MONDAY DIARY: A NEW WAY OF SAYING THE SAME THING

This past Friday night all the clergy of the Diocese of Cleveland, priests and deacons alike, were brought together at Magnificat High School to be introduced to the new translation of the Mass. If you have not heard, the new translations has been approved by Rome and at least for now it seems that we will put the new Sacramentary to use the First Sunday of Advent 2011.

This new translation of the Mass is the greatest single change in the Mass since the Second Vatican Council. It is really quite a historic moment. Whether one desires the new translation or not, it will be disruptive for a spell. Some will be excited about it and some will disappointed to the point of anger. I rode to the convocation in a car packed with priests. Some made mention what a shock the new translation is going to be to the Christmas and Easter Catholics for the first few years. I hadn’t thought of that. It will be quite a shock for them.

Just as everyone will be, the clergy are also all over the board on how they feel about this new translation. Some are clearly excited, some just loyal to whatever is asked, some question, some are worried about being able to make the change, and a few are not happy at all. Hence the wisdom of bringing us all together to try to get us all on the same page, to prepare ourselves and in turn to help our congregations be prepared when the new translations hit.

We took our seats in the new auditorium of the High School and were welcomed by the principal of the school. Then we prayed Evening Prayer together which took up the first half hour of the meeting. Then Bishop Lennon introduced another bishop (I do not recall his name) who gave us a history of the translation which was highly consultative and painstakingly researched. Most of the talk was about addressing the “whys” and “hows” and in fact dealt very little with many of the texts.

In brief, it was mentioned that when the Mass was allowed to prayed in the vernacular, the document on it called for the periodic update of the translations. Further, Masses and prayers have been added, patristic and Biblical reference that were obscured were made clear, better understanding of how to translate from Latin to English have been developed, more formal language is used and an attempt to use language that would not cater to one particular English speaking county, and contrary to popular belief, it is not a slavish translation to the Latin though it is much closer than the current translation. (I’m not trying to start a debate, just reporting what was said.)

At the end there came time for Q and A and I braced myself in my seat waiting for some sort of onslaught. There was some bravado beforehand about question that would be proposed but perhaps it was the clearness of the presentation the allayed most of them except one good point concerning one word.

The meeting dispersed peacefully and happily enough. Perhaps this is going to go much better than I had anticipated. Though we may have some differences perhaps it is that we as a presbyterate are much more willing to come together to do this than I thought.

Just one personal note to those who will publish the new sacramentary: Please, please, please keep in mind that we have over 2000 years of Catholic art available to us to use. There are many good current artists. Could we please dump the Play School art and have something a bit more inspiring? (My deepest apologies for those who really like the current art work.)

FRIDAY POTPOURRI: DON'T GO OUTSIDE WITHOUT YOUR OMBRELLINO

When I was a kid my pastor used to tell the story of when HE was a kid and the Eucharistic processions they used to have around their neighborhood on Corpus Christi. “People would scrub the curbs and paint them and the trunks of the trees along the route white,” he would say, “and the Blessed Sacrament would be carried beneath a canopy.” People generally liked the idea and so pitched in and purchased one of these canopies and for a couple of decades we had Corpus Christi processions.

As a priest I only did it once or twice. The logistics can be difficult to figure out at times. A friend of mine in an audience with John Paul II was told to continue this tradition; that he should do it every year to promote a stronger reverence for the Eucharist.

The canopy about which I am speaking is a covering over the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance that is carried in procession out of doors. The Church used to be rife with the symbolism of placing a covering over sacred or revered objects. There were chalice covers, covers for ciboria, canopies over pulpits, the bishop’s cathedra, and most notably is the covering, or tester, or baldachino over the altar of sacrifice. The portable baldachin or canopy is part of this old tradition. If nothing else it certainly marks where the object or in this case Person of importance is.



There are two basic versions. The canopy is generally a rectangular piece of material properly adorned and supported by either four or six poles born by people in procession. Another version is called an ombrellino that looks something like a very fancy umbrella with one pole that has at times has decided bend in a joint of the shaft so that the person standing behind the bearer of the Blessed Sacrament can project it forward yet level over the monstrance.

It is a symbol of great respect and reverence.

IT'S MY PARTY . . .

Someone dear to me got married outside of the Church because the Church would not provide the type of wedding that this person wished. Looking over the laws we have governing weddings I bent them as far as I possibly could but it still would not fit the ticket. It makes me sad.

This is not all that terribly uncommon however. It may not be quite as extreme as the above but the idea behind it plays out none-the-less. A bride wants a recording of the “Phantom of the Opera” to play during the ceremony or a groom wants his dog to act as ring bearer (not only has this happened, it has happened more than once) and we as gently as we are able put those ideas aside.

Once in a blue moon someone becomes upset (I understand why) and wants to know why the Church cares so much about their wedding. After all it is their special day.



This is both true and not true. It is true it is a very special day for the bride and groom who, after Christ who is celebrated in the ceremony, are the focus of our prayers. But it is not their day alone. Neither is the marriage theirs alone. In the true Catholic sense both the wedding Mass and the marriage itself is part of the greater community. It is not the wedding Mass of the couple, it is a public celebration of a marriage. If George and Mary Sloppy up the street hear wedding bells and decide to come to the Mass there is technically no way to stop them. This is a Catholic/public event. Therefore there are certain things that we abide by not because the Church wants to interfere with your wedding, but because you are asking to be married by the Church and the Church (you, me, George and Mary) also have some rights and expectations. It is in some sense our wedding ceremony too.

So is the marriage. We have the illusion that a civil marriage is not a public institution but it is. There are things that married couples are not allowed to do by law and there are other things that they are required to do by law. The definition of marriage itself (though in flux at the moment) is a matter of law.

A Catholic marriage also a part of the greater community who has a stake and role in it. At stake is the domestic Church. The greater Church is only as healthy as the domestic Church. By being married in the Church a couple is not only requesting God’s presence in a special way into the marriage but the greater community as well. The community’s role (who was invited formally or informally to your wedding Mass) is to support and pray for the marriage. The bride and groom may be of one flesh now but Christ called as all to be one. We do not live in isolation. We are part of a body – The Body. And our ceremonies are designed to signify as much.

BOOK REVIEW: HEAR MY VOICE

It is an outstandingly good idea to read and discuss the Gospel reading with your children during the week before the Mass at which it will be read. Actually it is an outstandingly good idea for anyone to read and discuss the Gospel reading during the week before Mass at which it will be read. It helps the Gospel come alive, gives it more meaning, helps you stay in tune. It is alive in you already, have been mulling it over, have come up with some concepts, and then get to compare it with what the homilist is saying. Try it for a week or two and see if you are not more tuned in.

But how does one discuss it with your children? How can you be sure that you have the correct readings (without stealing a missalette?) How do you simplify it for younger minds? Jonathan Stamph wondered the same thing. He wanted something that would help him make the Mass for accessible for his two daughters. So he wrote a book (and hopes to write three.) It is called, “Hear My Voice; A Children’s Adaptation of Gospel Readings of the Catholic Mass for Year C.” The book is useful in several respects. First it has the reading as it will be heard on Sunday, a good thing for an adult to read through themselves. Next to that is a simpler version of the reading more on a child’s level. Lastly there is a page sized picture with a caption from the Gospel fit to ask children what they see, perhaps having them explain what they just heard by referencing the picture. There is also a calendar in the front of the book that will help keep you on track.
Mr. Stamph sent this book to Adam’s Ale for a review. There is no imprimatur and I have not read every single children’s version of the Gospel reading, but those I have read seem to be well in keeping with the Gospel. They are not tiny tot versions however. Below you can see an image from the book to see if you like the graphics.

If interested you can order this book from http://www.prayerpress.com/.

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK CLXXII

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: “By dealing with the unsleeping sentinels (police) who guard the outposts of society, it tends to remind us that we live in an armed camp, making war with the chaotic world, and that the criminals, the children of chaos, are nothing but the traitors within our gates.” G. K. Chesterton

QUOTE II: “If you want to know what a company truly believes in, look at their budget.” Charley Tremont

IN OTHER NEWS:

Yesterday was our first (well second if you count the play) meeting of our Chesterton Society. Here is a poem/prayer that was brought up. I thought to share it with you.

A PRAYER IN DARKNESS:

This much, O heaven—if I should brood or rave,
Pity me not; but let the world be fed,
Yea, in my madness if I strike me dead,
Heed you the grass that grows upon my grave.

If I dare snarl between this sun and sod,
Whimper and clamour, give me grace to own,
In sun and rain and fruit in season shown,
The shining silence of the scorn of God.

Thank God the stars are set beyond my power,
If I must travail in a night of wrath,
Thank God my tears will never vex a moth,
Nor any curse of mine cut down a flower.

Men say the sun was darkened: yet I had
Thought it beat brightly, even on—Calvary:
And He that hung upon the Torturing Tree
Heard all the crickets singing, and was glad.

M. sent this link in on an article by Bishop Serratelli in Adoremus Bulletin concerning the new translation of the Roman Missal. Thanks.

The Diocese of Cleveland Enewsletter reports, "An exhibit opening May 9, 2010 at the Maltz Museum in Beachwood. Rare artifacts, poignant photographs, compelling video and first-person accounts tell the stories of pioneering women who established schools, hospitals and other enduring institutions and continue to work for peace and social justice. WOMEN & SPIRIT: Catholic Sisters in America, will travel to Cleveland directly from its appearance at The Smithsonian to open at The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage." For more information look here.

From the same source: "Students who attend Catholic high schools are more likely to graduate and attend college than students attending other schools, according to The Annual Statistical Report on Schools, Enrollment and Staffing, United States Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools 2009-2010, a report recently released by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). For more information look here.

D. M. sent this site in which she and her team have been working on for a couple of months and it is now ready for public viewing. It describes itself thus, "This is your resource for: Practical advice on how to navigate the medical maze, videos to show you how to safely assist a loved one with personal care and daily tasks, and downloadable forms to help you communicate effectively with your doctor." They are looking for feedback also so perhaps give it go. Here it is.

This is a long video (9 minutes) but it is pretty good. You are God's great creation.

MONDAY DIARY: LIVING AT THE IHOP

My first pastor as a priest was Fr. Bob Hilkert. He once commented that the priesthood was not unlike an arranged marriage. One day you are told where you are going to live and with whom and you are expected to get along and make a parish flourish together. That is about the long and short of it.

When I came to St. Sebastian I lived alone in this big house. That was the motivation for getting the dog. I wanted something else alive in the house at night besides me and the fern. We have since filled the place up nicely.

The house is quite international. It has been fun learning from my fellow priests about their parts of the world. Fr. S., a resident of St. Sebastian, has lived in the states for decades but still bears the heavy accent of growing up in Poland during World War II. He tells stories of knowing John Paul II when he was but a parish priest. He tells the story about how they called him admiral because he was such a great swimmer or the time a bunch of priests were getting together and they had saved him a cot but he demurred, turning to the oldest among them and said, “He will sleep on the cot, I shall sleep on the floor.” Or later the time Fr. S. was confronted by a soldier who wanted him to speak more positively about the communist government from the pulpit, a request made as a gun was placed on the table. Fr. picked up the gun and through it out the window into a cow pasture.

A priest from Barcelona has taken up staying with us once a week. He likes to walk out neighborhood with me and Sebastian. “There is so much space here even though we are in the city! Barcelona is so heavily populated,” he explained with his distinct accent, “we live on top of each other. Here there is so much space, and trees, and parks!”

“But you have so much art,” I responded, “even your street lamps are works of art,” to which he smiled and nodded.

Also this past week we had a visit from a priest from India, Fr. E. He is on vacation and visiting the States and catching up with friends that he made here a couple of years ago when he came for an extended holiday. After the Sunday Masses we sat out on the porch of the rectory with refreshments. He told me about his parish in India and showed me some pictures he had with him. I lamented that it was becoming so warm. (I am not a big fan of summer.) Already it felt almost too warm to be out of doors in black clerics. He laughed and commented that he was actually cold. It rarely got this cool where he is from.

So that is a bit what it is like living at the IHOP – the International House of Priests.

FRIDAY POTPOURRI: YOUR FACE LOOKS FAMILIAR BUT WHAT IS YOUR NAME AGAIN?

One of my favorite names for a church is one that I used to pass on my way to Wooster. “The Route 3 Church of God” Catholics cannot be so specific in the names of their churches. Mention the name of a Catholic Church and most likely you wouldn’t know where it was unless it was one of those rare instances that the title of the saint gives some clue. “Saint Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish” would at least let you know that it is a parish near some large body of water.

No Catholic Church can be established without a titular. “As soon as its construction is properly completed,” says canon law 1217, “a new church is to be dedicated or at least blessed as soon as possible.” Further, “Each church is to have its own title which cannot be changed after its dedication” 1218. This you may find interesting since it is the case of many parishes merging and the name of the parish community changing.

My home parish was Sacred Heart. It was a small Slovenian parish that was combined with St. Mary, and even smaller Polish community. The two congregations became one, they changed from a nationality parishes to a parish with boundaries, and they now meet under the new title of “Prince of Peace.” Soon the parishes of St. Bernard and St. Mary will combine to become St. Bernard/St. Mary. Interestingly enough however this does not affect the name of the church buildings in which these congregations meet. One simply cannot change the titular of a building once it has been consecrated. “So sorry Mary, we are done with you. We switching to Prince of Peace like an NFL team switching cities.” So the building in which Prince of Peace meets is still titled Sacred Heart and the Sts. B & M building will still be officially known as St. Bernard (though if anyone actually makes use of those names we will see) though the congregation that meets within its walls may change.

So there is no need and in actuality it would be wrong to obliterate the name from the building altogether. Remember those grand old bank buildings that had their names etched in stone? “The First Federated Money Bank” or some such thing? When we went through a flurry of sales and bank name changes somebody would take some cement, climb to the top of the building and fill in the letters for the name of the bank and the building changed. If there were such markings on a church building there would be no need to fill in the letters because unlike the bank, the church building still retains its name.

NUN FOR ME THANK YOU

“Seize the moment! Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the desert cart.” - Erma Bombec

There is something true that rings with us in that statement yet something untrue also. To follow it as a general rule of life we would end up unable to move from our generous girth, to completely ignore we would never eat desert and then die. Neither is a great option. But we like something about the saying.

A number of years ago I was sitting in the lobby of the diocesan offices waiting to meet with somebody and picked up a magazine. I don’t even remember the name of the magazine. I started reading an article that intrigued me, set it down to go to my meeting, and have been wondering about it ever since.

The basic gist of the article was this: The successful parish of the future will look something like the successful religious orders of the past. Now, I cannot imagine any congregation showing up for Mass all dressed in the same clothing so there is part of this that is exaggeration but still it seems that there is some kernel of truth here worth pondering.

Like I said, I remember almost nothing of the rest of the article. This is where you might come in. What do you suppose rings true (if anything) about that statement? What could be implemented in parish life that would strengthen it that we can glean from successful religious orders?

First, what constitutes a successful religious order? Certainly that they provide a model of living that not only assists its members on the path to sainthood but one that also attracts others to the life.

Second, what are the characteristics of a successful religious order of the past? Some of these will be helpful, others not so much. There was common living, common eating, common prayer, common apostolate, and common dress. There were also vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and sometimes additional vows such as stability. There was also a common philosophy, a common rule, a particular charism.

Thinking quickly off the top of my head these are the hallmarks of traditional religious order living. Now, stated as they were I don’t see them being very helpful for parish life but is there something underlying that would be helpful and that would help enliven a parish (that is also feasible?) Is there a shared underlying theme that would so stir our hearts as to foster women and men becoming saints in our midst?

This is where you might come in. If anything here rings true to you, leave a comment or Email me. I would appreciate it.

WOULD A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME REALLY SMELL AS SWEET?

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are formal names.

We pray, “In the Name of . . .”

We baptize, “In the Name of . . .”

We bless, “In the Name of . . .’

We are saved by The Name above all other names.

We hold God’s Name as sacred.

But did you know that your name is sacred also? Not in the same degree, but sacred none the less.

When you received a name at your baptism it became your name for eternity. Even marriage is “until death do us part,” but your name is yours eternally. God calls us each by name and when He does so, “the mysterious and unique character of each person marked with God’s Name will shine forth in splendor.” (CCC 2158-2159)

A person’s name demands respect. It stands as an icon of the person and is a sign of the dignity of the person who bears it.

I hope you like your name.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

10 million people in the word may have your name. That number could be multiplied a number of times over if one considers all those who may have your name in the Kingdom of Heaven. But in the mouth of God it is a unique calling. Like a parent who calls your name out in a crowded grocery store you know it is a distinct call to you. Only more so. Every angel, St. Thomas tells us, is so unique that each represents a sort of species unto its own. Our names are unique in a similar fashion and when God calls us by them 10 million people will not look up for all will know that he spoke your name and your name alone.


In this life he calls us to reflect Christ. We all cannot possibly reflect Christ perfectly. In fact we can only stumble about trying to be like Him partially. But He calls each of us by name to reflect Christ in our particular and unique way. We know what it is. It is a calling that rings something inside of us, makes us feel alive. It makes us excited to wake and tired but happy to bed. We are animated in talking about it. It is constructive and beautiful. Sometimes it seems unreasonable and often life tries to beat it out of us as we are called to fill our “normal” social roles.

What does your name mean?

This is not a calling to a vocation. That comes later. This is first a specific knowledge of what you are supposed to do or who you are supposed to be. It is a basic movement without a job title. Perhaps it is a movement toward the poor, or creating something beautiful, or imparting knowledge, or ennobling society. The list is endless. But when one finally hears his name being called and understands it (a process that hits many people in their 20s) then one needs to decide what kind of vocation will best allow for the living out of my calling.

Fake name and generator.

Then before the heavenly gates it will not only be a matter of how well you respected The Name, but how well you respected the name by which He called you.

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK CLXXII

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: “We are subjects of the King of Heaven in the richest and most powerful nation on earth.” Archbishop Niederaurer

QUOTE II: “There was never anything so perilous or exciting as orthodoxy.” G. K. Chesterton

IN OTHER NEWS:

Habemus Papem (from whom we've not heard in a while - good to hear from you) has sent in this new site from the Nashville Dominicans. It is for those considering a priestly or religious life (or for the curious.)

This picture stolen from Fr. Z:

The Diocese of Cleveland Enewsletter reprinted this speech by a prominant Jewish business leader. "The following is a transcript of a speech made by Mr. Sam Miller, co-chairman of Forest City Enterprises in Cleveland, Ohio. His speech was made at a luncheon gathering of the First Friday Club of Cleveland on Thursday, March 6, 2003." If you would like to read it click here.

Frank sent in this site from Creighton Jesuit University. They asked the faculty, staff, and administrators to comment on the readings of the day each day of the year. Might be interesting! Have a look.

B sent this in. I can't remember if I posted it or not so here it is. It's a trailer for a movie (2:45) called Blood Money. See what you think. Here is a site about the movie.

MONDAY DIARY: WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

Storms and drought. That is the life of a parish priest. Storms and drought.

There are seasons in which there is so much to do you just start letting go of things. There is not even someone to delegate any longer to and so you just come to the thought “Oh well, that just simply won’t get done.” Then you made a vow. “When the work load has somewhat died down again I swear I am NOT going to feel guilty for taking and afternoon and/or evening off to do nothing.

Then you hit the drought. It is not that there is no work to be done. There is nothing with a pending deadline so that it can sit on your desk for a month if need be. This is the time to take advantage of some personal time to rejuvenate, reinvigorate, and above all not feel guilty!

Part of the problem is you live in the same building that other people work in. So I go downstairs and they are as busy as ever. I tell myself, “but you will still be working until 9PM tonight and the weekend! Go ahead! Take a bike ride!” But then I think of the parish employees working and guilt comes in. Yes, it is stupid. But there it is. Actually it wasn’t so hard before I was pastor but now . . .

“Don’t cry for me Argentina.” (As if priests were to only ones to suffer from this - but this is my diary.) I still wouldn’t trade it for the world. Part of the problem is convincing myself that I don’t have to do, do, do. In fact it is patently wrong. It is part of the character of the priest that he get away and read and study. To not do this is to fail in part of his ministry.

This past Sunday there was nothing that I had to attend to after the last Mass. I turned my computer off so that I would not be tempted to look at Emails. There was a storm brewing that the news service issued a warning about. I was going relax if it killed me.

Though there was a promise of thunderstorms it was hot and partly sunny. So the first thought was to wash and wax the car. It was still do, do, do but at least it would be fun. But as soon as everything was arranged it turned dark and rain started sputtering down. So much for that.

But that led to an even better solution. I grabbed my diary that had been so terribly neglected as of late, several journals that were past due for reading, and book , Sebastian, a snack, and went out on the parish porch to read and listen to the rain. It wasn’t the thunderstorm for which I hoped but the steady rain provided a soothing background.

I wrote in my diary and then opened my journal, and the next thing I remember is wiping the drool off of my chin and realized it was time to go in and make some dinner.

Oh well.

FRIDAY POTPOURRI: STILL SPEAKING TO YOU

Continued from last Friday.

Next we move inside your parish church. It too has a lot to say to you. What is its primary focus? When you walk in what is the first thing that strikes you? Is it the crucifix or the tabernacle? Is it the altar or a window or the congregation? Different churches try to emphasize different ecclesiologies. It will shape the liturgy.

How does the space feel? Are there soaring ceilings with pointed arches that emphasize our reach for heaven, or low ceilings and all things at eye level to relate more closely to the people gathered? Does it make you feel a small part of something greater or a great part of something great?

Where is the tabernacle? Is it easily viewed? Does it have a place of high honor or is it even present at all? If it is not in the main body of the church is it in a suitable space, well decorated, easily accessed, and fit for adoration?

Is there much artwork? Does the artwork teach and inspire or is it simply beautiful? Can you relate to the artwork? Is it so abstract or so stale as to be mere decoration to you? Where is the choir? Are they in a place that inspires great choral singing or great congregational singing? Is there an area for the choir to sing that fosters a choral sound or is there a “designated choir area” that provides a force of sound to boost the congregation singing?

Was the church built for sound or silence? When the choir sings is there need for microphones to overcome the absorption of sound in the building or is there a ring that musicians look for? Are microphones essential or merely a boost? In other words, was the building built with music in mind or was music an afterthought?

What does the nave look like? Are the pews (if there are indeed pews) all facing toward the altar, or do the face each other across the sanctuary? Is the building fan shaped or classical “bowling alley” shaped? Is it bright and easy to see everything or is it dark and contemplative?

Some sanctuaries are brilliant for Sunday Mass but completely fall apart for something special such as the Easter Vigil. Has the sanctuary been well thought out to be useful for even the most complicated of liturgies?

Is the pulpit simply a stand or is it a cockpit of sorts one obtains by going up some steps? Are the materials used to construct the sanctuary furniture fine or practical?

Where is the baptismal font? Is it in the narthex symbolizing that one needs to be baptized before participating in the Mass? Is it among the people? Is it in the sanctuary to be easily seen by anybody in the church? Is it massive or small? Is it possible to immerse an adult fully, partially, or only by pouring water?

What about the Stations of the Cross? Are they situated in order to make communal stations easy or are they all bunched in a corner? Are confessional easy to find and recognized? Are they well thought out? Are they well designed for face to face or the screen?

Does your church have a place to somewhat hide in? A pillar to hide behind or an alcove to duck in when one is not yet sure. Or does it foster full participation of everyone? Is it carpeted or is there a more substantial floor treatment.

All of these are saying something and attempting to form the liturgy and the very people who gather to celebrate. There was something in mind when the church was built (and, possibly when it was later renovated which may have augmented, changed, or now competes with the original design.) So what is your church saying to you? It may match you or not. It is both extremely important and not all that important at all. If you are strong in your faith you can carry on in your spirituality anywhere, some will be helpful or more enjoyable and others not. But it helps to be aware of your surroundings, what it is trying to tell you, and incorporating that which is helpful and doing your best to ignore what is not.

GUEST BLOGGER: MERCY!

One of my favorite online shops is called Etsy. All of the products are handmade by the seller and you can find everything from jewelry to art to Kleenex cozies. Every once in a while I will stumble across someone selling an occult item, and usually I am relieved to see they have almost no sales, but last week my stomach dropped when I saw that one particular seller had made over 5,000 sales. Unconvinced that there was that big a demand for spell books, I looked at buyers’ comments somewhat relieved to find statements like, “your incense makes my room smell so good” or “your candles are so romantic” instead of more sinister uses.

One of the things that convinces me so much of the truth and uniqueness of the Catholic Church is how universally her trappings, like candles and incense and altars, are used to evoke the otherworldly and supernatural, particularly by those who serve evil. Like Frodo said in the Lord of the Rings, evil cannot make, it can only mock.

I encountered a young man recently who really knew his Catholic faith. He was such an apologist that I could not help but ask how he knew his faith so well. I guessed that he was raised in a solid Catholic household or he went to some unique school where authentic catechesis had survived. Imagine my surprise when he said he used to worship the devil! He told me briefly what it was like and I was struck by the Catholic symbols they used, including a sacrifice on an altar (they used cats *shudder*). It seems that evil is more than happy to use our signs and symbols, our vestments and sacred silence. (I’ll bet Satanists never need to be told to stop chit chatting and shut off their cell phones for their sacrifices.)

I encountered this young man again in line for confession the day before Divine Mercy Sunday. I asked him how his Easter was and he smiled glowingly and said it was fabulous. He fidgeted nervously in line and said that he’s always nervous the priest will say, “No, you’re too bad. I can’t forgive you”. I know he knows better. When I made my confession, our new priest absolved me in Latin and I was struck by how mystical the words sounded and felt – the kind of feeling I imagine young people are looking for when they buy a “spell book” full of strange incantations . I thought of that young man and how I hoped that he would find his appetite for ritual authentically satisfied now that he is back home.

I also thought of the power of Divine Mercy. I know God can forgive anything, but standing next to that young man in the confession line made it real for me. I will admit a bit of discomfort and fear standing next to him and fighting my doubt that God can really forgive him. But when Divine Mercy Sunday came and I saw him go to Communion with such joy, genuflecting before the tabernacle as he re-entered his pew, it dawned on me that, in the eyes of God, both of our slates were wiped clean. The ex-Satanist and I, presuming we both made good confessions, were now equals in the merciful sight of God. I stood in joyful awe of God’s liberality and love on this special feast. I imagine that this young man will realize that call he has that we all do: to lead those dabbling in the occult to the Merciful Heart of God, the only place where they will find peace and have their hungers truly satisfied.

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Last week I was invited to hear a talk given by Teresa Tomeo. She is a veteran broadcast journalist that worked in the Detroit area for many years. If you would like to read more about her and her career and subsequent rediscovery of her Catholic roots look here.

Coming from an insider’s perspective she told how our newsrooms are generally staffed with people who know little about the Church or our faith or who may even be hostile toward it. This is easy to see from reading local newspapers how many errors in reporting our faith there is. It can be frustrating at times and I wonder if they could they not have asked somebody who really knows the faith to check their reporting before they go to print.

She gave several suggestions for engaging the various news media out there in hopes of helping them understand us better and report on the Church in a more fair, informative, and truthful manner. What follows are her suggestions:

1) Pray for those in mass media. Pray for those who are hostile toward the faith, pray for those who report errors because of a misunderstanding of the faith, and pray for Catholics who feel pressured by their peers. The point is not to make them a Catholic news source but a better, more factual news source.

2) Know your stuff. We cannot help others know their stuff if we do not know it. Read documents. Go to sources. Find out the story.

3) Encourage Christians to go into secular media. Our first knee jerk reaction is to say, “Fine. Then I’ll abandon you.” But then nothing changes. Rather, enter the problem and be part of the solution. Then go back to step one.

4) Support Catholic and other Christian media that helps get the other side of the story out.

5) Examine your own media habits. Is it fair and balanced?

6) Be proactive with the media rather than reactive. If there is something going on important in your area and you or someone you know is an expert on the topic contact the media and let them know that this person is available for research or interview.

7) Write to the editor. You may not get published and that is Okay. However your letter may be the only source to broaden the editor’s perspective in the matter.

8) Be polite. Don’t fuel a stereotype or give reason for someone to be further distanced from wanting to cooperate in getting the full story.

9) Don’t give up. Like Monica praying for Augustine keep plugging ahead. Who knows what good might be going on even if you are not aware of it?

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK CLXXI

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: “Envy is an open wound in human nature, which is likely to become infected.” Fr. Benedict Groeschel CFR

QUOTE II: “Just because I don’t believe in a place does not mean that I won ‘t end up there.” Fr. Peter Stravinskas

IN OTHER NEWS:

Recently U.S. Congregations completed a survey of church congregation leaders in the United States. (I participated in it.) The survey includes all denominations and faith groups. The average congregation size in the U.S. is about 130 active participants. (In the Diocese of Cleveland we would close a place that small!) The median number of a place with only one priest/minister is 100. (In the Diocese a place technically needs 2,500 families to warrant a second priest though the bishop does make exceptions.) The average age of a leader is 55. (I am 44.) The percentage of women pastors has risen to 28% in the past 8 years. The median work week is 50 hours and most report taking at least one day off. 13% of pastors blog. 93% report being happy in their vocation. (WOW!) For more on this survey look here and for more on the survey on which this one was builds look here.

If you would like to see National Institute for Media and the Family look here.

Fr. F sent this in: Spanish cloister nuns see resurgence. About four minutes. Thanks friend.

The Diocese of Cleveland Enewsletter asks, "Did you know, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has compiled a number of resources to use in April."