Reaching Out to Make a Difference
As we near the one-year mark of the "Pandemic Shut Down," many of us are growing weary of the social distancing, mask wearing, constant hand washing and so on. But, as the COVID-19 keeps spreading (and now bringing in variants to deal with), being as safe as possible is appreciated. That being said, we as ministers need to find ways to refresh our own souls this Lent; to allow God to renew us... "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31). ... so that we can step up our efforts to reach out to our young people. Springtide Research Institute shared the following insights: <<Seven out of ten people who watched an online service say that interacting with people, even virtually, makes them feel more connected. Yet, nearly half of those people still report feeling isolated because no one is reaching out to them individually. Despite some young adults finding value in churches and religious or faith communities providing online rituals and virtual spaces during this time of social isolation, the survey found that what mitigates their experience of loneliness is the act of caring adults checking in and connecting with them*. >> So, we need to once again do what we can to reach out to each and every young people of our parish, as best we can... How might you do that? + send a card from the parish + if you have permission for direct contact with minors, send an email, text or other communications + have your team/volunteers help you make Lenten supply bags and drop them off at the front doors of their homes + invite (again) to join an online activity + start planning some outdoor/distanced events on the parish campus for late spring/summer and build excitement by inviting the young people to help with the planning. What other ideas to you have? (Please share in comments section below.) THANK YOU for all that you have been doing for the past 11 months. May we continue to journey with St. Paul, as he wrote to the Philippians (3:14): "I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus." ------------------ * https://www.springtideresearch.org/new-social-distancing-study
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During the Ash Wednesday 12:10 p.m. Mass homily at St. Columba Cathedral,
Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. began by sharing that the word Lent means springtime. Often springtime conjures images of cleaning out things after winter. He then continued to talk about spiritually cleaning one's heart for a better relationship with God. However, my mind veered off a bit to the meme seen above. Many people on social media have been sharing this idea of physically cleaning things out this Lent... to simplify your home but also to potentially assist those who may need things. As a bit of a clutterbug (not quite up to the TV show "Hoarders" level, yet, but I have the potential), this is an exhilarating and scary idea. But, I am going to give it a try.... if not 40 large trash bags, then at least several bags and boxes. I am also reminded of the Zelda Fitzgerald quote: What most people need to learn in life is how to love people and use things instead of using people and loving things. While I do my best not to use people, I may have a tendency to love things, as I was taught to treasure gifts from loved ones, and I place perhaps too much emotion into items I own. Therefore, this might just make for a good Lenten practice for me, as I will need to pray my way through it. One prayer I will be praying is the Suscipe by St. Ignatius of Loyola (proud of my Jesuit education): Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this is sufficient for me. Amen. (As one who grew up in the "Glory and Praise" era of Church music, I often 'hear' this prayer in the musical form, which if you are not familiar, I would encourage you to listen: www.bing.com/videos/search?q=take+lord+receive&view=detail&mid=61D9CBCC50671448A0A861D9CBCC50671448A0A8&FORM=VIRE Please pray with me, and perhaps join in me in this process of letting go. Maybe in the giving of material things, my heart will also let go of hurts, disappointments, or other feelings that impede a joy-filled relationship with God? May I be able to clean out all things that block God's love for me, so that I can be open to a deeper Easter joy. May your Lenten practices do the same for you! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Whoever confers benefits will be amply enriched, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Whoever hoards grain, the people curse, but blessings are on the head of one who distributes it! Proverbs 11:25-26 I am looking forward to gathering with about 150 others on March 10, 2016 to preview a new movie that supposes what Jesus may have been like as a seven year old. (If you are reading this post prior to this date, you can check for information on joining us at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/the-young-messiah-premiere.html After that date, just look for the resources linked towards the end of this post.) As the Gospel of Matthew chapter two ends, after hearing about the magi visiting baby Jesus, we read that Joseph received a dream that it was safe to return "home" so they set out from Eqypt to Nazareth. Then chapter three begins with John the Baptist preaching in the desert and Jesus approaching as a man. What happened in between? Luke adds one story of Jesus at age 12 preaching in the temple. Then, only these words before he appears before John the Baptist: 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man Mark and John do not even discuss Jesus as a child. So, what are we to think about Jesus and a child and a teen? The Holy Spirit leaves that to us I suppose as the Church focuses on the importance of in incarnation (God becoming man as a boy born in Bethlehem), Jesus' ministry, and the Pascal Mystery. But as humans, we may just wonder about the in between time.... Anne Rice did when she wrote the book Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt. And now the book has been adapted as a movie entitled "The Young Messiah." They describe it as follows: Remaining true to the character of Jesus revealed in the Bible, The Young Messiah film is an inspirational story about the childhood of the Savior for the whole family. When the mystery of Jesus’s divinity begins to unfold in His early years, He turns to His parents for answers. But Mary and Joseph, in an effort to protect their child, are afraid to reveal all they know. How do you explain the ways of the world to its Creator? How do you teach the Teacher? How do you help the Savior who came to save you? Follow the young Messiah as He and His family take the dangerous journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem—where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed. I look forward to seeing what someone envisioned this time of growth, discovery, anguish, joy, family-time, relationships, and faith for Jesus. It will be interesting to see how someone imaged Mary and Joseph as parents. I pray that the movie deepens an appreciation for the Holy Family and the wonder and awe for each family members acceptance of God's plan for their lives. If it is done as well as I hear it is, we may be recommending that youth groups and/or families with teens get out to see the movie. There are already discussion guides available for your use at the parish or to share with families for home-catechesis. Catholic Youth Study Guide/Lesson Plans: http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/Blog/5368158/tym_discussion_guide_youth.pdf Catholic Study Guide for Families with Youth http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/Blog/5368158/tym_discussion_guide_family.pdf Discussion Guide (for adults) http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/files/Content/5376800/tym_discussion_guide_hq.pdf Perhaps more will be added by the promotional company: http://youngmessiahresources.com/ Even if you do not see this movie, it can be fun to pull some of the scripture reflections and discussion questions out for use in your youth and family ministry programs. Lenten blessings to you as you reflect on Jesus in your own life. May you continue to claim him as messiah (young or old or ageless!) I had to really pause to ponder this from Gratefulness.org: If I had my life to live over again, I would ask that not a thing be changed, but that my eyes be opened wider. ~ Jules Renard I will admit, there are many times when I replay memories and yearn to have a "do - over" -- too often I speak too flippantly, or I missed moments I could have savored, or I have been in too much of a hurry to truly experience a moment... Sound at all familiar? I am sure I cannot be on the only one, but I envy you if you have already mastered this (perhaps you can help teach me?) This must help to explain the wisdom of the Church in giving us the season of Lent each year.... time for us to examine our lives, our choices, our conscience and see what can be done differently in the future (not a do-over, but at least a do-better opportunity!) Today's quote now shapes my Lenten reflection: How can I live with my eyes open wider more often in the future... ... to see needs of others that I may be able to assist? ... to see the good in stressful or negative situations? ... to see pain behind forced smiles? ... to see love rather than malice, hostility, anger, or hatred? ... to see more of God's amazing creations? ....to see the face of Christ in more of the people I encounter! The lyrics to Jesse Manibusan's "Open My Eyes, Lord" continues to have deeper meaning for me: Ahhh, to see with the eyes of Christ! God help me,
and St. Joseph, on your feast day, may you also strengthen me! Amen! (To be added to the email list, send a request to [email protected] )
+++ Youngstown's Young Adult News Connecting Young Adults to Jesus, the Catholic Church & One Another For those 19-39, Single or Married, in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown In this edition: -- Lenten Resources -- World Youth Day Poland, Deposits now due -- Free Online Course on The Joy of the Gospel -- Retreat Opportunities -- Speaker Series/Special Presentations -- Conferences (To be removed from this email list, just reply with that request) ------------------------------------- Lenten Resources: Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 18. Start your Lent off right by creating your plan to fast, pray, and give with some of these great Lenten resources: Watch "Lent in 2 Minutes" (From Busted Halo.,com): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3L3c23MfC0&feature=youtu.be The Holy Father's message for Lent 2015: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/lent/documents/papa-francesco_20141004_messaggio-quaresima2015.html Lent Resources from the USCCB http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/index.cfm Lenten Books From Loyola Press http://www.loyolapress.com/lenten-special.htm?utm_source=NSO&utm_medium=email&utm_content=d1&utm_campaign=LentenMTE2015 Lenten Calendar from Busted Halo http://bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give-2014 Lenten Resources (Operation Rice Bowl) and Simple Meal Recipes from Catholic Relief Services http://www.crsricebowl.org/ Lenten Resources from Our Sunday Visitor https://www.osv.com/MyFaith/ChurchSeasonsandFeasts/Lent.aspx ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ -- World Youth Day Poland 2016 Deposits Now Due for the International Gathering for World Youth Day in Kraków, Poland, July 24 – August 2, 2016 The Diocese of Youngstown is working with Faith Journeys on a pilgrimage to Krakow, Poland for the international gathering for World Youth Day 2016 for those ages 16 – 35 (note: those age 16 – 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). There is a land only option for those who wish to select their own flights, and Cleveland to Warsaw flights arranged for full-package travelers. The pilgrimage includes a tour of Auschwitz and Wadowice (birthplace of St. John Paul II). The trip itinerary and registration form can be downloaded from the diocesan webpage for World Youth Day: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/2016-wyd-pilgrimage.html For general information about World Youth Day, visit the official website: http://www.krakow2016.com/en/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “Fostering a Culture of ENCOUNTER with Young Disciples” – Register now A FREE Massively Open Online Course (or MOOC) is being offered by the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders (NACYML) for all adults who minister with young people. Each of the 5 weeks will discuss a chapter of the Holy Father Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium. or “The Joy of the Gospel,” feature nationally known speakers and discussions boards on various topics/areas of ministry. Focuses for learning groups might include parents/family, theological foundations, the youth ministry leader, liturgy, faith formation, confirmation, social justice, religious vocations, Catholic schools,Young adults in ministries, digital/social media, and the role of clergy. Take as many weeks as you like, April 12 through May 16, 2015. Course material will be posted on Sundays, live discussions with the speakers will be offered on Tuesdays, and discussions will run throughout the week. Track your participation to earn up to 5 hours per week towards Religious Education office certification. Register online at: http://www.nacyml.org/moocRegister.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- Retreat Opportunities > "Where is the Spirit Calling YOU?" Spirit @ Work Retreat for 20s & 30s Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. - noon Sunday, March 22 @ Sister of Notre Dame in Chardon OH (near Cleveland) with Charis Ministries Reflect on your gifts and how you are called to use them. Hear peers talk about faith in their lives and work, discuss in small groups, pray and learn Ignatian tools to discern where God is calling you. $40 includes overnight accommodations, meals and retreat fees. Register at: charisministries.org or contact Sr. Kate for more info: [email protected], 440-476-6094. (I know of at least one young lady from Canton who is registered form our diocese!) --- > "What Next" Retreat for Catholics in 20s and 30s March 28-29 @ Proctor Retreat Center, London OH Our careers, life situations, relationships, and identities are always changing -- Explore the transitions that define who we are and consider how faith can carry you through. $65 For more information and to register, visit: charisministries.org/WhatNext_Columbus_March2015 --- > "Unlocking the Heart: A Lenten Journey of Renewal" Friday, March 20, 6 p.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, March 21 @ Villa Maria PA Lent signals the time to get back in shape spiritually. It’s the time we turn again and refocus our vision. Are we open to the presence of God in our hearts and do we listen to the whispered Voice of the Holy, calling and coaxing us to new life? Join with others to the quiet spaces of your own soul in this Lenten weekend. For more information, Email Sr. Cheryl Rose, [email protected], Or send in your name, age, address, phone, an special needs you may have, and mail $50 check made out to Sisters of the Humility of Mary by Feb. 21st to: 20015 Detroit Road Rocky River, OH 44116 to register. ============================================== Speaker Series & Special Presentations > Be sure to check out your local parish offerings for this Lent such as Soup and Speakers, Parish Missions, Penance Services, etc. Here are just a few things to consider: THEOLOGY ON TAP, Mahoning Valley -- For those in their 20s and 30s: Wednesday, March 18, 7 - 9:30 p.m. @ Vintage Estate Wine & Beer in Boardman, Ohio Thirsting for something more in your life? Then tap in to this speaker series for young adults (ages 20s and 30s). It is FREE to attend, you just buy any beverage or snacks you wish to order. Information at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/253398624683857/ or search on Facebook for Mahoning County Theology on Tap. **** The February gathering was held a week early ***** but if you missed that or are just looking for options this Ash Wednesday, the Cathedral would welcome you: Mass with Ash Distribution: 7:45 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Annual Pasta fagioli dinner Ash Wednesday February 18, 2015, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. @St. Columba Hall $6.50 includes, soup, salad, bread & butter and dessert. There will be pop and pizza for sell as well. You can eat in or take out. For more information, contact Lisa Fetty at 330- 503-6895. (This is where I'll be lunching for my main meal for the day!) --- Spirits and Spirituality Friday, February 27th 7:00pm @ The Blue Fig Bar & Grill, 6041 Whipple Ave. N.W. North Canton, OH 44720 The perfect brew of Faith & Fun -- St. Anthony/All Saints Parish, St. Michael’s Parish and Little Flower Parish invite all Stark County Young Adults to Spirits and Spirituality. Spirits and Spirituality is a speaker series for adults, married and single, in their 20’s and 30’s. This program provides opportunities to explore issues and topics that relate to Catholic faith in a fun and casual environment. Join us for an informal gathering of food, faith and fun for young adults. Stirring a Passion for the Bible -- Cackie Upchurch, Presenter Cackie Upchurch serves as the director of Little Rock Scripture Study, a ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock in Arkansas. She enjoys helping adult Catholics experience Christ through the riches of God’s Word, inviting them to use the Bible in simple and effective ways. She is the general editor for the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible, and an associate editor of The Bible Today, a journal of biblical spirituality. To register, please contact Roberta Muoio at [email protected] ♦ 330-452-9539 or register on-line at www.stanthonyallsaintscanton.org. --- Bishop Franzetta Lecture: Please mark the date and be sure to invite others to join you for the next Bishop Franzetta Memorial Lecture Series. Wednesday, March 11, 2015 6:00 p.m. Gathering, dinner, and presentation Our Lady of Mount Carmel Social Hall, Youngstown Bishop Frank Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, Connecticut will address “The New Evangelization” in the after dinner presentation. Bishop Caggiano is a popular speaker for adults and young people promoting evangelization and vitality for the Catholic faith. Tickets: $25 per person. For more information please contact Linda Tedde at 330-744-8451 ext. 252 (** If you are interested in a table with other young adults, financial assistance available, contact Cindee, [email protected] **) The Bishop Benedict C. Franzetta Memorial Lecture Series honors Bishop Franzetta whose leadership contributed to the growth of many in the faith of Jesus Christ. --- >THE HAMILTON FORUM Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. @ St. Michael, Canton Professor Matthew Ashley of Notre Dame What Have We Learned About Evolution and Christian Faith. --- Walsh University Pro-Life Club Monday, February 23, 7 p.m. @ Barrett Business Center, Walsh University, Canton Carol Tobias, National Right to Life Committee President Please bring baby formula, diapers or new/gently used baby clothes to donate to a local Pregnancy Care Center. www.walsh,edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Evening of songs, scripture and reflection of the Lenten Season @ St. Joan of Arc Church, Canton March 11, 2015 7 -8:30pm *Free* ------------------------------------------------------------ CONFERENCES: NCCC (National Catholic Collegiate Conference) for those post high school, ages 18 - 25 @ Indianapolis, IN Join other college-age and post-graduate young adults from around the country for three days of inspiring keynotes, engaging workshops, dynamic prayer and worship, exceptional music and entertainment, networking with peers, and hundreds of resource exhibits. Look for speakers, workshops, and registration materials this summer at: http://www.ntlccc.org/ --- Catholics on Call is now accepting applications for its 2015 Young Adult Summer Conference. Catholics on Call invites young people, ages 18-30, who are considering a life of service in the Church to join them for their 2015 young adult summer conference. Participants will have the opportunity to connect and pray with other like-minded young adults, to hear nationally-known speakers discuss how to listen to God’s call, and to learn valuable skills that will help them to discern their vocation, whether it be to lay ecclesial ministry, priesthood or religious life. This five-day conference will take place from August 4-8, 2015 at Catholic Theological Union in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Registration fee is $100 and includes room and board. For an application please visit www.catholicsoncall.org or for more information contact Catholics on Call at [email protected] or 773.371.5431. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Best wishes for a warm rest of your President's Day, a fun Mardi Gras, and a holy season of Lent ~ Cindee -- Cindee Case, Director Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OY&YAM) Catholic Diocese of Youngstown 144 West Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503 phone: 330-744-8451 X 280 fax: 330-744-5899 http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com Stay connected with the office: Ø Facebook: Youngstown-Youth Young-Adults https://www.facebook.com/youngstownyouth.youngadults (Please "like" the office page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-and-Young-Adult- Ministry-Diocese-of-Youngstown/155428204509463?ref=hl) Ø Twitter: @YoungInYtown Ø Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/youngstownyouth/ Ø Instagram: @CindeeNYoungstown Ø Diocesan website: http://www.doy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=93 ============================================== “Pray often to the Holy Spirit so that He may help us, give us the strength, give us the inspiration and lead us forward” (Pope Francis, 1/11/15) WHY DID JUDAS DO IT? Great reflection for Spy Wednesday (Did you know this term used by some folks for today?) The first time I recall being really challenged by the question of "Why would Judas do this" was after seeing the Passion play/musical "Tetelestai" as a teen wherein the creators placed Judas in a prominent role. As much as I may want to be like John or Peter, I have to ask: How am I like Judas? When do my greed... Ego... Desire to be connected to powerful people... Feelings of knowing-it-all... Lack of trust... betray my love of Jesus? Looks like I have much on which to reflect today... Thank you Fr. Jim for posting this on Facebook for many of us to contemplate. It brings a new/different aspect to this most Holy Week. --Cindee ---------------------- By Fr. James Martin, SJ Why did Judas do it? The Gospel readings for today and tomorrow ("Spy Wednesday") focus on Judas's betrayal of Jesus. But why did Judas do it? . . . . . . A few years ago I served as a “theological adviser” to an Off-Broadway play, called “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” that put Judas on trial for Jesus’s death. We spent many hours sifting through the possible reasons for history’s most famous betrayal. The Gospel of Mark gives no motivation for Judas's sudden betrayal. Confusing things further, Matthew has Jesus telling Judas at the Last Supper, "Do what you are here to do," which seems to imply some acquiescence, or at least foreknowledge, on Jesus’s part. Matthew attempts to clarify things in his account by introducing the motive of greed: "What will you give me if I betray him to you?" Judas asks the Jewish high priests. The Gospel of John echoes this theme: before the Last Supper, Judas is depicted by the evangelist as the greedy keeper of the common purse. When Jesus is anointed in Bethany, shortly before his crucifixion, Judas complains, asking why the money was not given to the poor. In an aside, John writes, "He [Judas] said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it." Thus John paints Judas as greedy, and dishonest as well. Finally, Luke's gospel tells us that at the Last Supper "Satan had entered into Judas." Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, told me that this phrase from Luke explained "either everything or nothing." There is another hypothesis that sometimes remains unstated by commentators: the evangelists concocted the entire story of Judas's betrayal for dramatic purposes. Some have posited that the one who betrayed Jesus could have come from outside the Twelve, and that Judas was simply a convenient fall guy. Similarly, Judas may have been invented as a generic "Jewish" character in order to lay the blame for the crucifixion on the Jewish people. The name “Judas” (the Hebrew would be Judah) lends credence to this idea. So might Paul, who suggests that Jesus was “handed over” not by Judas or anyone else but by God. But a wholesale invention is unlikely. Mark wrote his gospel around 70 A.D., only a few decades after the death of Jesus. Luke and Matthew wrote some 10 to 15 years later. The Christian community of that time still would have counted among its members those who were friends of Jesus, who were eyewitnesses to the Passion, or who knew the sequence of events from conversations with the previous generation. They most likely would have criticized any wild liberties taken with the story. Rather, as Father Harrington told me, "Judas's betrayal of Jesus was a known and most embarrassing fact." The ignominy of having Jesus betrayed by one of his closest friends is something the Gospel writers would have wanted to avoid, not invent. Overall, none of the Gospels provides a convincing reason for why one of the 12 disciples would betray the teacher he esteemed so highly. Greed fails as an explanation—why would someone who had traveled with the penniless rabbi for three years suddenly be consumed with greed? (Unless he was indeed stealing from the common purse.) William Barclay conjectured that the most compelling explanation is that by handing Jesus over to the Romans, Judas was trying to force Jesus's hand, to get him to act in a decisive way. Perhaps Judas expected the arrest to prompt Jesus to reveal himself as the long-awaited Messiah by not only ushering in an era of peace, but overthrowing the Roman occupiers. Barclay noted that none of the other traditional explanations (greed, disillusionment, jealousy) explain why Judas would have been so shattered after the crucifixion that the Gospel of Matthew has him committing suicide; only if Judas had expected a measure of good to come from his actions would suicide make any sense. "This is in fact the view which best suits all the facts," Barclay concluded. Finally, there is an explanation at once simple and complex: sin. Why do we do what we know is wrong? It is an inexplicable mystery. Perhaps Judas’s reasons for betrayal were obscure even to himself. . . . . . From "Jesus: A Pilgrimage":http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Jesus-James-Martin/?isbn=9780062024237 Image: "The Taking of Christ in the Garden," by Caravaggio. In a recent email I received from Twenty-Third Publications, they presented the following statistics: 23.3 The percent of Catholics who normally attend Mass every week or more often. 20.5 The percent of Catholics who attend Mass almost every week. 24.1 The percent who will most likely attend only on Christmas or Easter. 1 The number of opportunities we have at Christmas or Easter (or Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday) to welcome and coach those who attend Mass infrequently. Or as the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression! It seems important to think about this on Ash Wednesday, because we are first of all being reflective and looking for ways to change ourselves to become better disciples of our Lord Jesus. Secondly, our Churches tend to see a number of folks at Mass on Ash Wednesday that we probably did not see the previous weekend. Several years ago, I wrote an article for the Catholic Exponent regarding the number of young adults (ages 18 - 30s) who I called "CAPE Catholics" as they consider themselves Catholic, practicing Catholics even, but who may only attend Mass on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Easter (was an update on the C&E Catholics of the previous generation as it seemed that the two additional days were of importance to the young adults.) In any event, the point of the story was to encourage parishioners to WELCOME, SMILE AT, and BE GLAD to see the increased numbers of attendees at the Masses those days. {Article posted below.} We have a number of Catholics who feel very connected to God, and who know things about our beliefs, practices, rituals and prayer, but who are disconnected to a faith community because they lack the sense of community! Our young Church members do not see community as people who live nearby or who belong to the same institution....no, they want a deeper sense of community, wherein they feel wanted, treasured, accepted, and known. Therefore, as community members, it is up to us to welcome those with unfamiliar faces. Ask their names and invite them to additional events, activities or to return next weekend for Mass. While the point is not only to increase the numbers you read above, that should happen if more people feel connected to our God through our faith communities. Let is 'build the City of God' and grow the Body of Christ in our parish this Lent. At the 2013 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, emcee Jesse Manibusan stressed that "Being Catholic means everybody's welcome!" So, let us make sure we welcome them! =============================================== The Catholic Exponent Article from 2007 (similar article ran in 2004 or 2005) Welcome CAPE Catholics Cindee Case Special to the Exponent Did you notice a full Church on Ash Wednesday? It seems for the past several years, more and more people so come to this Mass to receive ashes. The Church was almost as crowded as on Christmas or Easter. As a child, I remember a couple times of the year when my parents would make sure that we were ready for Church earlier than usual. There was worry about getting a good parking place or seats in our regular pew. I found it fascinating to see the Church packed full with standing room only. I later learned that the “extra” people who showed up these couple of times a year were referred to as “C & E Catholics,” in that appeared for Christmas and Easter. As I grew older, I began to notice that Christmas and Easter were easy times for young adults to go to Church since it was usually tied into family time; plans for opening gifts or baskets were often scheduled around Mass. In a 2002 study done by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, it shows that 62 % of pre-Vatican II Catholics (born before 1943) surveyed attend Mass every week or more, while 40% of the Vatican II generation (born 1943-1960) does, and only 26% of Post-Vatican II young adults (born after 1960) do. A large portion of this post-Vatican II group is often called “Generation X.” The CARA report states “members of this generation are relatively less likely to make long-term commitments, are more pragmatic and less ideological, and are relatively more interested in issues of identity and community than those before them.” Generation X makes up about 42% of adult Catholics. Instead of just Christmas and Easter, we now seem young adults on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, too. Sure, some cynics joke that they come then to “get something” – the ashes and palms. These outward signs of our faith are important. This is why the Church has “sacramentals” – to be signs of our faith. If the outward signs do not already reflect the inward faith, then they help to develop it. So, I think it is great that so many adults, young and older, take this step on four big celebrations –Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Easter (thus my term CAPE Catholics.) The problem is then, that too many young adults do not realize all that they “get” at “regular” Masses. There is no understanding that they can “get” a community of faith there to support them and the Body and Blood of Christ transform them. The U.S. Bishops, in their 1997 document Sons and Daughters of the Light list four goals for ministry with young adults, all involving connections:
Our first step is hospitality. Like the theme song of the popular 1980’s TV show “Cheers” said, “You want to go where everybody knows your name,” we all tend to feel more comfortable going to a place we are known and welcomed. If our parishes truly are to be faith communities, we must know one another. Or at least be friendly towards one another. So, please, come Palm Sunday and Easter, smile and greet the new faces you see, or at least do not give them “the look” if they are sitting in “your” pew! Dare to say hello and welcome them to the community, and maybe even to invite them to return next week. After all, these CAPE Catholics help us understand the importance of these Holy Days and scaramentals in our Church. Cindee Case is the diocesan director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and former Board of Directors President for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association. Leader: Lent is a time for fasting but also a season for joyous feasting!
During Lent, the church calls on us to fast from certain things and feast on others Side 1: Side 2: Fast from judging others…. feast on Christ dwelling in them Fast from emphasis on differences…. feast on the unity of life. Fast from apparent darkness…. feast on the reality of light. Fast from thoughts of illness….. feast on God’s healing power, Fast from works that pollute…. feast on phrases that purify. Fast from discontent… feast on gratitude. Fast from anger…. feast on patience. Fast from pessimism…. feast on optimism. Fast from worry… feast on divine order. Fast from complaining…. feast on appreciation. Fast from negatives…. feast on affirmatives. Fast from unrelenting pressures… feast on unceasing prayers. Fast from hospitality…. feast on nonresistance Fast from bitterness… feast on forgiveness Fast from self-concern… feast on compassion for others Fast from personal anxiety… feast on eternal truth. Fast from discouragement … feast on hope. Fast from facts that depress… feast on truths that uplift Fast from lethargy … feast on enthusiasm Fast from suspicion … feast on truth. Fast from thoughts that weaken… feast on promises that inspire. Fast from shadows of sorrow… feast on sunlight of serenity Fast from idle gossip… feast on purposeful silence. A Time for God, the Saint Louis University Prayerbook, http://slu.edu/prayerbook/2010/02/17/a-lenten-prayer-how-to-fast/ |
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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