besides Jesus, whom would you say has
given of their flesh for the life of the world? Whom you do feed with your very flesh and how do
you do that?
NCCL News
The theme for 2012 Catechetical Sunday is "Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New
Evangelization." The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has prepared a variety of
materials to assist catechists and Catholic school teachers to better understand and embrace Pope
Benedict XVI's invitation to be evangelists. The resources will assist parishes in celebrating
Catechetical Sunday, not only in September, but also throughout the 2012-2013 year. These
materials are provided free of charge. These resources can be found at Catechetical Sunday
2012 Resources (http://tiny.cc/m10nfw).
We are featuring A Primer on the Theology of Evagelization: Implications
for the United States by Fr. James A. Wehner, STD, Rector/President of the
Pontifical College Josephinu. You can download the PDF at
http://tiny.cc/4re9hw or by simply clicking on the title above. If neither
works, please copy and paste this URL in your web browser
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catecheticalministry/catechetical-sunday/new-evangelization/upload/a-primer-on-thetheology-wehner.pdf.
As in past years, NCCL will sell printed copies of prayer cards, family
commitment cards, posters, and certificates in English and Spanish. Check the
NCCL website www.NCCL.org for more information on ordering your
Catechetical Sunday materials This year’s reflection journal was written by
Michele Harris and is entitled Open the Door of Faith. Sample pages are
available on the NCCL Homepage (www.NCCL.org). The 2012 NCCL pin
addresses the Trinitarian nature of our faith in its triangular design along with
the pages of the Word of God open to the world where the
cross of the Word made flesh rises from the Living Word. The
Spirit of God in each of us is the agent of the new evangelization and is ready to
go forth as catechist and teacher. Set on an ivory background (not the light blue
pictured in the image), the gold cross and white enameled Scripture pages and
dove are striking. Help your organization and order your materials from NCCL.
In the meantime, check out the Catechetical Sunday 2012 FREE Resources
(http://tiny.cc/m10nfw) which include
 Theological Reflection
 Catechist-in-service
 Teaching Aids
 Parish Resources (excellent parish bulletin inserts)
If neither works, please copy and paste this URL in your web browser
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechetical-ministry/catecheticalsunday/new-evangelization/index.cfm. This week we would also like to highlight three (3)
additional resources.
1. Bulletin Inserts:
Keys for Welcoming Back to the Lord's Table by John and Therese Boucher. John is
Associate Director for Evangelization, Ministry of Catechesis and Evangelization, Diocese of
Trenton. Therese is an author, adult faith formation speaker, and catechist trainer. You can
download the PDF at http://tiny.cc/y7e9hw or by simply clicking on the title above. If
neither works, please copy and paste this URL in your web browser
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechetical-ministry/catecheticalsunday/new-evangelization/upload/keys-for-welcoming-boucher.pdf
2. Faith in Action:
These are articles by young adults engaged in the Church’s work of evangelization. This
week we feature Genevieve Jordan, who has her MA in Theology and is the Director of
Young Adult Ministry for Romero Center Ministries in Camden, New Jersey in her piece
entitled Witness to Christ in Parishes and Schools. You can download the PDF at
http://tiny.cc/hff9hw or by simply clicking on the title above. If neither works, please
copy and paste this URL in your web browser http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-
teachings/how-we-teach/catechetical-ministry/catechetical-sunday/newevangelization/upload/Witness-to-Christ-in-Parishes-and-Schools.pdf
3. Leadership Institute website:
Track III - New Evangelization features ten webinars. You can check out all of them at
http://tiny.cc/aaiigw or by clicking on Track III above. If neither works, please copy and
paste this URL in your web browser http://www.usccb.org/about/evangelization-andcatechesis/catechesis/leadership-institute/programs-track-3.cfm. This week we are featuring
an in-depth follow-up to our featured teaching aid. It is entitled Overview of the Theological
Fooundations of the New Evangelization by the Very Reverend James A. Wehner, S.T.D.
You can listen to the webinar at http://tiny.cc/svf9hw or simply click on the title above. . If
neither works, please copy and paste this URL in your web browser
https://usccb.adobeconnect.com/_a833422997/p36vu7wje6d/?launcher=false&fcsContent=tr
ue&pbMode=normal
Overview of the Theological Foundations of the New Evangelization by the Very
Reverend James A. Wehner, S.T.D
Overview of the Theological Foundations of the New Evangelization
The concept "evangelization" is as ancient as the Church herself.
However it is a concept not familiar to many Catholics, or it is
associated with Protestant denominations. Considering the
pluralistic challenges to theology and the syncretistic attitude that
may be present even among those involved in ministry,
evangelization is often reduced to a social call to action or a
weakened pastoral activity seen as one among many. Father
Wehner's presentation will identify the theological foundations of
evangelization that provide the basis for Pope John Paul II's and
Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic mandate -- the Church is called to
embrace the "new evangelization" as the mission of the Church.
New Evangelization and the Beauty of Hospitality
This is Kathy Hendricks' blog post on hospitality as an essential piece of the new evangelization.
It coincides very well with Br. Mickey McGrath’s book that I mentioned last week. I was also
reminded of my own mother, whom our pastor said was the queen of hospitality. If you want to
read more of Kathy Hendrick’s or download her suggestions for Creating Time and Space for
Hospitality, please go to http://info.sadlier.com/religion-blog/bid/85637/New-Evangelizationand-the-Beauty-of-Hospitality.
Every time I run into someone who remembers my mother, I
am reminded of her gift of hospitality. There is generally
some story about a meal shared, a party given, or a holiday
observed. Our house was filled with laughter, warmth, and
lots of food. Mom reveled in it all. As she advanced in years,
I think the two hardest blows for her were the losses of my
father and of the home they built together.
My mother’s gift of hospitality is certainly at the heart of my love for Benedictine
spirituality. As part of the “Rule” that he created for his new monastic community, Saint
Benedict stressed the importance of welcoming
the stranger as one would welcome Christ (RB
Chapter 53). In doing so, we hold that every
human being is beloved by God and is worthy
of respect, dignity, and compassion. An integral
part of receiving another person in such a
manner is learning to wait upon him or her with
patience. The latter is not just about service, but
also about attentiveness as well as an open and
listening heart. Such an attitude requires space
and time, two commodities that seem to be in
short supply in the frenetic pace of our culture.
As Jane Tomaine notes in her book, St.
Benedict’s Toolbox, “We’re often reluctant to
take time to be truly present to others, and we
can find it difficult to accept people as they
are.” Hospitality counters these tendencies.
The mission of the Church is to evangelize – to bring the Gospel out into the world in
new and engaging ways. All too often, Christians have used the Bible as a battering ram
to hammer people into belief through fear and guilt. Benedict’s Rule calls for something
far different. In being hospitable, we invite rather than coerce. We listen rather than
harangue. We take people for who they are rather than where we think they ought to be.
And, taking a cue from my mother, we make a warm and welcoming space for others to
gather, to share, and to revel in the joys of life.
Episode 016 of the CL Podcast Now Available:Getting Past the 5%
Several weeks ago, you may recall that Jonathan Sullivan
recommended a new book by Sherry Weddell, Forming
Intentional Disciples. You can read his review on his blog at
http://www.jonathanfsullivan.com/2012/07/book-review-forming-intentional-disciples/ . If the
book or his review sparked your interest then you will be happy
to know that episode 016 of the CL Podcast is an interview
with Sherry Weddell about her new book, Forming Intentional
Disciples. It has been posted
at http://www.catecheticalleader.org/2012/08/episode-016getting-past-the-5/. You can order Forming Intentional
Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus.
Free Webinar: Using New Media for Professional Catechetical Development
There is still to register for this webinar: Using New Media for Professional
Catechetical Development. Jonathan F. Sullivan (www.jonathanfsullivan.com)
will explore these questions and offer practical tips and resources for using
new media for professional development as a catechetical leader. It is
happening today, Monday, August 6, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT.
Online platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, webinars, and podcasts offer amazing
opportunities for connecting to catechetical resources and leaders across the country -- and the
world! How can you use these tools to develop your skills as a catechetical leader? What
resources are available? And what are the best ways to find these resources? To register, go to
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/423170146 .
Paul Solimini, husband of Joyce Solimini, is Born to Eternal Life
Paul Solimini, husband of Joyce who has been the Associate Director at the Albany diocese in
the office of Adult, Family and Intergenerational Faith Formation
for over 20
years, has been born to eternal life. If you want to send a note of condolence the address at the
Pastoral Center is 40 North Main Ave., Albany, New York 12203. Her home address is 31
Wallace Road, Scotia, NY 12302. Her email address is
Paul Francis Solimini entered into eternal life on Friday, July 27, 2012
surrounded by his loving family and friends after a heroic three-year battle with
cancer. Paul was the first youth minister at St. Helen's Church in the early
1980's. Paul was a tireless advocate for children and families in the field of
foster care/adoption and family therapy. He was always known to "go the extra
mile" for those in his care.
Paul will be remembered for his ability to bring joy and laughter in people's lives and never to
take life too seriously. Paul was married to Joyce (Beczak) Solimini on July 28, 1979. Besides
his wife, Paul is survived by his children, Laura (Eric) Newell of Brighton, Mass. and
Christopher Solimini of Scotia. His family was the pride and joy of Paul's life. A funeral Mass of
Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Memorial contributions are
encouraged to be made in Paul's memory to the YWCA, 44 Washington Ave., Schenectady, NY
12305, Catholic Charities, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany NY 12203, or to the Joan Nicole Prince
Home, PO Box 2122, Scotia, NY 12302. The full obituary and online condolences can be found
at http://glenvillefuneralhome.com/viewobit.cfm?ObitID=1453.
Father of Rebecca Titford is Born to Eternal Life
AL Ernest Bonham (Tommy) Thompson, a native of Akron, Alabama, and
longtime resident of Fairhope, returned home to be with the Lord on Sunday,
July 29, 2012. He was 88 years old. During World War II, he proudly served
at Brookley Army Air Field in Mobile, where he met Bessie Katherine
Garrick. They married in Grove Hill, AL in 1949. After serving out the
remainder of his career at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX (196578), Tommy and Katherine returned home to Fairhope to enjoy a retirement
filled with family, friends and golf.
They were longtime members of the First Baptist Church in Fairhope where he served faithfully
as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. He was an avid storyteller, singer of praise to the Lord,
and supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He is survived by Katherine, his wife of 62 years;
their children, Rebecca Lynn (Michael) Titford of Fairhope, and Michael David Thompson of
San Antonio, TX; many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews; their children and
grandchildren; as well as a loving Church family, close friends and wonderful neighbors. The
funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that
memorials be made to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church in Fairhope, or to your favorite
charity serving the needs of the poor. You can send condolences to Rebecca at 553 Marsim
Drive, Fairhope, AL 36532 or electronically at Bbeccat2@aol.com.
Pope Praying for Young People's Zeal in Proclaiming Christ
The Apostleship of Prayer announced the intentions chosen by the Pope
for August. Pope Benedict XVI will be praying this month for young
people and their apostolic zeal in proclaiming Christ.
His mission intention is "that young people, called to follow Christ, may
be willing to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel to the ends of the
earth."
And the Pontiff's general intention focuses on prisoners: "that prisoners
may be treated with justice and respect for their human dignity."
Jean Vanier Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
In a special edition of NCPD E-News, they shared
the “wonderful news that Jean Vanier has been
nominated to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. We
can only imagine the great benefit to the awareness of disability issues that will occur if he does
receive the award, not to mention the affirmation of the dignity of every person with disabilities
that will come with such a publicized event.” The announcement continues:
We also hope that Jean Vanier receives the award as
a just acknowledgement of the richness he has
brought to the lives of so many.
He
was
at
the
forefront
of
the
deinstitutionalization movement and founded L'Arche in
France in 1964 when he bought a house in the French
countryside and invited two men from an institutution
to live there in a family-like environment. The L'Arche
organization has since grown to an international
movement operating in 40 countries. We indeed hope
that his work is recognized by the international
community in such a prominent way!
Olympic Athletes Rely on Faith in Reaching Their Goals
The Olympic Games is an exciting time for the world. Countless people from all
across the globe are rooting for their nation’s respective teams and glued to their
TV sets. But beside the spotlight on athletic ability, a focus on faith has been
present in London. The Diocese of Westminster recently held a Mass at the start
of the games with a particular focus on unity among nations. The diocese has
also created a special ministry, "More than Gold"
(http://www.morethangold.org.uk/ ) that serves as a welcome to the families of
participating athletes who want to see their sons and daughters, but cannot pay for a hotel.
Athletes have also spoken in various interviews, noting how
faith has transformed their lives. U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin,
who won her first gold medal Monday in the 100 meter
backstroke, spoke in an interview with belief.net on how faith
has helped her achieve her goals.
Though raised in an environment that was not particularly
religious, Franklin recounts that she felt peace and a sense of
belonging upon entering the halls of Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado. "My
experiences at Regis Jesuit have absolutely impacted my spiritual life, in so many ways. I am
considering converting to Catholicism; I'm currently Protestant," she said. "Going into Regis
Jesuit, my faith was not a very big aspect of my life. Taking my first theology classes, going to
my first Masses, going on my first retreats, I began to realize how important God is in my life
and how much I love him and need him," she continued.
"Every day over the last three years, my faith has grown. One of my favorite times is going to
our beautiful school chapel and spending time with God. This year, I attended Kairos with my
Regis Jesuit sisters and it changed my life forever. I now really work on keeping my faith
strong," she said.
Jordyn Wieber, the 17-year-old U.S. Olympic gymnast, who along
with her teammates led the U.S. team today to its for gold medal
since 1996 in the first of four competitions for the team, spoke of
how her parents helped instill the importance of her Catholic
faith. "My parents have always made going to church as a family
important," Weiber said in an interview with the Diocese of
Lansing’s Faith Magazine. "Sometimes we have to split up due to our
schedules, but most of the time we are able to get to Mass together.
It’s a very special family time and it means a lot to me."
"God blessed me and gave me a lot of strength to be faithful and
more determined with my life to overcome obstacles," said Lopez
Lomong in an interview with USA Today. Lomong is a
Sudanese-born competing in the U.S. Olympic track team.
Abducted at age 6 while attending Mass in his native Kimotong,
Sudan, Lomong was forced into a rebel camp. After watching
several of the other boys die in the prison camp, Lomong and
other fellow prisoners were able to escape to a refugee camp in
neighboring Kenya. He remained there for 10 years until Catholic
Charities, who were moved by an essay he wrote, selected him to
be one of the Lost Boys of Sudan who were relocated to the
United States to start a new life. "He had a vision for me. He knew I would come to America and
have family."
For information on Catholic athletes competing in this year’s Olympics, go to
http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=33890
Pope Urges Trust-filled Prayer: “our relationship with God is essential for our lives”
Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging the faithful to turn to God in
prayer with trust, seeing God as a Father who takes care of us.
Continuing with his reflections on prayer, the Pope spoke of St.
Alphonsus Liguori, who describes prayer as "the necessary and
sure means of obtaining salvation, and all the graces we need to
attain it."
"This sentence sums up the Alphonsian understanding of prayer,"
the Holy Father proposed. "First, in saying that it is a means, he
reminds us of the end to be attained: God created out of love in order to be able to give us the
fullness of life; but because of sin, this goal, this abundance of life has, so to say, drifted away -we all know this -- and only God's grace can make it available."
The Pontiff recalled Alphonsus' statement that "He who prays is saved. He who prays not is
damned!" And: "To save one's soul without prayer is most difficult, and even impossible … but
by praying our salvation is made secure, and very easy." The Holy Father noted the saint's
teaching that there is no excuse for failing to pray, "for the grace of prayer is given to everyone
… if we are not saved, the whole fault will be ours, because we did not pray."
Benedict XVI went on to reflect on prayer as a necessary means, emphasizing that "St.
Alphonsus wanted us to understand that in every situation in life, we cannot manage without
praying, especially in times of trial and difficulty. We must always knock at the Lord's door with
trust, knowing that in all things He takes care of His children, of us. We are invited, therefore,
not to be afraid of turning to Him and of presenting our requests to Him with trust, in the
certainty of obtaining what we need."
The Pope thus invited the faithful to ask a "central question":
"What is truly necessary in my life? With St. Alphonsus I
respond: 'Health and all the graces we need for this'; naturally, he
means not only bodily health, but above all also that of the soul,
which Jesus gives to us. More than anything else, we need His
liberating presence, which truly makes our lives fully human and
therefore full of joy. And it is only through prayer that we are
able to welcome Him and His grace, which by enlightening us in
each situation, enables us to discern the true good, and by
strengthening us, makes our will effective; that is, it enables it to do the good that is known.
Often we recognize the good, but we are unable to do it. Through prayer, we arrive at the point
of being able to carry it out."
The Pope concluded with the idea that "our relationship with God is essential for our lives."
"Without a relationship with God, our fundamental relationship is missing," he said. "And a
relationship with God develops by talking with God in daily personal prayer, and by
participating in the Sacraments; and so it is that this relationship can grow in us, and that the
divine presence that directs our path, enlightens it and makes it secure and serene can also grow
in us, even amid difficulty and danger." The full text of his reflection can be found at:
www.zenit.org/article-35294?l=english
Vatileaks, And Why Young People Should Care
Not only had I not heard of this publication whose byline is Voices of the
Next Generation – Our Generation but I had never encountered Dan
Horning who describes himself as “I'm a riddle, wrapped in a mystery,
inside an enigma. I'm a senior at The George Washington University,
where I'm studying International Affairs with a concentration in international development and
international economics. I like long walks through the woods, embracing my inner nerd, bicycle
rides, and writing outlandish things that cause a few raised eyebrows but open a door to
discussion and thought beyond bland talking points.”
But he is also a Catholic and “a man of faith. As much as my Church frustrates me, I love her,
and know that she’ll get through this one.” I don’t think any comment on Vatileaks, as it has
been dubbed by the media, is a topic for this weekly newsletter. However, I do believe it is
important to hear what some young adults are writing about our church, especially when it is
their church as well. What I liked about Dan was his hope and
challenge to his peers. You can tell he “has worked on a number of
political campaigns and is a self described public policy nerd.”
In spite of all this, there is a candle in the darkness. If there has
ever been a need for young people to step up and become part of
the solution, now is that time. This is just a case study of the trust
vacuum that exists in society today. Look at Congress. Look at the
Presidential race. Look at Wall Street and the big banks. The
people leading these institutions are part of the problem; new
leadership is needed.
That means us. That means people our age need to step up and fight back. It means
speaking with our wallets, taking money out of crony banks that cheat borrowers, and
churches that spend money on €500,000 Nativity scenes instead of the poor and dying. It
means voting, in annual elections and parish council meetings (my emphasis added). It
means being active, not being an armchair activist, ranting on Facebook and Twitter. It
means fighting corruption in every corner that is infiltrated.
You don’t have to agree with his conclusions or why he feels many young adults have left the
church but you have to ask yourself where is the voice of this generation in your parish? Who
speaks for this generation and who is listening? How many young adult voices are on your
advisory council? You can read his full column at http://nextgenjournal.com/2012/07/vatileaksyoung-people-catholics-pope-vatican-scandal-controversy/
Sexual Content in the Movies: Risky Behavior, Pregnancy and Diseases
The media really does influence adolescents'
behavior and early exposure to sexual content in
the movies leads them to commence sexual
activity at an earlier age and to take more risks. This was the conclusion of a study just published
in the journal Psychological Science, titled "Greater Exposure to Sexual Content in Popular
Movies Predicts Earlier Sexual Debut and Increased Sexual Risk Taking."
It started by noting how it is documented that the media influences adolescent behavior in such
areas as alcohol and tobacco use, but that less is known about its impact on sexual behavior.
Starting sexual activity at an earlier age is associated with a greater number of partners and an
increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. More than 9 million new cases of sexual diseases
occur annually among adolescents in the United States, the paper observed.
"Popular movies provide adolescents with a wealth of sexual exposure, much of which may
promote risk behaviors," the authors commented. They cited a survey that looked at movies
released from 1950 to 2006. It showed that more than 84% contained some sexual content. In
addition the survey found that the level of sexual explicitness of PG-13 and R-rated movies has
increased in the past decade.
Not only are adolescents influenced by what they see, but one survey found that 57% of those
aged 14-16 use the media as a primary source of sexual information. The study published in
Psychological Science looked at movie sexual exposure (MVE) in those aged under 16. A
longitudinal study was carried out over the period June 2003 to October 2009. It consisted in a
random telephone survey of 6,522 adolescents, aged 10 to 14. After the initial contact they were
followed up three subsequent times.
They found that higher exposure to explicit sexual content was an accurate predictor of riskier
sexual behavior. The authors said that this study confirms previous ones and also found that this
exposure, "has a lasting influence on risky sexual behaviors in adulthood."
Reducing adolescent’s viewing of sexually explicit content "would delay their sexual debut and
also reduce their engagement in risky sexual behaviors later in life," they concluded. You can
read the complete press release at Exposure to Sexual Content in Popular Movies Predicts
Sexual Behavior in Adolescence
(http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/exposure-to-sexual-content-inpopular-movies-predicts-sexual-behavior-in-adolescence.html)
Vatican Calls Muslims, Christians to Prepare Youth for Peace
In a message for the end of Ramadan, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious
Dialogue says that educating young people for peace is increasingly urgent.
Justice and peace, the statement noted, are inseparable from truth and
freedom. "If the task of education is entrusted to the whole of society, as you
know, it is first and foremost, and in a particular way, the work of parents
and, with them, of families, schools and universities, not forgetting about
those responsible for religious, cultural, social, and economic life, and the world of
communication," the message said. "It is an enterprise which is both beautiful and difficult: to
help children and young people to discover and to develop the resources with which the Creator
has endowed them with and to build responsible human relationships."
The council statement considered the nature of justice, saying that it is "determined first of all by
the identity of the human person, considered in his or her entirety; it cannot be reduced to its
commutative and distributive dimension. We must not forget that the common good cannot be
achieved without solidarity and fraternal love! For believers, genuine justice, lived in the
friendship with God, deepens all other relationships: with oneself, with others and with the whole
of creation."
Moreover, believers recognize that justice "has its origin in the fact that all men are created by
God and are called to become one, single family." The Vatican thus called young Muslims and
Christians to "cultivate truth and freedom, in order to be genuine heralds of justice and peace and
builders of a culture which respects the dignity and the rights of every citizen." The full text of
the statement can be found at www.zenit.org/article-35312?l=english.
FREE Professional Development Webinar – Tuesday, September 25
Ave Maria Press, in partnership with the National Conference for
Catechetical Leadership, the National Association for Lay Ministry, and
National Federation of Priests' Councils presents a series of free, online
workshops on professional development for
parish ministers. This webinar, Catholic
Teaching on Homosexuality: New Paths to
Understanding is offered on Tuessday,
September 25 at 3:00 pm EDT. You can
register at
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/586157945?utm_source=Catholic+Teaching+on+Homo
sexuality+-+PMR+%5BMary%5D&utm_campaign=Catholic+Teaching+on+Homosexuality++PMR&utm_medium=email. For a complete listing of professional development webinars in
this series please visit www.avemariapress.com/webinars
Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality: New Paths to Understanding
Rev. Louis J. Cameli, nationally renowned pastoral leader and
priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, will explore the cultural,
ecclesial, and pastoral context within which he
wrote his recently published book, “Catholic
Teaching on Homosexuality.” The webinar will
introduce participants to the topics of the book as
well as extend the conversation for those participants who already have some
familiarity with it. The webinar’s question and comment component will
provide participants with opportunities to raise questions, seek clarifications, or
offer alternate perspectives. You can order Catholic Teaching on
Homosexuality: New Paths to Understanding.
Contemporary Leaders of Courage and Compassion
Nothing short of a new level of worldwide leadership and commitment for
sustainable and equitable change will suffice to create a better world today and
for future generations. Monica Sharma currently focuses on 40 of these courageous leaders
around the world. “My journey over 20 years has been profound, walking alongside many
courageous and compassionate leaders -— leaders walking different, yet similar, paths!”
Here are the key ideas from her original article. Some of her thoughts fall under servant
leadership and others remind me of the prophetic role. It is a challenge we need to increasingly
face both in our world and in our church. The USCCB intercultural competencies are a start. If
interested you can read the entire article which originally appeared in Kosmos: Creating the New
Civilization for the Common Good at http://www.kosmosjournal.org/articles/contemporaryleaders-of-courage-and-compassioncompetencies-and-inner-capacities. Here are some
key ideas that I shortened to four (4) pages.
What are the action elements of this transformative narrative that is emerging worldwide?
1. GENERATE ACTION FROM THE GROUND OF BEING. WHO AM I?
Know the power of one’s wisdom for action.
It is not just a vague feeling or intuition. It is concrete and grounding. Sheikh A, an influential
Imam from Syria, says “I know who I am, my essence and quality of being. There is no
separation between being and doing. I now know how to honor and source this space for action
in everyone—and I do so routinely.” He redesigns a large programme supporting widows and
their children, …. He says, “I state what I stand for in life and stand firmly in the ground of my
being. I proactively engage with Father X, a Catholic Priest, and I have been openly threatened
for collaborating with him. Father X and I deeply respect each other as human beings and work
together to address social issues, such as the stigma related to HIV/AIDS, from the ground of our
being, far beyond the common ground of our respective religious tenets.”
Create with courage.
What is common in these creative and courageous leaders who generated results in these and
other examples? It is their ability as leaders to ground, source and value their (and others’)
wisdom as the most important determinant of sustainable change. Wisdom is our inner guidance
based on universal truths and insights, leading one to compassionate action in the world. These
leaders recognize and value social identities based on nationality, religion, race, gender, politics,
education and culture, without rigid intolerant boundaries and relate to these diverse aspects with
ease and respect. They also recognize that we all have different personal styles of expression—
different personalities—unique ways of moving in the world. They are able to work with
professional skills, talents and abilities in the world towards achieving success, prosperity and
service. Their ability to work with multiple profiles is extremely valuable.
2. ENTER THROUGH PARTICULAR DOORS INTO CREATIVE SPACE.
Burn with an inexhaustible inner fire.
There is a deep sensitivity to the intense suffering of the world moment to moment and a
knowing that I can make a difference and will not stop until I do. …It is possible to talk or teach
about injustice, but I have never been able to create a platform for igniting the inner fire in
anyone for a just world. An innate sense of what is universally just seems to be present, or absent
or merely rhetoric.
Orient towards results.
Today’s transformational leaders leap forward from the building blocks laid by previous
paradigm shifters—human rights, civil rights, animal rights, ecological movements. They are
establishing new codes and norms, such as progressive journalists creating awareness through
radical transparency, making the invisible visible; celebrating diversity, higher consciousness
and peace; making the science and art of our deeper consciousness accessible, available, popular
and a valid foundation for societal work. The ability of leaders to use and distinguish multiple
frameworks is central to generating results with diverse populations and navigating the systems
in which they work.
3. DESIGN DIFFERENTLY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! TRANSFORMATIVE
ARCHITECTURE.
Recognize the invisible, multiple patterns and systems that shape societal and planetary
situations and actions; recognize interdependence.
Today, in every part of the world, the thinking on policies, rules and regulations is done by a few
for the many, with the assumption and justification that people and citizens do not have the
expertise to influence policy nor the ability to think critically. New research indicates that all
humans, regardless of education, have the innate ability to see patterns and to create new systems
and forms. Since critical strategic thinking is possible for all, not just the experts, we need to
create ways to stimulate critical thinking along with authentic processes to give a voice to
everyone. This is critical for our future.
Design and deliver on actions, simultaneously in real time that (1) source wisdom—being (2)
shift systems and/or create new patterns (3) solve problems.
These leaders are pattern-makers, not just problem-solvers. They deal with what is not working
by creating alternatives. They are able to identify, distinguish, design and generate responses that
integrate the different domains related to the entangled hierarchies of any given situation. They
do not only solve complex societal problems at a surface level. They actively address the deeper
dimensions of the problematique. … As Howard Gardner suggests, they cultivate ‘five minds’ as
a foundation for action: the disciplined mind to solve problems; the synthesizing mind to make
sense of the invisible patterns affecting reality as well as endless incomprehensible bits of
information; the creative mind to break new ground, establishing alternatives; the ethical and
respectful mind to source their inner values and wisdom for action.
Design for principled action: Embody values.
There is a set of universal principles that we have to unravel, to recognize, to respect and to
defend in whatever setting—social practice, business, politics, legal frameworks…. Be a
commoner! Do the commons projects we design, lead and manage integrate strategies and
methods so that individual values and principles manifest in action.
4. GENERATE NEW FUTURES WITH TANGIBLE RESULTS!
Persist in dancing with the entire results chain.
Results are key—we all agree. …Transformational leaders know that although outputs and
outcomes are important, they do not provide a true measure of human potential and well-being.
These leaders also hold with ease the seeming paradox of accountability and results along with
the unpredictability of emergence.
Transform spaces in routine action. Transform processes and the way business is transacted.
Knowing and using the techniques and tools for creating transformational spaces within routine
action, shifting processes and the way business is done or transacted is imperative for large-scale
change. These opportunities present themselves regularly and frequently in every organization
and sector, in all human endeavors, and remain largely unutilized.
Speak out and speak up.
These transformational leaders have the courage to speak up for actions that result in sustainable
and equitable change and to speak against those that do not. They are not reactive. They speak
from a creative space that is sourced from a place of valuing diversity, equity, interdependence
and dignity. They say, “It is not okay with me, and I will no longer contribute to it by my
silence.” It is a burning for justice for all beings, a burning sourced in deep wisdom, in that nondual self of being it all—of being humanity.
5. SHARE LEADERSHIP:
LEAD WHILE FOSTERING LEADERSHIP IN OTHERS.
Be a leader while actively supporting others to lead.
Being a leader while actively supporting others to lead is an emerging concept. The shared
leaders do not work in conventional multidisciplinary teams. They bring everyone’s talents to the
table, with processes to assure that everyone is heard and that decisions are not made by ‘the few
leaders.’ They do not view themselves as stars of the show, rather as servers of humanity. They
are riding the wave of change with wise principles and modalities. …What can we do, to
proactively support this amazing spirit, to make what needs to happen, happen and play our part?
Seek out potential leaders and create opportunities for their manifestation, while leading.
Enable change by bolstering others’ capabilities through active support in the public domain.
6. LEADERSHIP INSIDE-OUT: COMPASSIONATE COURAGE.
The most urgent and sustainable response to the world’s problems and the ability to harness new
opportunities lies in our capacity to expand solutions for problems that are driven solely by
technology, to responses that also create new patterns and systems generated from our wisdom.
Leaders in this era of global abundance and seeming scarcity need to understand and challenge
the factors that allow the massive divide between the rich and the poor to persist
What’s missing today that could make a significant difference tomorrow? Are you willing to fill
the gap? We ask you, the reader, to reflect on the following questions:
• Do I see myself as a courageous, compassionate contributor for alleviating suffering and
creating a thriving and just planet? Who am I being, how am I thinking and what am I doing?
• Do I value my inner capacity and wisdom? Do I consider myself to be a critical strategic
thinker? Do I have what it takes to deliver on my word and actions? Am I willing to cultivate
these aspects in myself?
• Am I willing to invest in learning new architectural skills and competencies for transforming
the aching world? After all, a system delivers what it is designed to deliver! Am I willing to ‘see’
the invisible patterns that keep one in three human beings in dire life-and-death circumstances?
Have I decided it is enough and I will put myself out there to create new systems?
• Am I willing to be the emerging ‘shared-leader?’ How and when will I reflect deeply and
inquire into my relationship with external power and money?
• Will I actively choose to do all I can to better the world? Will I commit, not only as intention,
but also in action?
• Am I willing to let go of my way of doing things, even if I am considered to be successful or an
expert—to renew myself through the emergence of new patterns and methods in work and life?
• Will I support those who are taking the risks and speak in the public domain to bolster their
work? Or am I afraid? What am I afraid of losing—Reputation? Face? Expert Status? Money?
Social Approval?
The persistence of poverty and the lack of opportunity to live and thrive for so many is a measure
of our response to date. Our sense of scarcity, no matter how much we have; our definition of
‘success’ where the proxy is basically money or ‘wealth’ without any sense of sufficiency; our
rhetoric of partnership in the midst of systems set up for competition precludes creative
responses.
Our future depends on the choices we make. Will we continue doing the same things again and
again, hoping to reverse the situation, or will we choose to generate a different reality?
To learn more about this series and the principles of wise leadership please sign up for the
Kosmos monthly newsletter. (http://www.kosmosjournal.org/kjo2/Resources/newslettersubscribe.html)
SpiritClips: The 7th Hole
A man experiences an unexpected and powerful connection to his
recently deceased father while golfing with his father's friends.
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. - Thomas
Campbell. Watch this four (4) minute video at
http://spiritclips.com/films/theseventhhole?utm_source=071912fr
ee&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7th
I Believe She's Amazing Flash Mob - Toronto Eaton Centre
This video and song did exactly what the movement suggested. It made me
feel good and it brought a smile to my face. This is a great pick-me-up song
if you need a little break from your tasks. Kim MacGregor organized this
flash mob of 200 dancers to launch the "feel good" movement, "I Believe
She's Amazing" (http://www.IBelieveShesAmazing.com) in honor of her friend Erika Heller
who passed away May 28th, 2009 at 31 yrs. old...this is her living legacy. The amazing
choreographers and dancers pulled this together in just one-6 hr rehearsal
the day before the shoot. It is an inspiring movement that “gives you the
chance to say "I believe she's amazing" to all the moms, sisters, aunts,
grandmas, teachers, daughters, wives and girlfriends who matter and who
make you believe in yourself!” You can watch this four (4) minute video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfcKvevod3k&feature=related (The
song is I Believe by Yolanda Adams, from the soundtrack to the movie
Honey starring Jessica Alba.)
They said you wouldn't make is so far uh uh
And ever since they said it, it's been hard
But never mind the nights you had to cry
Cause you have never let it go inside
You worked real hard
And you know exactly what you want and need
So believe and you can never give up
You can reach your goals
Just talk to your soul and say…
(Chorus:)
I believe I can (I can)
I believe I will (I will)
I believe I know my dreams are real (know my dreams are real)
I believe I'll stand (Oh yea)
I believe I'll dance
I believe I'll grow real soon and (That's why)
That is what I do believe
Your goals are just a thing in your soul uh uh
And you know that your moves will let them show
You keep creating pictures in your mind
So just believe they will come true in time
It will be fine
Leave all of your cares and stress behind
Just let it go
Let the music flow inside
Forget all your pain
And just start to believe
(Chorus:)
I believe I can (I believe I can oh yea)
I believe I will
I believe I know my dreams are real (All of my dreams are real)
I believe I'll stand
I believe I'll dance (I gotta dance)
I believe I'll grow real soon and (ooo)
That is what I do believe
Whoa oa oa YEA…
(Music break)
Never mind what people say
Hold your head high and turn away
With all our hopes and dreams
I will believe
Even though it seems it's not for me
I won't give up I'll keep it up
Look into the sky
I will achieve all my needs
I will always believe….OoOo
(Chorus 2x)
I believe I can
I believe I will (I can)
I believe I know my dreams are real (I got strength)
I believe I'll stand
I believe I'll dance (I gotta dance)
I believe I'll grow real soon and (watch me watch me watch me)
That is what I do believe (I do believe in me)
I believe I can
I believe I will (oh yea)
I believe I know my dreams are real
I believe I'll stand
I believe I'll dance (I gotta dance)
I believe I'll grow real soon and
That is what I do believe (I do believe! yayeeyay)
Simultaneous Acts Of Kindness In 6 Cities
A guerrilla kindness event held simultaneously in six cities provided a scavenger
hunt of sweetness for volunteers on a mission to put a smile on a stranger’s face.
Some picked flowers and gave them to strangers, some passed out popsicles to
sweltering pedestrians, and some wrote happy notes and slid them under
unknown doors.
Entitled, "Kindness Captured: A Day of Bravery and Kindness," the events on
June 30 were held in Syracuse, New York City, Dallas, Boston, Seattle and
Richmond, Virginia. “We want to share the idea you can really brighten
someone’s day,” said a co-founder of American Bear Films
(http://www.americanbearfilm.com/about) who partnered with Guerrilla
Goodness (http://www.guerillagoodness.com/) to coordinate the event. You can watch the two
minute video at http://www.hooplaha.com/kindness-captured/ .
Stunning Photo Collection - Best of 2012
A site called Imgur was designed to share photos with social networks and
online communities.
Take a look at this amazing collection of photos depicting the beauty of Mother
Nature and the best of human ingenuity. You can see the 48 photos in a larger
slideshow at the Imgur site, here. (http://imgur.com/a/YAPNn).
Le Havre – Released on DVD
I saw this film earlier this year and I loved it. Tough some critics have
called it unrealistic, I believe that it shows the best in us and the
importance of cooperation in a neighborhood. I remember reading The
Gulag Archipelago and reading how the police would come at night and
take them away – one by one. The writer said that everyone was afraid
to talk to their neighbor because (s)he might be a spy and so ultimately
they all were taken out of fear to trust someone. There is a wonderful
twist at the end of the film which proves that even the most hardened
can have a change of heart because of an act of kindness that (s)he
remembers being done for them. The film has English subtitles and you
can order Le Havre (Criterion Collection). Here is part of the film
review I appreciated. The full review can be found at
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/films.php?id=21791.
Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki has created a magical film about the warmth of the
human heart that is willing to be open and hospitable to strangers from another culture.
Marcel is an innocent who sets out on a dangerous mission to save Idrissa and is willing
to suffer the consequences if it doesn't work. At one point, Arletty's (Marcel’s wife)
doctor tries to cheer her up by noting that miracles can happen. She responds: "Not in my
neighborhood." But that is exactly where the miracle of human collaboration takes place
along with an even greater miracle which is celebrated in all the world's wisdom
traditions.
Doing GREAT MINISTRY With Less -Available for Sale – Eighth Chapter FREE
In November of 2010, 34 members of the NCCL Representative Council
gathered for their annual fall meeting. Amidst all the other business, this
group dedicated three different time segments to the development and
creation of a book to be of service to diocesan and parish catechetical
leaders.
Thursday, November 3, 2011, many of these same Rep Council members were handed the first
copies of this book. Now you can share in the wisdom and thoughts of your catechetical partners.
One chapter of this book will be available on the NCCL website under Resources each month for
free until the entire book can be downloaded. If you want your own copy, they retail for $12.95
but for this week, they are available to members for only $10.00 plus shipping and handling.
Autographed copies are available upon request Log on to the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org)
to view the Table of Contents, Preface, and Background along with an order form. Be sure to
look under Resources where this month the eighth chapter: Technology Has Made My Ministry
More Social, Open, and Personal is free for download.
Pope Finishes Vol. 3 of 'Jesus of Nazareth'
The Vatican announced today that Benedict XVI has finished the third and final
volume of his work "Jesus of Nazareth." A statement from the press office
confirmed that the volume, which focuses on Christ's infancy, is now being
translated from the original German. Due time will be taken to ensure
completely accurate translations, the statement clarified.
Benedict XVI finished the first volume of "Jesus of Nazareth"
in late 2006. That edition focuses on Jesus' public ministry and
was quickly an international bestseller. "Jesus of Nazareth:
Holy Week: From the Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection PT. 2," on
the Passion and Resurrection, was released in time for Lent 2011. The third
volume is to be shorter than the previous two. You can order either of the first
two by simply clicking on the title.
Holding Jesus: Reflections on Mary the Mother of God
Two years ago, NCCL honored Alfred McBride, O.Praem with its Catechetical
Award. Fr. McBride has just released his reflections on Mary’s relationship
with Jesus. The book is divided into three parts and the first part is designed to
be used during Advent as it focuses on Holding the Child Jesus and has a
reflection for each day of the Advent season. The second part is Holding Jesus
During His Adult Ministry and the third part is Holding Jesus During his
Passion, Death, Resurrection and Sending of the Holy Spirit. You can order
Holding Jesus: Reflections on Mary, the Mother of God.
I Wasn't Dead When I Wrote This: Advice Given in the Nick of Time
Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart was a youth minister and founder of a leadership group for young
people. I knew her and so I was not surprised by the enticing title of her last book, I Wasn’t Dead
When I Wrote This. After thirty years of working with teens, Calderone sums up a lifetime's
worth of the best practical advice she has given and received for young
people to be happy and spirituality strong. Lisa wrote this book of
advice for all those she would never meet in person. After a long illness,
she died of cancer shortly after completing the manuscript. Lisa is
survived by her two sons.
At the end of the seventh chapter, she writes 7 short phrases that are
worthy of much reflection. If you find these thoughts intriguing you can
order I Wasn't Dead When I Wrote This: Advice Given in the Nick of
Time.







Dream big.
Learn humbly.
Reflect honestly.
Lead bravely.
Serve graciously.
Support tenderly.
Transform much.
Knowing Jesus and His Message – Conociendo a Jesus y su Mensaje
This is an excellent resource.
Immediately following the Learning
Session on this resource at the NCCL
Conference and Exposition in Atlanta,
the NCCL Bookstore sold over twenty
(20) copies of the book in English and
Spanish.
Based on the protocol used to evaluate
elementary religion series, the book used
fifteen standards for Pre-K and K through Grades 7 & 8. Included with the binder is a CD with
all the materials available for duplication. This is an ideal help for any elementary catechist
regardless of the series you might be using. Check out the following and use the Order Form.





PREFACE - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/nysql)
EXPLANATION - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/xuvw8)
Standards - Explained (http://tiny.cc/65wmc)
Normas y Fundamentos (http://tiny.cc/zfrg2)
ORDER FORM - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/9j0mb)
Looking For A Good Book?
Stop by the NCCL Bookstore. Purchasing books, CDs, DVDs, and other products on Amazon
through the NCCL Bookstore (http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20) helps support this
valuable online ministry.
If you are an on-line shopper and you frequent Amazon.com, please enter through the
NCCL Amazon Bookstore as the organization benefits from every purchase you make. It’s
an ideal way to support our ministry. Just go to our Home page (www.NCCL.org) and click
on the Store tab or click on http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20 and it will take you
directly to our bookstore. It doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as you enter through the
NCCL Amazon Bookstore, we get a percentage of your purchases.
We are just building our bookstore and adding titles every day, so if you have any suggestions
for books you believe should be available through our bookstore, please drop NCCL a note. All
books mentioned in CL Weekly are available at the NCCL Bookstore.
Closing Thoughts: GRACE
Thanks to Denise Anderson for sharing this Image Book’s photo and a closing message for this
first issue in August.
Feedback/Comments should be addressed to: lnagel@nccl.org