*** If you are the official Youth Ministry Contact for your parish within the Diocese of Youngstown and you did not currently receive the following as an email, please have your pastor or immediate supervisor send a request to add you to the YM Update List to <[email protected]> ***
Youth Ministry Update The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Informing adults who minister to, by, with and for high school teens in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Cindee Case, Director Summer 2014 -------------------------------------- In This Edition: -- Mailing sent to your pastor -- Advocacy in Youth Ministry sign up -- The Fest -- PANERATHON -- Day of Prayer and Preparation -- DYC Update -- Status Quo? -- World Youth Day - Local Celebrations -- Lunch and Learn/Orientation -- NCCYM in San Antonio -- Office note ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For Your Information: I sent a mailing to each pastor/parish administrator with the following items:
I also enclosed an adapted listing of upcoming OY&YAM events which I have attached to this email. Perhaps your pastor has passed along these resources to you? If not, at least know that they are somewhere around the parish and I hope they can assist with your youth ministry efforts. I do have a few additional copies of each resource available for purchase. -- For Ages Unending is $14 (discounted from $15 plus shipping from D.C. ) -- Proclaiming the Good News is $8.50 (saves you on shipping from D.C.) -- The Pastor as Empowering Agent is only $1 So, just let me know if you need additional/your own copies. I can bring them with me to the Aug. 27th Day of Prayer and Prep as well as the October 22nd Parish Ministers Meeting. ======================================== The Component of Advocacy – Module #10 Youth Ministry Online Training (YMOT) Program September 1 - 22, 2014 @ A computer near you Following this course, participants will be able to engage the church and broader community in voicing and addressing the rights, responsibilities and needs of youth. Register by August 21st Module #11 on Leadership Development will take place October 13 – November 3 with registrations due by October 3 Form is attached and available at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/ymot--youth-ministry-online-training.html Module #12 will be for those who have taken modules 1 - 11 to prepare a portfolio for National Certification in Youth Ministry Studies. Looks for a revised program kicking off in early 2015! New content being added....easier schedule....webinar with each module.... Opportunities to earn a Certificate in Basic Youth Ministry and/or a Certificate in Intermediate Youth Ministry Studies! Look for this info in December or January. Thanks to everyone who has participated in these fun, interactive online classes! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE FEST August 3 Noon to 10 p.m. @Center for Pastoral Leadership 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092 I hope everyone from our diocese participating in the FEST has a great (and inspiring) time. We are so fortunate to be able to share in thie FREE event. Don't know what the FEST is? It is a one-day, FREE family festival for all ages held in WICKLIFFE, OHIO. Enjoy live, national Christian bands on stage, entertainment, games, kids' areas, opportunities for inspiring prayer, tents with vendors from all over our area, giveaways, and your favorite festival foods. Concerts and activities begin at noon and run until the 8:00 p.m. outdoor Mass. More than 30,000 people participated last year! Featured performers will be For King and Country, Colton Dixon, Mandisa, and Third Day. At 8:00 PM, join in the highlight of the day: outdoor mass, followed by a fireworks display!(Do not forget to have your parental permission/release forms with you if you are taking youth!) Information posted at: http://www.thefest.us/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PANERATHON 2014 The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center was created by HMHP to deliver the most accurate prevention, early detection, diagnosis and support services available in an environment of compassionate and coordinated care. Want to support their work? Two options: 1. Be in Youngstown on Sunday, August 24th by 10 a.m. for the Panerathon. You can be part of the "Diocese of Youngstown" team by listing us on your registration at: http://panerathon.org/registration/ (We would LOVE to see youth groups, families, and young adults as part of the diocesan team, or even as their own team!) I will be walking the 2 mile (praying for the runners racing by me!) 2. Donate funds to support the work by visiting the fundraising page: http://www.active.com/donate/panerathon2014/cindeeDOY or mailing a check written to HMHP Foundation to Diocese of Youngstown, Attn: Cindee Case 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown OH 44503 Additional information at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/panerathon----runwalk.html Thank you for your support! -------------------------------------------------- Day of Prayer and Preparation August 27th, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. @ St. William Parish in Champion (just north of Warren) Featuring a presentation by Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. followed by Q & A time (so be sure to bring your questions with you!) Brochure to be mailed out by the Office of Religious Education by the end of next week. I hope to see YOU there to help kick-off another academic year! +++++++++++++++++++ DYC'14 Update Sunday, November 2 12:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ St. Michael the Archangel, Canton Special note: we will NOT be providing t-shirts this year, instead, participants will receive a string back-pack and a reusable water bottle. However, each parish/group is invited to create a shirt! The shirt can feature your parish/group name -- it does not have to include the DYC theme "Amazed!" but it can. Perhaps your teens have a favorite bible verse....or Christian song.... or group logo.... an example of a shirt has been pinned at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/521432463080057550/ Let your creativity shine! You can also chose to just ask all your members to wear a particular color, if you'd like to be able to find them somewhat easily, but allow them to decide on a t-shirt, sweater, blouse, or whatever they will feel comfortable wearing....it is up to you, Group Leaders! As the planning continues, updates will be posted at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/2014-diocesan-youth-convention.html Registration packets will be available for September (hoping by late August....) Registration deadline will be Friday, October 17th (mail by Wednesday the 15th. Please plan your local deadlines accordingly, usually 1 - 2 weeks before, depending on the timeliness of your participants.) As I pointed out to the pastors in their mailing, for only $200, your parish can send 2 adults and 6 youth.....a little more if you want to make group t-shirts and want to stop for brunch prior to the event, plus transportation....but how easy can that be to fund-raise? One good car wash (or windshield wash) in August, or "Take Stock in our Youth" drive in September, or just asking the Men's and Women's Clubs to each donate as sponsors. {Of course, your parish is more than welcome to send MORE delegates to the DYC, this was just to get you started in planning out YOUR group efforts!} ======================= Why Are We Empowering the Status Quo???? Saturday, October 11 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ St. Luke Parish, Boardman This question follows the realizations that the economy is recovering slower in our area of the country than we would like....we have fewer priests and religious... parishes have needed to close or cluster.... Catholic Schools have closed.... and young adults claiming "None" as their religion is growing.... But, what do we need to transform our faith communities? How can we challenge, evolve, shake things up??? Bro. Jim Zullo., PhD., P.C. will help give us ideas and inspire us to Empower New Possibilities rather than the status quo. He led the last Priests Convocation, and the priests liked him so much, we are inviting him back for a larger audience. Don't miss it! This will NOT be the Evangelization and Catechesis Conference you have known in the past, as we are shaking up the status quo! Please invite ALL leaders at your parish - in addition to staff, think about the parish council, your ministry volunteers, evangelization teams, etc. Look for registration materials by the end of the summer. But,please set aside this date on your calendar -- and the parish calendar -- now! (Event co-sponsored by the Diocesan Offices of: Evangelization, Missions, Religious Education, Youth & Young Adult Ministry) ======================== Local Celebrations of World Youth Day Affirming the gifts our young people bring to our Church October 26 You select time @ your parish(es) Take time to acknowledge our teens through prayer, thanksgiving and possible programming. This year's theme selected by Pope Francis is: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3).Planning ideas, the Holy Father's Message, and more can be found at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/world-youth-day-annual-local-celebrations.html ======================== LUNCH and LEARNs If you participated in these last year, please be sure to complete and return the survey to Carla soon. Thanks for doing that -- and for the great conversations! Here is the schedule for our "new year": Wednesday, November 12 on Budgeting and Fundraising Thursday, March 12 on Developing Parish Programs/Planning Tuesday, June 9 on Volunteer Recruitment and Mentoring These are generously included in your Parish Minister Fee with Rel Ed., and you must RSVP to Sandi, 330-744-8451, ext. 302 by a week before to have the book sent to you and be in the lunch count. *** Related news: If you know of any NEW (or nearly new) Parish Ministers who have not yet taken part in Orientation, it will take place on Thursday, September 25th this year. 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chancery. Sandi is taking RSVPs for this as well. The Lunch and Learns were first created to serve as on-going orientation for the new Parish Minsters, but found that Parish Ministers of any length of service wanted to be part of the discussions and so it came to be! The mix of newer and "experienced" really added to the conversations. ======================== The National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (A.k.a. NCCYM) -- December 3 - 7, 2014 @ San Antonio Convention Center Continuing education opportunity for all in middle school and high school youth ministry as well as campus ministry, young adult ministry and pastoral jovenes. Inspiring prayer experiences, opportunities for networking and great exhibits add to the learning and amazing keynote sessions. Look for information at http://www.nccym.info/ Registration is now open (Youngstown IS an affiliated diocese, so take that discount!) Let me know if you will be seeking a roommate so I can try to help you connect with others going. I know of 4 from our dioces already registered....and 4 more planning to go.... will you join us? This is a great time for YOU to build upon your knowledge, skills, faith, network and faith! Keynote Presenters: Sr. Helen Prejean, Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, Dr. Timone Davis, Mr. Roy Petitfils. Closing Mass with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller. Select up to 4 workshop break outs, various prayer experiences, and time at the numerous exhibits. Watch the promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBekBnV3-48 ================================== Office note: The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be "Closed" July 28 - August 5 and then August 8-11 as I will be on vacation! (While I dream of white sandy beaches....I will actually be in St. Louis. I have not yet been, so I am excited to finally see the Gateway Arch! And then up near lake Erie, so a brown sandy beach will do!) Since this is vacation, I do not plan to check voicemail or email, so please be patient for a response. Thanks for your understanding. I hope you have also gotten some time off to enjoy the summer. May the Lord richly bless our final weeks of our summer season! -- 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
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![]() (Just a quick reflection on today's readings) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News --- this is the Responsorial Psalm for Mass today. It goes on to point out: Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! For steadfast is his kindness for us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever. (Psalm 117) And it hit me..... the focus for my work in evangelization needs to be my recalling times when God's kindness and fidelity have been present in my life.... the times when I could SEE or FEEL God's presence with me, as well as the times when I was only aware upon looking-back. (This seems to tie in well with it being the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle -- blessed are those who have not seen, but have believed! John 20:29) Summer seems like a great time to pull up these memories then work on articulating them....and then work up the courage to share my stories when opportunities arise. This is the Good News that others long to hear: a kind and faithful God available to each and every person. While I can serve as a Lector at Mass (as the photo shows) sharing the Scriptures , I need to work on tying my own story to the stories we read/hear in the Bible of how God revealed Godsself to Moses, Abraham, David, Job, Mary, Peter, Thomas, Paul, and so on... If I can tell of times I have seen God at work in my life, it encourages others to do the same! Isn't that what evangelization is all about, helping others to see God in their own lives? Then they may wish to learn more about the Scriptures, the person of Jesus, and our faith communities. Then, we will realized what we heard from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians in today's 1st reading: Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Amen! This article seemed hidden on another page, so is copied here to be more easily accessed. Also be sure to pull up the Diocesan Child Protection Policy page to assure you have all your adults ready to serve with the youth!
"Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4: 9 - 11) CONSIDERATIONS in planning Mission trips or service trips: All projects, whether local or distant, should involve the following elements:
These program elements are widely adaptable to service opportunities that are suited to different regions, cultures, age groups, education levels, and issues. They are essential to ensuring that all young people who participate, whether they serve through their place of worship, school, or community group, benefit from the experience. (Much of this article was taken and revised from "Summer of Service: A New American Rite of Passage" by Shirley Sagawa. It was published by Innovations in Civic Participation, Washington D.C., www.icicp.org) ******************************* Check out the additional items posted on the Service and Justice page of this site: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/service-and-justice-with-teens.html ![]() Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday -- some times called The Church's Birthday, because as the Holy Spirit touched the Disciples, and those who could hear them, They were sent on a mission from God -- and we are called to follow their lead. Yes, We're on a mission from God! OK, so the quote from the 1980 movie "The Blues Brothers" came to mind. I saw the movie many years ago, and I do not recall most of it -- but I do recall this line. Seems it was repeated throughout the movie (view the video linked from YouTube above to see as a group in Chicago pulled them for use.) In any event, if these Blues Brothers had been Baptized Catholics, they would indeed be sent on a mission from God -- just like we are! In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read: "Reborn as sons of God, [the baptized] must profess before men the faith they have received from God through the Church" and participate in the apostolic and missionary activity of the People of God (#1270). So, as the Baptized, we are to carry on this work of the Apostles. We have learned to do this by watching and learning from the examples of our families -- those in our homes, in our communities, and in our Church. We share stories of faith, read Scripture, pray together....and then are sent out to share our faith with others -- this is the missionary activity of the People of God. In the Gospel from Pentecost, Jesus tells the Disciples: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). Remember, Jesus didn't say, "Stay in the upper room and only talk amongst yourselves." No -- Jesus and our Creator sent the Holy Spirit to give us the gifts of wisdom,understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord (wonder and awe)... and the power to speak so that others can understand! (Back to the Pentecost readings.) What an awesome responsibility we have to go forth and share the Gospel. This is what evangelization is. Fortunately, we do not have to (nor should we) do it alone. The Church was born to guide and support us. The Church helps us with the mission from God. How does your parish support your mission? (I hope you respond through worship, sacraments, ministries, resources, community, etc....) Speaking, of mission, are you familiar with the Mission Statement for the Diocese of Youngstown? It pretty nicely ties in to these ideas: We are people of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Blessed with a rich variety of backgrounds and talents, we are a living reflection of the Universal Church. Through our baptism, we continue Christ’s mission to further the kingdom of God through the human family. We share our living faith by proclaiming the Gospel in word and example. Together we celebrate Christ’s presence in worship and sacraments. In a spirit of justice, mercy and love, we dedicate ourselves not only to minister to the people in the six counties of northeastern Ohio but also to minister to the world community. Yes, the Diocese of Youngstown (and it's ministries, like youth and young adult ministries) is on a mission from God! Thank you for being part of this mission! (The Diocese is NOT just the Cathedral, Chancery and diocesan staff....no, it is ALL OF US -- the Baptized that live within these 6 counties in Ohio.) May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen us to go forth as Jesus has sent us on this Mission from God! =================================== Bonus -- Prayer to the Holy Spirit (by Saint Augustine) Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. ![]() Thanks to Ansel Augustine of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Black Catholic for posting this to their blog site: http://nolacatholicexperience.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/national-federation-for-catholic-youth-ministry-in-nola/#respond We worked hard but enjoyed GREAT hospitality while there. Thanks NOLA...and thanks to the NFCYM for all you do to support youth ministries around the country and in the Diocese of Youngstown! ---- If you are not familiar with the NFCYM -- then perhaps you should check out their websites: http://www.nfcym.org/ http://www.cymsource.org/ And conferences For adults (in even numbered years, i.e. THIS December) http://www.nccym.info/ For teens (in odd numbered years, look for information in Spring 2015) http://www.ncyc.info/ ![]() Wow, hard to believe that it is Prom Season already -- but as I see pictures posted on Facebook, it is here! So, here are two quick prayers for teens to use -- one for those going to prom and one for those not going to prom.... In either event, know that I am praying that you (teens) -- please, stay safe (and don't do anything you'd be embarrassed to tell your grandma all about!!) --Cindee +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A Prayer for All Going to Prom Lord God, thank you for this opportunity to get dressed up and have fun with friends as we eat, dance, and laugh at Prom. Please keep us safe this evening, and give us strength to avoid temptations for any and all activities that would harm our relationship with you. May we be good role models in how we act, in what we say, in what we do and in how we dance. But also rejoice with us as we have fun. We pray this in your holy name, Amen. ======================================== A Prayer for Those Not Going to Prom Lord God, even though I will not be going to the dance tonight, I ask that you watch over and protect those who are. May they be safe and able to stay faithful to you. I also ask that you watch over me and all those who are not going to prom either by personal choice, parent's choice, or not being invited - no matter what the reason, please grant us a fun evening as well. No matter what I decide to do tonight, help me to look back with fond memories. Thank you for all my blessings Lord. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. ![]() Following the 2014 Academy Awards, this lovely video began circulating of the winner of the Supporting Actress Oscar, Lupita Nyong'o Speech on Black Beauty Essence Magazine Black Women In Hollywood Award (See below, or visit this website:) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPCkfARH2eE#t=87 What a beautiful witness of her own struggle with a sense of beauty, and of self-acceptance. How many other young people do we know have these struggles? While it took the model Ilek Wek to help Lupita begin to see her own beauty, rather then just feeling the love of God, I am sure that God sent her that inspiration. It took seeing that model for Lupita to see that she was made in God's own image: Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them (Genesis 1:27 - 28a) How do we in our ministries help teens see that they are made in God's image? How can we help them to avoid the "seduction of inadequacy" as Lupita put it -- settling as being 'less than' or less worthy? We need to give up negative self-talk -- not like giving up for Lent, but giving up for Life. Miss Nyongo went on to say that "Beauty is not a thing that I can acquire or consume." This, too, is an important lessen we can help our teens to learn. Once they can see God in themselves, we can help them to see God in other people. Then comes the ability to look into someone's eyes with love. "What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion. Compassion for yourself and for those around you," she says. Compassion is an expression of love. And, since God is love (1 John 4:8), compassion is an expression of God -- what could be more lovely? "Get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside," Miss Nyongo stated. I add, and help others to do the same! ![]() Have you heard that this Sunday (April 27), two new saints will be officially named....two blessed popes (John XXIII and John Paul II) will be elevated to help us remember to be inspired by their faith. The Vatican has been posting information for our use at: http://www.vatican.va/special/canonizzazione-27042014/index_en.html as have the U.S. Bishops Conference: http://usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/canonizations-john-xxiii-john-paul-ii.cfm Here is a quick video that explains the canonization process (Thanks, Busted Halo for another great video!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUGRdpRJWYA If you want a quick visual guide on the canonization process, CNS created this one: http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/11/the-long-winding-road-to-sainthood/ A few personal thoughts: Related to this historic moment of the canonization of two popes, It JUST occurred to me moments ago that I have been SO fortunate to be in the presence of a saint.... I mean, I know that I am often near people filled with God's love so deeply that we can call them a saint, but this is a real-life, almost canonized (will be on Sunday) person. Wow. How cool is that? I was "with" Blessed John Paul II in Denver 1993, Paris 1997, Rome 1999, Rome 2000, and Toronto 2002. Although I never got to talk with him one-on-one, I was within 5 feet of him twice and impacted by his ministry. Here are just a few memories: Denver, August 1993 -- World Youth Day events Papal Welcome on Thursday, August 12 at Mile High Stadium --- Our group (Diocese of Cleveland) received tickets for this event, so we fed into the crowd funneling into the stadium. As we awaited the Holy Father, we sang songs, talked with teens and young adults from numerous countries, and we got wet -- it was raining! However, as the helicopters approached the stadium, a rainbow arched in the sky, and the sun peaked out.....by the time Pope John Paul II greeted us, the rain had stopped! What a stunning moment for us all! Here are the words he shared with us that evening: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/1993/august/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19930812_saluto-denver-gmg_en.html Vigil Prayer on Saturday, August 14 at Cherry Creek Park --- a long pilgrimage walk led us from downtown Denver to this large open area. Many of us Ohioans expected trees at the park, bu it was just an open area. The heat of the sun exhausted us, but the singing and prayer kept us going. Camping out with a half-million people is a unique experience! Here are the Holy Father's words from the vigil: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/1993/august/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19930814_vigil-denver-gmg_en.html Closing Mass on Sunday, August 15 at Cherry Creek Park --- Despite dealing with altitude sickness/thinner air, lack of sleep, and some lack of adequate nutrition (McDonald's supplied the food stands for the week, and there was a minimal number of options, which caused some people to suffer digestive issues), the community rallied together for a fantastic outdoor Mass. Here is the homily from that day: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/1993/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19930815_gmg-denver_en.html Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 1999 in Rome, Italy --- Did you know that there is a tradition for the Holy Father to meet with faithful near at the Piazza di Spagna near the Spanish Steps in Rome at a statue of Mary to pray during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception? I did NOT know this until happenstance placed me there, and lo and behold, a car pulls up right next to where I am standing and I see Pope John Paul II get out to lead the prayer! Wow! There was even a moment when our eyes met, and I truly felt a sense of God's love rush over me. I know, it sounds a bit strange, as I was even surprised by it -- but this man definitely exuded a spiritual presence! This was a much less formal celebration that the World Youth Day liturgies and events I had attended, so I was struck by the humbleness and "centeredness" of the Holy Father as he took a few minutes to venerate the Holy Mother at the statue. I have more memories (and many more pictures), but this isn't really about me....although I am still amazed that I was able to be with a saint so many times. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like to be near Pope John XXIII, since he was so unexpected and ushered in so much change/rejuvination for the ChurchI hope that I can always stay focused on the GOOD done by these holy men so that I can be inspired to faith-filled in my daily life. May we all be inspired by the witness of faith of both of these holy men! St. John and St. John Paul, pray for us! ---------------------------------------- Here is a bonus news story on Popes as Saints: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/24/popes-saints_n_5205270.html ![]() 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. ![]() "We want to show X movie to Y group..." This is the start of a potentially beautiful experience of learning, community building, reflection, prayer or just fun.... Or it could be a bad choice. How can you tell the difference? With the current string of religiously themed movies, this seems like a good time to share a few basic considerations if you are looking to show a movie to children, youth or families: 1. A group leader should ALWAYS preview a movie! Consider watching it twice, the first time to get an overall sense of the film; then if that seems fine, watch it again to look for any subtle themes, plot twists, backdrops or characters that may raise questions, concerns, or 'red flags.' You may wish to invite a few other adult to preview the movie with you so that you have additional eyes to notice things and insights to share. A few questions: -- what is that main message the film is communicating? -- what others themes is the film sending? -- what Gospel themes are connected? -- what Diocesan Curriculum Objectives are covered? (Hey, even if you are planning it just as a fun activity, it doesn't hurt to slip some catechesis in if you are sponsoring it as a ministry event!) -- is this movie the best way to teach these themes? -- can clips of the film be shown (obviously at a later date once they are available) to better get across the point(s) you hope to teach, or does the movie need to be seen in its entirety? -- what prayers, reflection questions and discussions can support the film theme(s)? Movies that pervert the faith or are blatantly immoral must be avoided. 2. What is the movie rating? Remember that the Motion Pictures Association of America is one form of rating, and a great starting point. G = General Audiences (all ages) PG = Parental Guidance suggested as some aspects may not be suitable for children PG 13 = Parental Guidance but really most viewers should be 13 and older R = viewers should be 17 and older or with a parent (often based on amount of violence, profanity, nudity) NC 17= restricted to only those 17 and older Therefore, you should NOT plan to high school teens to an R-rated movie, or small children to a PG film.... and I must add that you still might want to preview G-rated movies as some themes might be questionable for religious purposes, although they should be generally "safe" to watch. 3. How have Catholic Leaders rated it? Catholic leaders look at the movies not only based on the amount of violence, profanity, and nudity (the 3 criteria used for the MPAA ratings above) but also based on our Christian morals, teachings and scriptures. A. Catholic News Services --CNS continues to work begun by the U.S. Bishops Office for Film and Broadcasting by reviewing movies through the lenses of our Catholic faith. The rating system they use: CNS classifications:
Visit the website to see the ratings given in current and older movies: http://www.catholicnews.com/movies.htm B. Franciscans Media movie reviews (I am not sure if they add original reviews, or just post the CNS reviews from above? But the format for reading might be easier on some screens.) http://www.americancatholic.org/movies/ C. Sr. Rose Pacatte - Daughters of St. Paul community member Sr. Rose has taken the 5 Things the National Director for Catechesis says about media (see image to the right). She reviews and writes for a number of outlets to help Catholics chose movies wisely: RCL Benziger (publisher) has "Sr. Rose Goes to the Movies" video reviews posted for catechists, educators and parents at: http://sisterrosemovies.com/ Articles on movies posted with the National Catholic Reporter (newspaper): http://ncronline.org/authors/sr-rose-pacatte Pathos Faith Channels also has "Sr. Rose Goes to the Movies" for all ages at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/sisterrosemovies/ OK, so once you have previewed a movie (perhaps twice or with a team), decide that it is worthy of pursuing as a parish activity, have checked the movie ratings and see that reliable Catholic leaders support the film, please remember that if going as a youth event, you must follow all the guidelines regarding permission forms, Diocesan Child Protection Policy compliant chaperones and drivers.... then get some popcorn and enjoy! |
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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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