September 30, 2013, Volume VII, Number 39
FEAST OF SAINT JEROME
Monday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus – October 1, 2013
Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels – Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feast of Saint Francis Assisi – Friday, October 4, 2013
Feast of Saint Mary Faustina Kowalska–Saturday, October 5, 2013
YEAR OF FAITH - Oct. 11, 2012, through Nov. 24, 2013
http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html
Question of the Week
For Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 6, 2013
“‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord replied, ‘If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…’” Why did
Jesus ignore their request and imply that they didn’t need more faith? What is Jesus suggesting
by indicating that there is significant power in faith that is the size of a mustard seed? Do you
believe your faith has this much potential? How would you cultivate such a faith?
NCCL News
Be the First to Reserve a Hotel Room for the 2014 NCCL Conference
For the 2014 NCCL Conference and Exposition in St.
Louis, the Planning Committee has determined that the
information link for hotel reservations will be posted on
the NCCL Facebook Page before it is posted anywhere
else. FIND OUT FIRST how to register for your hotel
room by liking us on
Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/
NCCLonline
Nominations Needed by October 18, 2013
The LDC is seeking nominations for persons to serve a three (3) year term on
the NCCL Board of Directors. While Representative Council members will be
securing nominations from their representative constituencies, NCCL offers all
members the opportunity to nominate someone to be considered for this role.
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 1
The term for the three Board members would begin at the end of the NCCL Conference and
Exposition in 2014 and continue until the same event in 2017.
Please review the following documents along with the nomination form. Deadline is Friday,
October 18, 2013.
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Rep Council Roles and Responsibilities 2013
Process for Discerning At-Large Members - PowerPoint
At-Large Board Members - Roles and Responsibilities
At-Large Board Members Job Description
LDC At-Large NOMINATION FORM
Due to a change in practice and by request of the LDC, the NCCL Board of Directors has
approved a change in the selection process for the officer slates for 2015. To allow more time for
the LDC to create two slates for officer selection and voting in 2015, the nomination process will
begin now rather than later. As an individual member you are invited to submit the names of
persons who might be considered as a nominee for the office of president. Please familiarize
yourself with the following documents including the nomination form. Deadline is Friday,
October 18, 2013.
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Process for Discerning Officer Slates
Roles of Officers.doc
LDC Officers Nomination Form - 2015 - 2018
Papal Intentions for October
GENERAL: That those feeling so crushed by life that they wish to end it may
sense the nearness of God’s love.
MISSION: That the celebration of World Mission Day may
help all Christians realize that we are not only receivers but
proclaimers of God’s Word.
Cardinal Dolan Applauds Pope's Interview With Jesuit Journal
In an interview with America, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan
expressed his joy with Pope Francis’ interview which was recently
published in 16 Jesuit journals around the world. The in-depth interview
highlighted the Holy Father’s thoughts on the mission of the Church in
today’s world. Saying that his reaction made him want “to sing out a
loud “Alleluia!”, Cardinal Dolan said that he was “exhilarated” that the
Holy Father would have such a personal interview. “All of us take risks
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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in doing this [...] but it’s worth the risk,” the Cardinal said regarding giving interviews.
When asked for the reactions of the U.S. bishops, Cardinal Dolan, who serves as the president of
the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), stated that the bishops applauded
the Pope’s words. The Holy Father’s emphasis on the new evangelization, he said, is also a top
priority of the U.S. Bishops. “If the church is perceived as crabby, nagging, hung-up on a few
‘pet peeves,’ or judgmental, as unjust and inaccurate as that perception might be, we can’t
evangelize very well,” Cardinal Dolan said. “What Pope Francis has done is popped the blister of
that perception, and we bishops cheer him on. We are about a yes, not about a no.”
While the Holy Father’s interview gave hope to many who have felt at times marginalized by the
Church, others were caught off guard with his words. Cardinal Dolan told America magazine
that both sides of the argument are missing something or rather, someone. “Pope Francis is
probably frustrated that all the attention is on him, his interview, his statements. He wants the
attention on Jesus,” the Cardinal said. “If we emphasize Jesus, His Person, teaching, salvation,
invitation, death and resurrection, everything else works out.”
Concluding the interview, the Cardinal of New York, said that the Holy Father’s words regarding
discernment and the presence of God in one’s life moved him, especially when it comes to facing
tough decisions within his Archdiocese. “Where is [God] as I decide to merge a parish? Where is
He as I mull over the budget? Where is He as I worry about dwindling Mass attendance. Pope
Francis claims He’s there! In all those neuralgic areas where we think He’s sleeping…No. He’s
there. I better discern that presence and that direction,” Cardinal Dolan said. For America
Magazine’s interview with Cardinal Dolan, go to: http://americamagazine.org/content/allthings/cardinal-dolan-frankly-speaking.
Pope: Unborn Child Has the Face of the Lord
“Every unborn child, condemned unjustly to be aborted, has the
face of the Lord.” Pope Francis stressed these words during a
meeting with hundreds of obstetricians/gynecologists at a
conference sponsored by the International Federation of Catholic
Medical Associations. The conference theme was “The New
Evangelization, the obstetric practices and the care of mothers.”
The Holy Father began his address explaining that a paradoxical
situation exists in today’s medical profession. On one hand, modern medicine has shown
progress in finding new cures for diseases. But on the other, the Pope warned, “we also find the
danger that the doctor might lose his/her identity as a servant of life.”
“Although by their nature they are at the service of life, health professions are sometimes
induced to disregard life itself,” the Pope said. “If you lose the personal and social sensitivity
towards the acceptance of a new life, then other forms of acceptance that are valuable for society
also wither away. The acceptance of life strengthens moral fiber and makes people capable of
mutual help.” The Pope stressed that the final objective of a doctor is always in the defense and
promotion of life.
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Continuing his address, the Holy Father appealed to all healthcare professionals, in particularly
those in the field of gynecology, which he said are “called to collaborate in the creation of new
human lives. “Yours is a unique vocation and mission, which requires study, conscience and
humanity,” he said. “A widespread mentality of profits, the ‘culture of waste’, which now
enslaves the hearts and minds of many, has a very high cost: it requires the elimination of human
beings, especially if they are physically or socially weaker”.
The Pope told the medical professionals present that every fragile person one encounters is an
invitation to recognize the face of Christ, who in his flesh, “experienced the indifference and
loneliness that often condemn the poorest, both in the developing world and in affluent
societies.” The face of Christ he said can be seen in the unborn children condemned to abortion
as well as the elderly and the sick. “You cannot discard them!,” the Pope exclaimed.
Concluding his address, the Holy Father invited the participants to be witnesses in their
professions of a culture of life. Your being Catholic entails greater responsibility: first of all to
yourself , for the effort to be consistent with the Christian vocation, and then to contemporary
culture , to help recognize the transcendent dimension in human life , the imprint of the creative
work of God, from the very first moment of her conception.” Christ, he concluded, is counting
on them to spread the Gospel of Life. You can read the full text of his talk at Face of Christ.
Catechetical Sunday – Only $1.00 a piece, Regardless of Quantity
This year, the Church celebrates the Catechetical theme
Open the Door of Faith. Those whom the community has
designated to serve as catechists have been called forth to
be commissioned for their ministry.
NCCL still has a few remaining copies of its reflection
journal which was edited by Michele Harris and the reflections were written
by nine different NCCL members. The reflection book is entitled
WELCOME! Open the Door – Pass through the gate – Seek the Christ.
Sample pages from each of the writers are available on the NCCL
Homepage (www.NCCL.org). The order form, with the $1.00 per book
price, is available on the NCCL website. Hurry, while supplies last.
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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Vatican Official Promotes Charter of the Rights of the Family
Recently a press conference was held at the Vatican press office with the
participation of Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical
Council for the Family, Helen Alvare, professor of law in the United
States, and Francesco D'Agostino, an Italian jurist, to present the
international work-conference on “The Rights of the Family and the
Challenges of the Contemporary World”.
In his address, Archbishop Paglia described the family as the subject of
rights which are strictly related to the rights of the individual; “indeed, the
family is a communion of persons, and its self-realisation depends to a
significant degree on the correct application of the rights of those who compose this unit. Some
of these rights are directly related to the family, such as the right of parents to responsible
procreation and the education of their offspring; other rights, instead, relate to the nuclear family
only indirectly”.
The archbishop emphasized that the Charter of the Rights of the Family,
30 years after its publication, is unfortunately still a “little-known
document”, despite being “a prophetic appeal in favor of the institution
of the family, which should be respected and defended from all forms
of usurpation”. You can read the Charter of the Rights of the Family
(http://tiny.cc/hbnr3w).
He added that the Pontifical Council wished to convene an international conference, linked to the
Association of Italian Catholic Jurists, to “return to the inspiration for these principles. It is true
that we find ourselves in a new cultural context that questions the institution of the family even
more radically than in the past. But the validity of the principles gathered and ordered in the
Charter stands firm to this day”.
Pontifical Council for the Laity To Hold Seminar on the Dignity of Women
The Pontifical Council for the Laity has announced an upcoming seminar in October on the
dignity and vocation of woman which will coincide with the 25th anniversary of Blessed John
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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Paul II’s Apostolic Letter “Mulieris Dignitatem”. The theme of the seminar will be “God entrusts
the human being to the Woman.” In a statement announcing the seminar, the Pontifical Council
for the Laity stated that Blessed John Paul II’s apostolic letter “presents the concept of the order
of love which helps define what is specific about femininity.”
“In an order like this, a special kind of "prophetism" belongs to women in their femininity (cf.
MD, 29), because it is they who receive love in order to give love. This is true beyond the
specific relationship of marriage. It is a universal characteristic that can help us to understand the
specific nature of womanhood,” the statement read. The role of women in the order of love will
be the point of departure for the upcoming seminar.
“Twenty five years after the publication of Mulieris Dignitatem, the presence and participation of
women in social, economic, cultural and political life has been increasing all over the world,” the
message from the Pontifical Council stated. However, in this day and age, there is a growing
anthropological crisis that was described by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as a “‘self-hatred’
among our contemporaries.”
“It is being seen in so many ways, for example, in the crisis of male and female identity, the
growth in gender theory, the widespread culture of death (abortion, euthanasia, the contraceptive
mentality), the deterioration in human relations that resulted from the sexual revolution, the
education emergency, and the law which is becoming allied to moral subjectivism,” the
Pontifical Council’s statement read.
The Pontifical Council for the Laity expressed its hope that the seminar will respond to Pope
Francis’ invitation to be “protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature,
protectors of one another and of the environment. “The seminar will be a time of deep reflection
on the specific role of women in safeguarding the humanum and, with God’s help, will allow
each one to be even more committed to giving their contribution in the various areas discussed,”
the statement read. For more information regarding the seminar, go to: www.laici.va
Cardinal Wuerl - Francis in America: A pastoral message the church needs today
When I (Cardinal Wuerl) first read the substantive interview
with Pope Francis in America, I was drawn by the pope’s
openness, engaging style and repeated call to “go out” and meet
people where they are. What is needed, he says, is nearness and
proximity to those who are wounded.
This certainly is a theme he has made something of a mantra in
his ministry. I also immediately thought of his remarks as a vivid
expression of the new evangelization—to present the Gospel in ways “new in ardor, methods and
expression” (Blessed John Paul II, Address to the Latin American Episcopal Conference, March
9, 1983). In the interview Pope Francis says, “The proposal of the Gospel must be more simple,
profound, radiant. It is from this proposition that the moral consequences then flow.”
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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. . . Reading the interview again—because one really must read it multiple times to take in the
richness of the Holy Father’s message—I realized it may be a whole new way for the pope to
share his thoughts. This is not so much the pope speaking about what we need to know about the
Gospel message as it is how to “do” the Gospel message. Again, it is the embodiment of his
many invitations to “go out” to people, to build bridges, not walls, and establish a dialogue with
all people, even those who do not embrace all of the church’s teachings.
. . . The third time I read the interview, I focused on a few highly personal elements that really
touched me. When the pope spoke about his prayer life, I felt he was actually talking to me.
Finding a pattern for prayer—conversation—with God that works in the midst of all the
requirements of our pastoral office was so reassuring because it was not abstract. It showed a
pastor balancing his personal spiritual life with his ministry. . . . While I recognize this is an
interview, not an apostolic exhortation, it is still the voice of the bishop of Rome, the pope, who
is providing such pastoral emphasis. It is a gift. You can read Cardinal Wuerl’s full reflections at
http://americamagazine.org/issue/francis-in-america.
USCCB: Begin Consideration of Immigration Reform Legislation
Invoking Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day of Migrants
and Refugees, released September 24, Archbishop José H.
Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, called upon
members of the U.S. House of Representatives to begin
consideration of comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
In a message, released in advance of the January 19, 2014,
World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis called for a
“change in attitude’ toward migrants and refugees around the world, moving away from attitudes
of “defensiveness and fear, indifference and fear,” typical of a “throwaway culture.” “Migrants
and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity,” the Holy Father wrote.
Archbishop Gomez echoed the Holy Father’s remarks, stating that the current situation in the
United States undermines the human rights and dignity of migrants. “Migrants have few rights in
our economic system,” Archbishop Gomez said. “They are working for low wages in our
restaurants and fields; our factories, gardens, homes and hotels. And these men and women have
no security against sickness, disability or old age — and no protections against being exploited in
the workplace.”
Calling on the House of Representatives to correct this situation, Archbishop Gomez added, “I
urge our leaders in the House of Representatives to debate and pass a bill that gives these
undocumented men and women a path to citizenship and full membership in our society.” Pope
Francis’ statement can be found at www.news.va/en/news/popes-message-for-word-day-ofmigrants-and-refugee.
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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Benedict XVI Breaks Silence, Addresses Italian Non-Believer
Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI has broken his public silence for
the first time since his resignation, with a lengthy letter to an
Italian intellectual. The retired Pontiff wrote and 11-page
personal letter to Piergiorgio Odifreddi, the author of a book
responding to Benedict’s Jesus of Nazareth. With Benedict’s
permission, substantial portions of the letter have been published
in the Italian daily La Repubblica.
In his letter to Odifreddi, Benedict XVI welcomes an “open
dialogue” on questions of faith, and addresses the Italian writer’s points on Biblical scholarship
and the understanding of Jesus. The retired Pontiff strongly defends the role of faith as a
companion of scientific reason, and questions whether secular scientists sometimes overreach the
boundaries of their own fields, venturing into “science fiction” to explain matters that strictly
empirical analyses cannot explain.
Benedict takes Odifreddi to task for using mathematical logic as, in effect, his own religion. He
remarks: “I’m amazed that with one stroke you eliminate freedom, which… is the fundamental
principle of the modern era.”
Pope-emeritus Benedict also addresses the sex-abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, and his own
role in addressing the scandal. “I never tried to cover up these things,” he assures Odifreddi. The
retired Pope reminds Odifreddi that sexual abuse is not a problem unique to the Catholic Church.
He points out that the proportion of priests guilty of abuse is similar to the proportion of abusers
in other fields—although he concedes that this is not a comforting statistic. He concludes that
“one must not stubbornly present this deviance as if it were a nastiness specific to Catholicism.”
FREE Professional Development Webinar –THIS Tuesday, October 1, 2013
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
Catholics Going Mobile: Opportunities for Evangelization Using Mobile
Apps is offered on Tuesday, October 1 at 3:00 pm
EDT. You can register at PDW-10-01-2013
(http://tiny.cc/gdgr2w). For a complete listing of
professional development webinars in this series,
please visit www.avemariapress.com/webinars.
Catholics Going Mobile: Opportunities for Evangelization Using Mobile Apps
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that over 90% of American adults use cell
phones and 56% have smartphones (June 2013). According to the study, "the cell phone is the
most quickly adopted consumer technology in the history of the world."
Knowing this, how can the Catholic Church use mobile technology as a part of the New
Evangelization? How can we make sure the Church is not left behind the times as an increasing
number of Catholics use mobile apps daily?
In this panel discussion, representatives from three dioceses who have experimented with mobile
apps this year will share their experiences in creating and leveraging mobile technology to reach
Catholics in their areas. The panel will include:
Sean Ater
Being Catholic App
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Sarah Mealey & Craig Berry
Rediscover: App
Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Cindy Black
My Year of Faith App
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
&
Patrick Leinen from Little iApps
Confession: A Roman Catholic App
eVotions Apps
My Year of Faith App
Rediscover App
Listen as each of these representatives share their stories and suggestions for creating your own
apps as tools for Catholic evangelization, then ask questions about how you can make this a
reality in your parish or diocese.
Nominations Sought for NCCL Catechetical Award Among Others
Every year the NCCL Board of Directors chooses the recipient for its highest
recognition: NCCL Catechetical Award, at its November meeting. After
consultation with the representative Council, the Board makes the final
decision. While nominations for the other awards, Distinguished Service and
New Wineskins can be submitted as well, the final decision on those awards is
not decided until 2014. While you may have shared names with your
Representative Council member, you may also nominate as an individual. Please review the
criteria and past recipients in the following documents before choosing to nominate.
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2014 Catechetical Award Nomination Form
2014 Distinguished Service Award Nomination Form
New Wineskins Award Application (diocesan level) 2013
New Wineskins Award Application (parish level) 2013
New Wineskins Award Application (diocesan level) 2013
New Wineskins Award Application (parish level) 2013
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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High School Football Coach Suspends Team for Cyberbullying Incident
Matt Labrum, the head football coach at Union High School
in Roosevelt, Utah, has taken the concept of character-building
to a whole new level. Amid reports of cyberbullying and other
off-the-field problems plaguing his team, Labrum suspended
his entire football team—80 players in total—after a loss last
Friday to Judge Memorial Catholic High School.
According to the Deseret News, Labrum and his entire
coaching staff sat the team down and instructed them to turn in
their equipment, including uniforms. He then made it clear the team would not be allowed back
on the field until they proved themselves—not as players, but as human beings.
“We looked at it as a chance to say, ‘Hey, we need to focus on some other things that are more
important than winning a football game,” Labrum told the newspaper. “We got an emotional
response from the boys. I think it really meant something to them, which was nice to see that it
does mean something. None of them fought us on it.” You can read the complete story at Taking
A Stand (http://tiny.cc/5bt03w).
Friday night’s Homecoming game according to the Qwixcore game log from the contest shows
that Union (3-3) and Emery (2-4) were tied at seven after one quarter, but then the visitors scored
14 in the second quarter to move ahead 21-7 and they coasted from there to a 41-21 win.
An Open Letter To The Parents Of The Stephentown 300
In a situation different from the aforementioned football coach, about 300
students broke into a house and had a party. After hearing about the event and
listening to various comments, Kelly Lynch, Broadcast journalist and radio host,
WGY 810 & 103.1 in Albany, NY, wrote an Open Letter To The Parents Of
The Stephentown 300. Here is her opening paragraph.
What planet do you live on?
Last week, word got out that your children had broken into a home in Stephentown, NY
and threw a party. More than 300 of them partied and drunkenly smashed windows,
urinated on the floors, stood on tables, punched holes in the ceiling and stole a statue that
was part of a memorial for the owner's stillborn grandson. Oh, it gets
better. Before, during and after the party, they tweeted about it and
posted pictures of themselves engaged in this behavior.
She adds that the owner of the house, former NFL player Brian Holloway,
“watched this unfold online while at his home in Florida. Instead of
demanding the arrest of your kids, he instead created a website,
www.helpmesave300.com, where he reposted their photos, identified the
people involved, and called for ways to reach out to young people and
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show them that there are better ways to spend their time than drinking, drugs and vandalism.”
Holloway wants to save these kids from going down a bad path, saying Stephentown has seen
too many deaths involving young people and drinking or drugs. He “offered to welcome these
derelicts back to his house for a picnic, where they would work together to make repairs and
clean up the mess they left behind. I don't know that the rest of us would have been able to react
the same way. And one kid showed up. One, out of the 300 teens who were there.” Kelly
continues
Instead of sitting little Johnny down and reminding him that what he did is not acceptable
and then dragging him by the collar to apologize to Mr. Holloway, you chose instead to
harass and threaten the victim. Let's not forget here, your child victimized this man by
destroying his home. How dare you respond with anything other than regret,
embarrassment, and a sincere apology instead of righteous indignation, threats of
violence and lawsuits.
You can read the full story and watch a video as well, by going to An Open Letter
(http://tiny.cc/ti623w)
Bringing Christ to the Digital Continent
The Holy Father focused on three points during his address to the Plenary Assembly of the
Pontifical Council for Social Communications: the importance of communication for the Church,
the internet and the encounter with Christ.
“In the last few decades, the various means of communication have evolved significantly, but
the Church’s concern remains the same, taking on new forms and expressions,” the Pope said.
“The world of social communications, more and more, has become a “living environment” for
many, a web where people communicate with each other, expanding the boundaries of their
knowledge and relationships.”
Pope Francis told those gathered that the goal in communications
is ultimately to dialogue with today’s men and women, who
sometimes feel let down by “a Christianity that to them appears
sterile.” In today’s globalized age, the Holy Father stressed, there
is a “growing sense” of isolation, an inability to connect with
others that impede people from building meaningful
relationships.
The 76 year old Pontiff told the Plenary Assembly that it is crucial to know how to dialogue with
others, in the environments created by technology and social networks, “in such a way as to
reveal a presence that listens, converses, and encourages.” Do not be afraid to be this presence,
expressing your Christian identity as you become citizens of this environment. A Church that
follows this path learns how to walk with everybody!”
The challenge in proclaiming the Good News in the digital age, is not a technical one, the Pope
said. “We must ask ourselves – and here I come to the third step – are we up to the task of
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bringing Christ into this area and of bringing others to meet Christ? Are we able to communicate
the face of a Church which is 'home' to all?” the Holy Father asked.
“We need to descend into the darkest night without being overcome and disorientated; we need
to listen to the dreams, without being seduced; to share their disappointments, without becoming
despondent; to sympathize with those whose lives are falling apart, without losing our own
strength and identity,” the Holy Father emphasized.
Concluding his address, Pope Francis warned of the temptation within the Church of a “spiritual
harassment that leads to a nominal encounter with Christ and not with the Living Person of
Christ. To bring about the encounter with Christ in the full knowledge, though, that we ourselves
are means of communication, and that the fundamental problem is not the acquisition of the
latest technologies, although these are necessary to a valid, contemporary presence.” You can
read the full article at Bringing Christ to the Digital Continent (http://tiny.cc/21zv3w).
A Model for Dialogue: Courtyard of the Journalists
Recently the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture sponsored the
"Courtyard of the Gentiles of the Journalists," featuring a dialogue
between Italian Cardinal Gianfranco and Ravasi Eugenio Scalfari, one
of the founders of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica and a
nonbeliever. This is the same person to whom Pope Francis had penned
a long letter. John Allen indicates “there was a grand irony listening to
Ravasi and Scalfari's opening remarks. While the believer Ravasi
quoted Marshall McLuhan, Hannah Arendt and Plato, the atheist
Scalfari basically cited only one authority, Jesus of Nazareth, while also talking about how much
he owed to the Jesuits and the Franciscans.” He then offers a conclusion that I find worth
repeating. “Both men, in other words, seemed determined to use points of reference the other
could easily grasp, which in itself seems a sort of model for dialogue.”
FREE Webinar: Go and Make Disciples – Thursday, October 3, 8:00 PM CDT
The Loyola Institute for Ministry at Loyola University New Orleans is
hosting a free online webinar Thursday, October 3, 8 p.m. CDT and invites
NCCL members to participate. The topic is Go and Make Disciples:
Strategic Directions for Ministry with the Young Church with Dr.
Charlotte McCorquodale, Ph.D. , Adjunct Professor, Loyola Institute for
Ministry and Dr. Bob McCarty, D.Min., Executive Director of National
Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
At World Youth Day Pope Francis invited and challenged the young church
to "Go, do not be afraid, and serve.” This is the same challenge; all those
who minister to youth and young adults are invited to take up. In this webinar, we will explore
the territory surrounding ministry to young people and what strategic directions need to be taken
to move forward in making young disciples in our parishes, schools, and dioceses. We will
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
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dialogue about the directives given to us by Pope Francis and identify the
implications that they have for effective ministry to the young church!
Webinars are free and open to the public, but attendance is limited to 100
participants and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For log-on
information go to (http://lim.loyno.edu/webinars).
Conscience Protection in Health Care Seen as 'Must-Pass' Legislation
In a September 26 letter to the House and Senate, Cardinal Seán
O'Malley of Boston and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore,
chair the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities and Ad Hoc
Committee for Religious Liberty, respectively said "Preserving
religious freedom and the right of conscience for all who take
part in our health care system" is an increasingly grave concern
as Congress considers "must-pass" legislation in the days ahead.
"Protection for conscience rights in health care is of especially great importance to the Catholic
Church, which daily contributes to the welfare of U.S. society through schools, social services,
hospitals and assisted living facilities," wrote Cardinal O'Malley and Archbishop Lori. "These
institutions, which have been part of the Church's ministry since the earliest days of our country,
arose from religious convictions. They should not be told by government to abandon or
compromise those convictions in order to continue serving their own employees or the neediest
Americans. Nor should individual Catholics or others be told they cannot legally purchase or
provide health coverage unless they violate their conscience."
Cardinal O'Malley and Archbishop Lori identified the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) preventive
services mandate, which requires virtually all employers to
include female sterilization and all drugs and devices approved by
the FDA as contraceptives in their employee health care plans, as
a particular threat. "The mandate includes drugs and devices that
can act against a human life after fertilization, implicating our
moral teaching on abortion as well as contraception," they wrote.
"We make our plea as religious leaders who strongly support universal access to health care,"
they added. "Such access is threatened by Congress's continued failure to protect the right of
conscience. Those who help provide health care, and those who need such care for themselves
and their families, should not be forced to choose between preserving their religious and moral
integrity and participating in our health care system." Full text of the letter is available online
at www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/upload/omalley-loriletter-to-house-2013-09-26.pdf
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 13
Biblical-Era Town Discovered Along Sea of Galilee
A town dating back more than 2,000 years has been discovered
on the northwest coast of the Sea of Galilee, in Israel's Ginosar
valley.
The ancient town may be Dalmanutha (also spelled
Dalmanoutha), described in the Gospel of Mark as the place
Jesus sailed to after miraculously feeding 4,000 people by
multiplying a few fish and loaves of bread, said Ken Dark, of
the University of Reading in the U.K., whose team discovered the town during a field survey.
The Sea of Galilee boat is the most famous artifact that we can now associate with this newly
discovered town. It dates back to either the first century B.C. or A.D. Although the boat was
uncovered in 1986 the discovery of the town means we now know it was found on the ancient
town's shoreline. You can read more at Biblical Era Town Discovered (http://tiny.cc/w4zv3w).
Atheists Starts Their Own Megachurch: Is It a Religion Now?
The Sunday Assembly—the London-based “Atheist Church” has announced a new “global
missionary tour.” In October and November, affiliated Sunday Assemblies will open in 22
cities: in England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, the United States and Australia. “I think this is the
moment,” Assembly founder Sanderson Jones wrote in an email last week, “when the Sunday
Assembly goes from being an interesting phenomenon to becoming a truly global movement.”
Structured godlessness is ready for export. A “service” was held this Sunday, September 29th in
New York.
History Buffs – Take Note
NCCL has recently added several articles to the History section of About
NCCL on the Homepage (www.NCCL.org). If you are interested you
might check it out. The most recent addition is pages 4-25 from the 1993
NCCL Commemorative Booklet. At the conference that year, NCCL
adopted its new name which reflected its change in membership as it was
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 14
no longer called the NCDD (National Conference for Diocesan Directors). The five pieces that
are now placed in the History section include:

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NCDD at Ten in 1977
NCDD Past - Future 1991
Commemorative History 1993 (First Mtg as NCCL)
History of NCCL-OSVCD Presentation-75th Annual Conference
History Highlights by the Decade
T.H.I.N.K. Five ways to bridge faith and social media
Sr. Rose Pacatte Shares her PowerPoint: T.H.I.N.K. Five ways to
bridge faith and social media on Slideshare. Our world is
completely wired and often we cannot see the real connections
that seem invisible. And it's not only young people who spend
hours using social media every day, but more and more grownups are joining social media sites for a variety of motives. Even
the Pope tweets. In this presentation I explore questions about
social media, faith and education and share two frameworks for
evaluating how students, teachers, and others create content and
consume it. The T.H.I.N.K. strategy is easy to learn, apply and share with even young children.
You can check it out at T.H.I.N.K. (http://tiny.cc/azev3w).
FREE Professional Development Webinar –Tuesday, October 8, 2013
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
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti's Thoughts on the Priesthood Today is offered on
Tuesday, October 8 at 3:00 pm EDT. You can
register at PDW-10-08-2013
(http://tiny.cc/jg682w). For a complete listing of
professional development webinars in this series,
please visit www.avemariapress.com/webinars.
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti's Thoughts on the Priesthood Today
Presented by: Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti,
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 15
In this webinar, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti will talk about the challenges of
ministering as a priest today in this increasingly secular culture. He will
talk about the specific demands this secular culture
makes upon the priests and how to stand up and prosper
under the stresses and pressures the culture imposes.
His new book, Letters to My Brothers: Words of Hope
and Challenge for Priests, is a series of personal letters
to his brother priests, a kind of personal conversation
between him and his brothers on the state of the
priesthood with all its joys and problems.
Join Msgr. Rosetti, leading expert on the state of the priesthood in the United States and the CEO
of Saint Luke Institute, in this presentation and discussion about what it means to be a priest
today. This webinar and his book are both realistic yet upbeat and inspiring reflections on what it
means to be a priest today.
This presentation is co-sponsored by SLIconnect (www.sliconnect.org), the education resource
of Saint Luke Institute. You can order Letters to My Brothers: Words of Hope and Challenge
for Priests along with his other books Born of the Eucharist: A Spirituality for Priests and The
Joy of Priesthood at the NCCL Amazon Bookstore.
Bishops’ Worship Committee Reflects On 50 Years of Liturgical Reform
The U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship is marking the
fiftieth anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Second Vatican
Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, with a reflection on the
liturgical reform of the last half century. The Committee published its
statement, “Stewards of the Tradition – Fifty Years After Sacrosanctum
Concilium”(www.usccb.org/about/divine-worship/stewards-of-thetradition.cfm) on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops (USCCB) after the document was approved by the USCCB
Administrative Committee at its Sept. 10-11 meeting in Washington.
The USCCB committee praised people who work in liturgical ministry and especially the
liturgical leadership in the U.S. “Without your continued cooperation and self-sacrificing
ministry, the implementation of the reformed liturgical rites after Vatican II, which have proven
to be such a grace for the Church, could never have been undertaken” it said. Among the words
of thanksgiving, affirmation and encouragement, the Committee noted the importance of
participation by the laity at Mass.
“The Liturgy always has been and always will be about our taking part, our experiencing again
and again, through rites and prayers the central events of our redemption and sanctification in
Jesus Christ…We commend the great strides that have been taken to invite such engagement
over the past 50 years: catechesis on the Liturgy that has shaped the role of the liturgical
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 16
assembly, the service of the faithful in a great variety of liturgical ministries, and the devotion of
so many to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist,” the Committee said.
“Liturgical song has a preeminent place” in celebrating the Liturgy, the committee said. “Not
only is it a means of active participation, but it is another source of beauty that can lift hearts and
inspire worship.” The Committee added, however, that “To rely on the music of a single genre of
style for the celebration of the Liturgy is to diminish the breadth and depth of our liturgical
heritage and to risk the exclusion of the legitimate contributions of particular cultures and
composers.”
The document is available on line and is divided into seven sections Here is the Table of
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Introduction
Liturgical Reform and the Renewal of the Church
Rereading Sacrosanctum Concilium in its Historical Context
Fundamental and Foundational Principles
Liturgy as an Art and a Craft
Living What We Celebrate
Conclusion
Pope's Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees Released Today
The president of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples,
Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio presented Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Migrants
and Refugees. The event will be celebrated on January 19th, 2014 and will reflect on the theme:
“Migrants and Refugees: Towards a better world."
Migration, the Cardinal said, “is an invitation aimed at the development
of all humanity, including each person with his or her own spiritual and
cultural potential'. If we accept that culture is an entirety of spiritual,
existential and intellectual aspects that distinguish a society, including
also ways of life, fundamental rights, value systems, traditions and
beliefs, then it will be possible to confirm that the whole of human
existence is permeated by attitudes of encounter and welcome,”
Archbishop Kalathiparambil, the secretary of the Pontifical Council for
the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant
Peoples, highlighted focused on the plight of
migrants in today’s world where millions still
find themselves living in refugee camps. Many, he also settling in more
urban areas where it can be more difficult to “identify and help.”
“On the one hand, this is about ensuring a limit to human suffering, and
on the other, to protecting and promoting a dignified life, at the same time
offering adequate structures, stability and hope for the future. It must be
said that there has been an increase in international minimum standards,
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 17
for instance in relation to availability of food, shelter, education, healthcare, detention and
repatriation. Besides, these international standards are of a qualitative nature and are therefore
universal and applicable in any context.”
“The migrant emerges as a person and as a citizen with rights and duties and, first as a
beneficiary of works of Christian charity, the migrant becomes a subject of evangelization, agent
of God's providential plan for the edifying encounter between peoples and the diffusion of the
Gospel,” Fr. Bentoglio said. For the full text of the Holy Father's message, go to:
http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-francis-message-for-world-day-of-migrants-and-refugees
Interactive Connections: Cultivating Digital Ministries
January 28 – 31, 2014 • The Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld • Orlando, FL
Join ministry and catechetical leaders – catechists, teachers,
pastors, deacons, youth ministers and other parish leaders to
learn how to integrate technology into our ministries and to
network with others.
YOU have the power to embrace that change and to shape what’s next for your parish
community by attending TWO technology conferences for the price of one!
Don’t miss this chance to Save...
Interactive Connections: Cultivating Digital Ministries
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
Provides experience to the best practices that highlight the pastoral technology tools
needed to evangelize, communicate, and teach.
Focuses on pastoral technology.
Brings us together to share how and when we integrate technology into our ministries.
An opportunity to join the pastoral technology conversation and learn side-by-side with
colleagues and experts who are already engaged in pastoral technology models that they
are willing to share with you.
Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC)
Why do we co-locate with FETC?


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We have access to an exhibit hall that will provide you with the new media vendors you
need to meet.
Fuel your inspiration for innovative teaching by hearing leading professionals in the
educational technology world.
To explore emerging models used by educators that can be adapted into our ministries for
teaching and evangelizing our faith community.
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 18
Are you convinced? Learn more about the conference by visiting Cultivating Digital Ministries
and Register for Early Bird Savings - http://ic2014.wordpress.com/registration
Where to stay: Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. Call 800-327-0363 to reserve your
room at the special INTERACTIVE CONNECTIONS discounted rate.
Discípulos en la edad digital
On Sep 27, 2013 NCCL member Adrián Herrera shared his PowerPoint:
Discípulos en la edad digital on Slideshare. Description: Se presenta las
bases para el discipulado y poder seguir a Jesus a traves de reflexiones
para meditar. A la vez tambien se presenta recursos digitales para la
catequesis y la evangelizacion. You can check it out at Discipulos en la
edad digital (http://tiny.cc/ovs43w).
The St. John’s Bible: Stories and Interviews
The Saint John’s Bible is an amazing achievement and work of art
because it was created by an incredibly talented group of individuals.
The experiences, skills, background and personal stories of the
members of the Creation Team are as much a part of the Bible project
as are the graceful words on the pages. To help share those stories, The
Saint John’s Bible website has recently added an interesting and
captivating new feature.
In May 2011, most of the Creation Team gathered at the Welsh home of
Donald and Mabel Jackson to celebrate the completion of the Bible
pages. This was the first time that the team had been together in one
room during the entire fifteen-year project. They shared stories,
memories and poured over the pages of Letters and Revelation, the final volume in the project.
As part of the festivities, each member completed a video interview to talk about their individual
experiences working on the project. These interviews provide rare insights into the making of the
project and the community of people behind the pages.
These stories and interviews are now available for you to enjoy on The Saint John’s Bible
website. Each Creation Team member has an individual webpage
(www.saintjohnsbible.org/process/people.htm) which features a photograph of the member and a
short biography along with their video interview. These personal stories are sure to enhance your
appreciation of the work these gifted individuals did to make The Saint John’s Bible a reality.
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 19
The Forging of Courage
The following essay by Mary Courtwright of Cleveland, Ohio was aired on the September 27,
2013 edition of The Bob Edward’s Show on NPR. Here is the opening paragraph. If you care to
read/listen to the complete essay, please go to http://thisibelieve.org/essay/23137/.
I believe that courage is forged as one endures the fires of life
and chooses to face the flames—even when no one is looking.
As a child, I thought courage was an innate quality, passed down
from parents or found within the solitude of church. I was taught
to make responsible decisions and to treat others fairly, but no
one told me that the most difficult choices are those that take
place quietly in my own heart. It is easy to do the right thing
when you have an audience, others from whom to derive
judgment and receive praise. But when I found myself alone and
pregnant at 19 years old, and solely bore the responsibility to choose my path, I began to
discover what “courage” really meant.
It was a quiet moment spent in deep meditation that I knew what my decision would be.
The message was clear: the child within me needed to be born and was more important
than any discomfort, fear, or loneliness I might face. The decision to keep the child took
courage, but not nearly as much as the long road ahead would demand.
This Baby Was Supposed to Be Aborted
Claire Culwell's biological mother attempted to abort her and her twin
while they were still in the womb. The twin perished, but Claire survived.
Two weeks later, her mother gave birth... and Claire's miraculous story
began. You can watch the video at This Baby (http://tiny.cc/3iy43w).
Jesus Wasn't Just a Man - He Was Something More!
The sentence “He was just a …”on this video may be troubling
because it does not explicitly say that Jesus was both God and man.
In fact, this is what the blurb states, “Our Lord Jesus Christ was born
on this earth as a man... but he was so much more. He saved us from
our sins. Watch this inspirational video and thank God for giving us
His only Son.” You can watch it and decide for yourself at Jesus
Wasn't Just a Man (http://tiny.cc/6ayy3w).
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 20
How To Be Yourself
Some days, you need to remind yourself about what's truly important in
life. So sit back with a cup of your favorite beverage and give yourself a
few minutes to savor this sweet video, which gives you a prescription for
happiness in two minutes, starting with "show up." Check it out at
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3342.
Caring for Each Other
Trenton and Lindsay Cochran are best friends, brother and sister, support
and inspiration. 10-year old Lindsay, who suffers from Spinal Muscular
Atrophy, has been in a wheelchair since she was 2. Trenton understands
deeply that his life would have been very different if he didn't have a
disabled younger sister. Not only is this mature 12-year old a helper and
protector, he is an advocate and ambassador for kids with disabilities. "I
would take a bullet for her," he says, as his grateful sister looks on. Watch this three (3) minute
video at http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=4065#sthash.ZqGtoHlF.dpuf .
Video from an Eagle's Wing
It's an incredible minute-thirty video of mountains, solitude, and
restored vision of nature's majesty in the Chamonix valley of France's
Mer de Glace. Just amazing! I have no idea how they filmed this from
an eagle’s view. Check it out at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3QrhdfLCO8&feature=player_e
mbedded.
Fast Food Worker Stood Up For Blind Customer, Gets National Praise
Here is a reason for family discussion, role playing and “What Would You
Do?” moral situations. A 19-year-old Dairy Queen employee served more
than ice cream at his Hopkins, Minnesota store recently: He stood up for a
blind man after his twenty dollar bill, dropped on the ground, was scooped
up by a sighted customer who refused to give it back. A typed letter of
commendation now hangs on the wall of the DQ shop after a third
customer saw the whole scene unfold and couldn't believe how manager
Joey Prusak had handled the situation - going above and beyond what
anyone could expect. Watch it at Doing What's Right (http://tiny.cc/cbxy3w) .
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 21
Breakdancer With Genetic Disorder Inspires Special Needs Children
LazyLegz, otherwise known as Luca Patuelli, was born with
arthrogryposis (multiplex congenita). He's an amazing dancer,
but he always needs crutches. What is more amazing is how he
gets kids with special needs to dance. His attitude that anyone
can dance is not only remarkable but it works. I was deeply
touched by his commitment and his style in dealing with these
children with special needs. You can watch the video at Ill Disabilities (http://tiny.cc/e0wy3w).
Bobby McFerrin's SpiritYouAll Honors His Father
After 30 years of uplifting vocals, a cappella magic, 10 Grammys, and a
wide swath of musical collaborations, in his new album Bobby McFerrin
focuses on his own spiritual path. “I read the Bible every day,” writes
McFerrin in the liner notes, explaining his special affinity for the
Psalms. “Songs of praise, songs of prayer, songs of agony, songs of
defeat. It’s all there, at the very center.”
Grounded in faith, liberation, and the teachings of Jesus, this deeply
spiritual album is also a loving nod to his father, Robert McFerrin Sr.,
the first African American man to sing a lead role with New York’s Metropolitan Opera
Company. SpiritYouAll opens with the song “Everytime,” from the senior McFerrin’s 1959
album Deep River and Other Classic Negro Spirituals . “Fix Me Jesus” and “Swing Low” also
appeared on Deep River , now wonderfully rearranged for a contemporary feel.
SpiritYouAll features seven classic spirituals, five original tunes, and even a Bob Dylan cover, “I
Shall Be Released.” If you listen closely to “Jesus Makes It Good” you’ll hear Bobby playing the
instrument on which he began his musical career: the piano. And the sweet rendition of “He’s
Got the Whole World” may become another classic for McFerrin in the tradition of his 1988 hit,
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
McFerrin acknowledges listeners of all faiths in his notes. “These songs are based in my
Christian faith but acknowledge and reflect the spirit of YOUALL, wherever your particular faith
and journeys may take you.” You can order Spirityouall from the NCCL Amazon Bookstore.
Mia’s Thoughts for the Blessing of the Pets on the Feast of Saint Francis
Hello there you everybodies. I have to share the biggest of wiggle waggles
with you. I’ve been invited to bark a reflection at an outdoor Blessing of the
Pets on the Feast of St. Francis. St. Francis is very special to me so I thought
I’d share with you, the pawspective I am giving at the prayer service:
My name is Mia. I am an Old English Sheepdog. I’m also a church dog
and I work at St. Peter the Fisherman in Two Rivers. It is my job to greet people and to
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 22
pawthor my own bulletin articles. My Mia Papa, Fr. Tom Reynebeau, works there too, as
my assistant.
Tonight I have brought along my Nanny Lyn. Since most peoples are not able to
understand what I say, I have asked her to translate my barkies into people language.
This is a most special of Feastdays. St. Francis is an extra good saint who did special
works and was also a friendly buddy to all animals. St. Francis taughtdid us many
important things about how to live nicely like, and so I want to tell you this:
Don’t spend your days chasing squirrels, do what matters.
Don’t growl about the unexpected and don’t bite when a simple bark will do.
Take naps.
Being wiggley waggley always makes you feel better.
Be happy with what you have, after all you can only play with one squeaky toy at a time
anyhow.
Learn new tricks, no matter your age.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Invite others to play with you.
And most important . Listen to Your Masters voice!
And nows for another thing, in case you don't know anything about St. Francis, I can tell
you lots. When he was growing up he was a very bad boy. He wouldn’t come when he
was called; he would not sit or stay; he'd eat all the treats instead of just one; he was
growly to others and a big mean bully!
But one day God talked to Francis and said “Hey there, dude guy, what do you think you
are doing? I created you to be a good boy and you better start being good real soon, or
you’ll be sent to the kennel for a time out. “
This made Francis feel very full of the remorse and he told God he was very sorry and
that he wanted to start all over being good and would God please help him?
And God said, “Oh yes for sure I will help you.” And God did.
Well one day not long after, Francis was walking down the road and this big, huffy
puffy, wolf came running up to him, and the wolf said “GRRRRR”, now that’s wolf talk
for “You look big and tasty, I think I will eat you.”
Francis just looked at the wolf and said, “Bad wolf. Didn’t your mother teach you to pray
before meals?” Then St. Francis kneeldid down, and the wolf he too kneeldid down, and
together they prayed: “Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts…”
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 23
All of a suddenly the wolf did not feel so growlybad. Instead he felt like he should be a
good boy! So St. Francis told the wolf, “Well if you are going to be good, and if you
remember to pray every day, then you can come along and be my friend. Together we
will build churches, and find poor people to help, and tell everybody about God.”
This made the wolf all wiggly waggledy with joy and he became tame which is another
word for being friendly like and good.
When God saw how Francis and the wolf were trying to be good, God shouted out; “Big
surprise for you two! Because you are trying to be holy, and lead people to me, I am
going to give both of you a new name. Francis, your new name will be Saint. And you
tame wolf, I’m calling you dog…D-O-G, and then God laughed real
loud like because of the funny He made, because spelled backwards, the
name dog is G-O-D which spells GOD!
And that's how Francis gots to be called Saint, and have the first church
dog forever and ever. Amen.
A Thousand Mornings: Poems
I am a Mary Oliver fan. I find her poems a great way to begin a time of prayer and
reflection. Here is one of the poems from her newest collection. Whether you
actually read the Morning paper or do it online, I believe her message is worth some
time for reflection. If you like it and her poetry, you can buy A Thousand
Mornings: Poems from the NCCL Amazon Bookstore.
The Morning Paper
Read one newspaper daily (the morning edition
is the best
for by evening you know that you at least
have lived through another day)
and let the disasters, the unbelievable
yet approved decisions,
soak in.
I don't need to name the countries,
ours among them.
What keeps us from falling down, our faces
to the ground; ashamed, ashamed?
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 24
Popular Demand Propels New Papal Cologne
Reminiscent of the Truth is Stranger Than Fiction piece that would often
appear in The Wittenburg Door, comes a story in time for the feast of Saint
Francis and supposedly in honor of our newest Pope.
Excelsis Fine Fragrances announced it has created an exciting new
cologne and aftershave product made expressly to honor Jorge Mario
Bergoglio, newly elected Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
Called simply, "Francis," the new papal fragrance responds to a
groundswell of requests from customers of The Pope's Cologne, Excelsis'
flagship product, which honors the late 18th Century Pontiff, Pope Pius
IX. A second popular Papal cologne, Benedictus, honoring the current
Pope Emeritus, was introduced in 2006.
"I put a great deal of thought and effort into creating Francis," says Dr. Hass, "and we are
simply thrilled with the enthusiastic early reaction to it. We are hearing words like
'gentle,' 'simple,' 'warm,' 'pleasing' -- and even 'heavenly' -- used to describe the new
fragrance. These are precisely the terms used by the media and the new Pope's close
associates to describe His Holiness' own character traits and personal demeanor."
Good Pope, Bad Pope: Their Lives, Our Lessons
Why this book? I think the best reason lies in this commentary. “Every pope is
by definition a remarkable man. But the popes whose stories you’ll read here
were chosen because they reveal how the papacy developed. They show us how
Christ kept his promise to his bride, the Church, not only in her health but also in
her sickness. . . . the worst popes could do nothing to damage the teaching of the
Church.” After all, “That’s why, even in its darkest moments, the story of the
papacy is a story of triumph. And that’s why it’s worth knowing these twelve
popes.” You can order Good Pope, Bad Pope: Their Lives, Our Lessons from
the NCCL Amazon Bookstore.
Listen to Your Blessed Mother: Mary's Words in Scripture
You are probably wondering how someone can write a book on the words of a
person whose recorded words are very few but let me assure you that Gary
Zimak digs deep to provide insightful reflections and real-life application. He
spends five chapters on the Magnificat, three covering the Annunciation, two for
the Finding in the Temple, two on the Marriage at Cana, and five drawing
lessons from Mary's other (silent) appearances in the gospels and Acts. You can
order Listen to Your Blessed Mother: Mary's Words in Scripture from the
NCCL Amazon Bookstore.
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 25
St. Joseph Altars
Although this book is seen from the celebrations in New Orleans, it still captures
the story of the St Joseph Altar with the prayers and rituals of the occasion. This
book not only gives you ideas of how to do your first St. Joseph Altar, but it also
gives you original recipes to make and put on the altar. From St Joseph Bread to
St Joseph sawdust to top the traditional pasta dish served with a hard boiled egg,
it's all here to make your first altar a success. It’s not too early to begin planning
for March 19th. You can order St. Joseph Altars from the NCCL Amazon
Bookstore.
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 Cleveland, the NCCL
Bookstore sold over fifteen (15) 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.

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


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.
CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 26
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.
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CL Weekly – September 30, 2013
Page 27