THE LATEST THING WE CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT (AND DIDN'T KNOW IT)

Books and programs come by about once a year that promise to rejuvenate the parish, save Catholic schools, cut down on the work load for the clergy, and in general bring about the parousia.  Cynical might best describe the attitude this author has developed.  Everyone gets all hot and bothered.  Committees are set up. Programs are held.  Speakers are brought in.  Posters are made.  Commitment weekends are staged.  And there will be some amount of success at least for a time.

 

First important lesson I learned: Every program that promises to make less work for priests will inevitable cause a ton more work for priests.  Period.  Don’t even go there with me.

 

Secondly, of the ones that work well, they tend to be emphasized aspects of what we should already be doing.  But it is kind of like lent; you can only keep the extra energy and focus up so long and then you fall back to a “ordinary time” state.

 

Now, I don’t want to put every program down and there will always be a couple of people whose lives were completely changed and now they are “active” parishioners.  So there’s that.  And I’m not saying I wouldn’t do another program, I probably just won’t put all my hosts in ciborium.

 

That being said there are two books that are making hot tracks around the diocese and as a diocese we are setting up programs to see what fruit will come from them.  The first is “Forming Intentional Disciples.”  The book upon which it is based, IMHO, could have probably been a pamphlet.  But its message is great.  We can’t be passive Catholics who go to Mass on the weekend.  We must be God’s agents on earth whether that involves being active at Mass or telling your wayward nephew to get his keester to Mass. (That was snarky but you get the point.)

 

The other book about which you may want to be aware is “Rebuilt.”  It is ideas from a pastor and his deacon who took a failing parish and breathed new life into it.  They openly discuss their failures and successes.  It is an interesting read.  I think there are some great things to learn from it though I don’t know that I would buy the whole thing.  (We have been talking about it at parish pastoral council.)  And it is obvious that his parish is some place warm as they talk about having parking lot ministers.  Try that in December in Ohio.

 

In any event, chances are these books or at least the ideas from these books are coming your way.  Watch for them in a parish near you.

"CATHOLIC" IS AISLE THREE, HALF WAY DOWN ON THE RIGHT, TOP SHELF

“Catholic” was never meant to be a subcategory like exists, for example, in the fiction genre.  There is fiction, and then under that are subcategories of children’s, or romance, or adventure, or what have you.  In a similar way it was not intended that there be movies or books or music and then a subcategory of “Catholic”; or healthcare or marriage or science with a Catholic version.  Catholicism is a world view, a way of seeing existence, a way of existing.  It is one of the reasons it is called Catholic, it is universal; all times, all places, all peoples.  It is given to us to help us live, not be an odd duck appendage to another way of life.

 

That is not to say that every book that is supposed to be about the rosary.  A murder mystery can be a great Catholic book.  Not every movie has to be about Fatima.  A futuristic movie about going into space and discovering a new planet can be a good Catholic movie.  Ideas on healthcare are not about making everyone a papist; it is about making good choices, upholding the dignity of all, and what it means to be fully human.  But as soon as there is a Catholic (or Christian) category, it can be ignored.  Catholics too may be reluctant to engage their Catholic way of life into their works and efforts for the exact same reason: Catholic means that healthcare initiatives are only good for and relevant to Catholics.  Social justice ideas stamped Catholic means that they can considered arcane and limited to only 2 billion people on the planet rather than something that is meant to help all people thrive.

 

“Catholic” is about bringing the one, the true, the good, and the beautiful into all that is done.  The best Catholic movies were made by atheists who were not trying to do so.  Some of the best Catholic books that I have ever read were either decidedly not about Catholics or were written by non-Catholics.  Conversely much of the best science we have enjoyed has come from priests.  All of them reached a larger audience because they did not subcategorize themselves, but were decidedly still Catholic in nature even when it has been via negativa. 

 

Catholic is not a Sunday activity.  It is a cultural way of living.

PROGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVISM

There is a local church that has one of the few marquees to which I pay attention.  There is always something there that makes me stop and think, usually because it is a challenge to my belief though we share the same moniker of Christian.  The church considers itself progressive and innovative and advertises such quips as, “Planned Parenthood helps men too!”  This is, of course absolutely true.  As long as the man has not had the life snuffed out of him in his mother’s womb by Planned Parenthood, it will then help him later in his life, if appropriate funding can be found, even to helping him snuff out the life of his own son.

 

And so we have the march of progress.  In fact, that is one of their latest tag lines on their marquee: “Progressive churches make things happen.”  This little dandy caught my attention and occupied quite a bit of my contemplation time.  “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”  Like so many things we are presented with, it seems like it means something but if you take the time to think about it, it really doesn’t.

Consider firstly the word “progressive.”  What does it mean to be a church “of progress?”  After all, progress in science may allows us to have vacations on the moon, but we may not live to see it if our cancer progresses.  For progress to mean anything positive, there must be a goal to progress to.  For far too many people, progress simply means stumbling forward; doing something because we can, not because we are supposed to.  Not all moving forward is progress.  Cities, societies, even people move forward toward decay.  If you do not know who you want to be when you grow up, you might get older, but you won’t progress to anything positive.

 

In order for a Christian church to be progressive, there must be an ultimate goal and that goal must outline what is best both for the human person and for humanity in general physically, mentally, and spiritually.  It must be based on truth and being so, all true progress will move toward that truth.  Progress, then, is not a process of allowing humanity to go to seed as it wishes but to lift it up to an ideal; rather than broadening the path, it teaches men to walk the narrow road.

 

In this, then, I would argue there is not a Church as progressive as the Catholic Church in (when it is properly understood.)  It has an ideal to achieve and to which man is called; it calls each individual and collective communities to the highest standards of health, knowledge, and holiness.  When it moves men in this direction, it is truly progressive.

 

“Makes things happen,” the second part of the tag line, is a particularly value free statement.  A squirrel running past a dog in a china shop makes things happen.  That being said, if I had to guess at what the sign intended to convey I would supposed it implies that if you do not like the current state of affairs or the current idea of what progress is, then one should join them to make change happen.  (A whole other topic.)  As a whole, I like “things to happen.”  It is far superior to things not happening at all.  But there are things I would rather happen and other things I would rather not.  But in any event, if I am going to be part of a church that “makes things happen,” I hope it is truly a Church of progress and not simply a Church blindly moving forward.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE THIS?

So let us say that you are going to go to the megaplex to watch a movie. Not having kept up with what is playing lately you decide to look at the ratings to decide which movie you are going to see. What rating system do you use? Stars? Thumbs? Alphabets? Tomatoes? Perhaps you pick the one with the four stars or the A+ but in the end you wonder if it really rated a superior marking. “Critics rave!” did not translate into your world of great movies. Not that you did not enjoy it or think it wonderfully shot or scripted, but there was something lacking – that sense of awe long after the movie is over – the kind that transforms the movie into a classic that you can watch year after year.

In truth there are many different ways to rate a movie or a book or a television show or a work of art. I remember as a little kid thinking that the Academy Awards was the most thrilling event of the movie year. I thought at the time that there was some universal, impartial, and truthful rating system that would truly mark out who created the best piece of art: the best movie of the year would truly be the triumph of mankind’s artistry in that field that year. (And I also believed that if we hadn’t had a quality movie that they just simply would not award a little gold statue that year.)

But human beings do not have an impartial and universal marker for the quality of such creativity. The best sighted person puts on glasses when critiquing art. The glass over the critics eyes are made out of an “ism,” even those who proclaim they partake in no “ism.” The “ism” comes out of our experience of life and colors how we see the world. Therefore when we approach an object who we are comes into play in the we interpret it and how much worth we attribute to it.

To exemplify this, Pope Benedict described in the forward of his book, “Jesus of Nazareth” how Jesus comes to reflect the persons using a historical critical method to classify him. So that “if you read a number of those reconstructions one after the other, you see at once that far from uncovering an icon that has become obscured over time, they are much more like photographs of their authors and the ideals they hold.” Who we are will always play a role in the way we see and interpret the world.

So people approach work from modernism, postmodernism, feminism, fascism, socialism, commercialism, humanism, name-anything-ism. How should we approach such works as Catholics? What should the glasses of Catholicism help us see and critique in such works of man?

At our last G. K. Chesterton gathering we came up with a short list of such things. But the short list needs to be explained a little so this will be a short series.

The first consideration is beauty. Is what is being portrayed in word, art, film, or even interpretation beautiful? Does it lift the spirit, exalt God and man, does it inspire? Does it leave you with something of an inspiration even after you have walked away from it for some time – even if your initial contact with the piece was difficult? Was there something about the beauty of the piece that would draw you back or inspire you on?

“In the end, it is beauty that will save us,” to quote Fr. Benedict Groeschel. God is all beauty as well as the source of all true beauty and true beauty can only lead to the good. For true beauty does not stand alone. Beauty has three sisters with her and she must always stand with them or the beauty being recognized is an imposter.

I had the most difficult time enjoying modern art for the longest time. Much gratitude is extended to those who helped me see, adjusted my glasses so to speak, so that I might appreciate it much better. But even having some of it explained well and in much depth to me, some works still leaves me cold. Here is a partial answer why. Some pieces are simply meant to be beautiful. One piece I remember being explained to me was a blue canvas. “See how the blue seems to rise up off of the canvas! The artist worked hard at achieving just the right hues and technique so that you might be lost in the wonderful effect of the color.” And to be fair there are people who could sit and stare at this all day and not as a novelty but as something beautiful and meaningful to them.

To me and my experience of “Catholicism,” it was a beautiful technique waiting to be made into art. For beauty, when not wed to the One, the True, and the Good is ultimately meaningless. This was somewhat summed up in a line from Don Quixote when he said of the beautiful woman, “Honor and virtue are ornaments of the soul, without which the body, though it be really beautiful, ought not to be thought so.” Beauty is the culmination and crowning of the One, the True, and the Good and cannot (or should not) stand alone.

So, critique #1: Is it beautiful in the way we understand beauty?

MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES

Fr. B and I are on the same schedule as far as being assigned. This past Tuesday he opined, “You know, we are beginning the “last” of everything at our parishes. This will be our last summer; we have one last Christmas, Easter, and one last Holy Week at our current assignments. This time next year things are going to be interesting.”

And not just interesting because we may be moving. We stand in a period of time in the Church when change is coming to a head. It is as if we are crossing from one boat to another. For fifty years we have been straddling two boats and are preparing to finely stand on the boat to which we have been crossing. Although the Church in some fashion or another is always in a state of change, there is something significant coming to maturity now that will make the next ten years or so very interesting.

Ah! And there is the ancient Chinese curse. "May you live in interesting times."

Most interesting is that those beginning to influence the Church now (clergy, lay, parents, religious, single) are the children of children who were largely un-catechized. (Painting with a broad paint brush) these are the generations that were brought up with "Jesus loves you" and banner making classes. But something interesting is happening. Like parents who grew up poor and lavish their children with things to make up for what they didn't have, those who are still embracing their faith are making sure that their kids are exposed to a much more substantial faith. It is as if they are saying, “Let’s get back to basics and do it right.” It will be interesting to see what we do in the next ten years if we do not lose nerve.

The worst of the Church scandal seems to be behind us. The Plain Dealer reports yesterday that there is a general feeling across the nation that the Church has gotten its act together and collections are on the increase. I for one hope that there is an outraged group out there that keeps us on the up and up. As we see little snippets about the atrocities that are occurring in other schools and organizations, and even other denominations that are not held as accountable as the Catholic Church it is possible that we will once again be that beacon of light and safety for future generations.

Also in that P.D. report was the sad news that most of our Catholic schools are running in the red and parish accounts are being drained trying to keep up with increasing cost of educating our children. This is a critical moment. Will Catholic schools be reinvented? Or will it be that this generation will reinterpret our mission in this field and come up with something better/different?

Then there is the future of religious. The “backbones of the diocese” are still active, at least here in Cleveland, but the gray hair factor is extremely high. It was discussed not to long ago in a circle of priests that in the next ten to fifteen years they will hit a wall, that is that there will simply be almost no active nuns (comparatively) of these groups to handle any significant portion of jobs in the diocese. Conversely there are other orders that appear to be taking on life and growing at alarming rates although not at a rate that will replace the old big orders completely. And it is sad that here in Cleveland so many of our young ladies who have an eye on religious life leave the state to find that for which they are looking. That future will be interesting on many levels.

Then there is the changing demography of Catholics. We are no longer a faith primarily found in the city. A large portion of us have made a definite move to the suburbs. That will mean the closing of many parishes. In the diocese of Cleveland that number is over 40. But it will also mean the expansion or building of more parishes out of city centers as well as a redistribution of priests. (This will also have an effect on how our influence effects the state in which we live.) This is just one more situation that is coming to a head.

The number of seminarians is on the rise. It is not at levels that would make us comfortable. Will lay people become more involved in the running of the parish? Will the upward swing in vocations continue? Ten years from now will be very telling.

The mindset of “Church” following Vatican II is also completing a final stage. Those just beginning to come into influence now have no longer been changed by VII, but have been formed by it. It is not something new to figure out but a part of the greater teaching of the Church of the ages, a part of history. Though in some cases it may be true, too often this generation is mislabeled as “throwbacks,” trying to bring back a Church of the past. I do not believe that to be the case. They may appear as throwbacks because they are able to embrace more of their heritage of which Vatican II is an essential part, but not an over-bright star in the sights of a telescope that blocks out other (valid) stars.

Oh, there’s more to consider but this is already long winded enough. The future is still blurry and interesting, but it is not bleak. There is great hope, great opportunity, great faith, there are outstanding men and women ready to charge ahead, and of course the promise of Christ in the form of the action of the Holy Spirit. Yes, these are interesting times. And I for one can’t wait to see how this picture will develop.

SPINNING WHEELS GAIN NO DISTANCE

Here is a picture of my new invention. It will revolutionize everything you do. It will work wonders for making your cars go, your wagons haul, and your skateboards glide. Oh, I know what you are thinking, “It’s a wheel. We have that already.” But I needed to experience and discover it for myself. That way it means something. You see it rolls thereby overcoming a lot of friction allowing you to save on work! This is exciting stuff!

This is how I felt yesterday sitting in a coffee house near a local University reading a publication on mind, body and soul; a guide to holistic enlightenment. There were such articles in it such as God is not really a male with a long beard but that image helps us to relate to Him. God can be found in all human beings. Even in painful situations we can find God working well in our lives if we pay attention. There was the realization, in so many words, that there is only one God. With each of these epiphanies there were what we would consider erroneous conclusions, but in their earnest search for God they rediscovered what has been around for centuries.

A couple of years ago I went to a seminar that was called something like the World Parliament of Religions on Peace in Barcelona. It was huge. There were leaders and people of religions from all over the world. Thousands and thousands of people and hundreds of religions. There were all kinds of events that took place. I sat in on all of the discussions I heard people around me being struck right and left with inspiration from the speakers. After a couple of lectures I shut my notebook, never to open it again. The person I was with asked me why I was no longer taking notes. I responded, “This is Catholic 101. Maybe even pre-Catholic 101.”

In a decent article in the paper not to long ago a communist made some suggestions to inner city churches to help the city. They suggested such things as having services during the week. Having opportunities to come into the church to pray. Having meeting rooms open for scouting and AA and other community events. Have educational opportunities. (I was waiting for the call to have BINGO, but it didn’t go that far.)

Is it that we as Catholics do not make our teachings accessible enough? Have we lost too much credibility? Perhaps we just don’t live it well. Whatever it is perhaps if we live our faith well society can stop reinventing the wheel and culture and civilization can move forward to a bright new day for humanity.

DOROTHY!

“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain- and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot – and so it is.” Luke 12;54-55.

Nothing like a summer storm to keep you on your toes.

The Diocese of Cleveland is filling sand bags and moving the cattle to higher ground preparing for a predicted downpour with record high winds and flooding that has battle weary Catholics feeling disheartened. On the Feast of the Assumption began the trial of The United States of America vs. Joseph H. Smith and Anton Zgoznik. If you are not already aware of sordid details, here, here, and here are a few articles to catch you up to speed.

Our bishop, The Most Reverend Richard Lennon, stated that, “The trial is likely to generate coverage by the media.” How he knows this is mysterious. They say a prophet is only known after the fact. Time alone will tell if he is right or not. (Yes, I am being snarky and not toward the Bishop.)

Anyway, in a letter to his priests he asked us to share this information with interested persons. If you read this blog you might be more interested than the average bear about such things and so I share the following points from the Bishop’s letter with you.

1. The Diocese of Cleveland is NOT on trial; it is the victim of the alleged crimes.
2. The Diocese has fully cooperated with the investigation.
3. Any suggestion that those involved with the administration of the Diocese knew or approved of the activities charged against the defendants or engaged in similar conduct is false.
4. The Diocese does not condone criminal activity. (Did we really need to say that? O my.)
5. The Diocese was (allegedly) defrauded by a person who held a position of trust and by his business associate. While it is difficult to protect against fraudulent conduct, the Diocese has implemented steps since this matter was first discovered to strengthen its financial controls.
6. Catholics and all others who generously support the spiritual and social work of the Church can be confident of the continued good stewardship of by the Diocese.

You know, I remember when I was an assistant manager at a movie theater and some boys from a local Catholic high school came in wearing their varsity jackets and vandalized the men's room. It is a quirky thing that those Catholic boys were seen as a nuisance. Not those boys, but those Catholic boys from that Catholic school. Though the media has stopped reporting that every Tom, Dick, and Harry caught in the commission of a crime was a former Catholic altar boy or sang in the choir and St. Suchandso Catholic Church at some vague point in their history, there still is some thrill at finding a ne're-do-well who is Catholic.

To some extent there is a back handed compliment there I suppose, but on the other, what a clarion call for Catholics to be aware that their actions reflect more than on themselves. Professing to be Catholic and being no different from anyone else sexually, concerning drugs and alcohol, using inappropriate language, watching degrading programming, committing a crime, showing approval of ugly actions does not simply reflect upon oneself, but can reflect on the faith.

What would you not want to see you priest doing? Do you think there are movies you would not want them to be seeing? Bars you don't want them to go into? Are there jokes you would lose respect for them telling? Are there manners of dress that you would be scandalized they wear? I hope so. But never forget that the same standard falls on everyone's shoulders. We are all called to be holy, priests are not called to be holy for anyone. And just as ugly as a fallen priest is to the general public, a fallen Catholic is ugly to someone searching for God and holiness. Both have someone's soul at risk.

That is what is truly ugly about this case.