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This link will keep 'parishioners-at-large' in touch with current creative liturgy sources and resources that respect a variety of 'traditions' within the Church.

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A 'movement' of lay Catholics 'inspired' by the abuse scandal calling for greater accountability of bishops to 'Catholics in the Pew.'

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Vital information about the disclosure of sexual abuse and related issues affecting Catholics in the pew and the manner in which Bishops continue to exempt themselves from accountability

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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Readings: Acts 20:17-27 Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21 John 17:1-11

I am in the world no longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. [John 17:11]

Shakespeare ‘penned’ the phrase quoted above. I didn’t understand it as a student of Shakespeare in high school but I began to understand it when I waved goodbye to my family as I sailed off to Italy on September 21, 1963 for a three-year stretch in Rome. In fact, it has multiple meanings and applications that I appreciate now more than ever before.

There is another phrase that perhaps gives credence to my thoughts so poorly expressed and it’s this: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Ah, that’s it. At times we need to separate from ‘the source’ in order to appreciate how important it is to stay connected.

The farewell speech of St. Paul in Acts and the farewell ‘prayer’ of Jesus in John’s gospel were more likely composed by the authors of these texts along the lines of the farewell speeches of great leaders of their times in order to attract the attention of Jesus’ followers.

The departure of Jesus and later that of Paul created ‘fallow’ time in the hearts of the neophyte believers that was absolutely necessary if they were to grasp the significance of Jesus’ message and the teachings of St. Paul.

We are once again in ‘fallow’ time as we prepare for Pentecost. It’s a time of discernment during which we are invited to ponder the words and deeds of Jesus so that in his absence, we may come to know his presence in the Spirit that remains within us and around us.

As we ponder, it is important to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and reverence of the Lord. And the fruits of the Holy Spirit are qualities that are characteristic of a community living in Christ: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self-control and chastity.

There is much to ponder as we wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Daily Scripture

Sunday May 21, 2006

+ 6th Week of Easter

We need to feel ‘at home’ in our Church.

Readings: Acts 16:11-15 Psalm 149:1b-6a, 9b John 15:26—16:4

“After she [Thyatira] and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,’ and she prevailed on us.”[Acts 16:14-15]

It’s a great thing to feel at home away from home. It is not rare for contented students to consider their school “a home away from home.” Believe it or not, I have met Catholics who told me that their move to one town or other was determined by a particular parish. Though a job change or a new career may have necessitated the move, their new address was based on the reputation of the local parish. It’s no secret that Catholics ‘shop’ for a parish in which they feel ‘at home.’

Recent surveys have revealed that the clergy abuse scandal has not resulted in a significant decline in Church attendance by Catholics. While I’m not as confident in those statistics, I do admit that Catholics are resilient. There is a parish in the area where attendance is up significantly and so is the weekly income. In fact, plans are underway in that parish to increase seating capacity. This parish welcomed ten new members through the RCIA at the Easter Vigil.

When asked why they like the parish, the most common response is, “We feel at home and everyone is welcome.”

Of course, the ‘shepherd’ sets the tone. He may not be the best preacher or the most competent administrator. It is the heart of a good shepherd that creates an atmosphere in which every member feels at home. In this kind of parish, there are many invitations but few mandates. There are many challenges but few hassles.

Despite Paul’s reputation for being an aggressive preacher, Paul was an apostle with a big heart. He was much more flexible in his leadership style than many may believe. This quality of Paul was the core of Murphy O’Connor’s course on the writings of Paul last year at the summer institute at the College of St. Elizabeth. Very enlightening, indeed.

As we continue our journey from Easter to Pentecost, let the accent be on hospitality and a welcoming heart. It doesn’t have to be, “my way or the highway!” God’s way works better.