TAKE THIS JOB AND . . . WAIT - I NEED THIS JOB

About ten minutes ago I finished up celebrating a funeral. I will admit when I go to bed at night it is with a certain amount of satisfaction that my vocation in the priesthood does a lot of good in the world (now whether I do well at it is another question but the vocation itself does a lot of good.)

Recently a number of people, mostly men, have come to me and stated that they do not feel that their chosen careers make much of a difference in the world. For example, “I sell whichamajiggies Father and at the end of the day nobody will be saved because they have one, it won’t affect history, it won’t give others hope or ease their suffering.” I challenge that assumption and I challenge it because of what another man who does sell whichamajiggies taught me.

His side of the story goes more like this, “Father, I sell whichamajiggies but that is not what I do. That is a tool. I own this whichamajiggy shop and that allows me to employ these husbands and fathers so that they may raise Christian children with a certain amount of security. Selling whichamajiggies allows me to support my family, my parish, and my community. It allows me to witness to my faith. That is what I do – not sell whichamajiggies.”

If you enjoy your job but it does not feel as though you are contributing to the betterment of man and the glory of God, it may be that it simply a tool to allow you to do those things that do accomplish that end. It may be that your employment is a blessing to others afterall.

FRIDAY POTPOURRI: HELP WANTED

Here is a little bit of an unusual Friday Potpourri. There is a job position open at St. Sebastian Parish. Let people know about it!

The Director of Religious Education (DRE) for Saint Sebastian Parish is to be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church who makes the Eucharist the source and summit of his or her life and ministry. Experience is required either by way of education or practical experience. Knowledge of the Theology of the Body is required. A cooperative/collaborative attitude with the staff will be needed especially at the beginning of the DRE’s ministry. This is to be coupled with excellent leadership skills. The DRE must be able to relate well to persons of all ages and be comfortable with a wide spectrum of expressions of the Catholic faith.

The job will begin as a part time position with an eye on developing into a full time position a few years down the line. Since the duties of the position are already held by a number of persons employed at the parish, the first couple of years much of the position’s core responsibilities will consist in assisting others in the execution of the ministries.

Other duties would include the organizing, development, and overseeing of the religious instruction of the parish for persons of all ages either in cooperation with others when necessary or as new ministries. This includes not only school age youth but adult formation and education as well. Other programs need to be updated and your assistance with this is vital.

A spirit of cooperation with our cluster parishes of St. Vincent and Sts. Bernard and Mary is necessary. While not necessarily going to their sites to put on a program, your working with them as far as scheduling, exchanging programs, and keeping information flowing is necessary. Also attendance at required diocesan meeting and other diocesan meetings as deemed worthy is a must.

Keeping track of Virtus training of like records for all persons involved in youth ministries will be the role of the DRE.

Remaining with the budget of the parish is absolute without expressed permission.

Professional and appropriate attire is expected.

Adherence to diocesan mandates of employment including and especially as it pertains to the Church’s protection of minors is absolute both for the DRE and any other person working with our youth.

Self transportation is required. (Driver’s license and a car.)

Attendance at staff meetings is always mandatory (first Tuesday of the month at 9:30.) Also attendance at select school, parish finance, and parish council meetings will be expected.

There should be a familiarity with Diocesan educational guidelines.

There is no deadline for this placement. We will wait for the right person.

Send resumes to:

Fr. Valencheck
RE: DRE Position
476 Mull Avenue
Akron, OH 44320
JAVALENCHECK@AOL.COM

SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP - UNSHAKABLE!

Today is Low Sunday, Dominicana In Albis, Quasi Modo Sunday, the Second Sunday of our Easter celebration, and of course, Divine Mercy Sunday. Here is a faith shot in the arm to help you celebrate!




IN OTHER NEWS:

R.B. has graciously begun the construction of the Adam’s Ale domain. (THANKS!) I’m excited. There is not much there yet but if you want to see it: http://www.adamsale.org/

The greatest secret the Church ever tried not to keep: it’s social justice teaching. Here is a site that I accidentally stumbled upon if this interests you.

This is too cool! Kaz from NY sent this site. It is a twenty four hour media stream of the Vatican. Wait! Is that Fr. O. I see? Shouldn’t he be studying?

http://mediastream.vatican.va/mpeg4lan.sdp

The Diocese of Cleveland E-newsletter sends this link for Catholic job hunters.

Finally:

On Friday night, a few priests, seminarians, and a bunch of friends went to go see “Into Great Silence” here in Cleveland. I recommend the following if you are going to go see it.

First, for anyone over six feet (as I am) be prepared. I went to go see the four-hour Hamlet a number of years ago. I was much better prepared. I brought pillows to be comfortable through it. Theater seats were not designed for us. Bring a pillow or two. It will make the event much more enjoyable.

We were in one of the smaller screening rooms and it was pretty much packed. When we left it was not only dark outside, the rest of the theater was dark and abandoned. We should have gone out and talked after but it was late and (some of us) were tired. But consider having time to discuss the movie afterwards. As I bump into people or hear from them by Email the big question is, "So what did you think?" It would have been great to be able to talk about what each of us took away from the experience that night.

Prepare yourself to see this film. Go intending to contemplate as if praying for it is a beautiful, contemplative film! But don’t go expecting to see “a movie” as such.

And be wary if you join this order and they hand you a blue habit.

I hope you enjoy!