December 31, 2012, Volume VI, Number 53

December 31, 2012, Volume VI, Number 53
FEAST OF SAINT SYLVESTER I
Monday of Octave of Christmas Time
Saints Basil and Gregory – January 2, 2012
Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus – January 3, 2013
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton – January 4, 2012
Saint John Neumann – January 5, 2012
YEAR OF FAITH - Oct. 11, 2012, through Nov. 24, 2013
http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html
Question of the Week
For the Epiphany of the Lord, January 6, 2013
“Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense
and myrrh.” What else was in their treasures? Do you think there were items in
their treasures they were unable to offer him? What about your treasures; what
would you describe as your treasures? What would you designate as your
gold? To what would you assign the properties of frankincense? What would
you choose to serve as your gift of myrrh? How do your responses relate to the
words of Catherine de Hueck Doherty, “I even brought gifts to Him; myrrh of
my works, frankincense of my prayers, gold of compassion and understanding
that He had put in my heart.”? (Donkey Bells: Advent and Christmas)
NCCL News
NEW NCCL Conference and Exposition Promo Video – Check it out!
http://animoto.com/play/li4IY38gnwJqRC1CpEAwnQ
Pope’s Intentions for January
GENERAL INTENTION
That in this Year of Faith
Christians may deepen
their knowledge of the
mystery of Christ and
witness joyfully to the gift
of faith in him.
MISSION INTENTION
That the Christian
communities of the Middle
East, often discriminated
against, may receive from
the Holy Spirit the strength
of fidelity and perseverance.
At the End of the Year Blessing – Reflection
At the End of the Year
The particular mind of the ocean
Filling the coastline's longing
With such brief harvest
Of elegant, vanishing waves
Is like the mind of time
Opening us shapes of days.
As this year draws to its end,
We give thanks for the gifts it brought
And how they became inlaid within
Where neither time nor tide can touch them.
The days when the veil lifted
And the soul could see delight;
When a quiver caressed the heart
In the sheer exuberance of being here.
Surprises that came awake
In forgotten corners of old fields
Where expectation seemed to have quenched.
The slow, brooding times
When all was awkward
And the wave in the mind
Pierced every sore with salt.
The darkened days that stopped
The confidence of the dawn.
Days when beloved faces shone brighter
With light from beyond themselves;
And from the granite of some secret sorrow
A stream of buried tears loosened.
We bless this year for all we learned,
For all we loved and lost
And for the quiet way it brought us
Nearer to our invisible destination.
This is a prayer written by John O’Donohue and can be found in his book, To Bless the Space
Between Us: A Book of Blessings .
NCCL Computers To Be Shut Down During the Move
The NCCL Office computers will be shut down on Wednesday, January 2. All equipment will be
moved and we are promised that we will be up and running with new phone numbers (yet to be
determined) no later than Tuesday, January 8, 2013. For emergencies contact Lee Nagel at
(202)538-0292 or leenagel@gmail.com.
USCCB Year of Faith American Saints, Blesseds & Venerables -JANUARY
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, S.C.
Founder of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. Considered founder of the Catholic School
system in the US.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the charming "belle of the ball" as a
young woman in New York City, linked to all the first families. At the
age of 19, she fell in love and married the wealthy, handsome William
Magee Seton. The two had a very happy marriage, raising five
children. Ten years after they were married, William's business and
health both failed, and Elizabeth was left a poor widow with five
children to raise alone. Her love for the Eucharist led her to convert to
Catholicism and founded the first order of religious women in
America, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, a religious community
based on the Rule of St. Vincent De Paul. She was able to still raise her children, as well as live
the life of a sister and found several schools. She became the cofounder of the first free Catholic
School in America.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. . . (http://tiny.cc/si1tpw)
Canonization homily by Pope Paul VI. . . (http://tiny.cc/om1tpw)
Prayer by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (http://tiny.cc/ko1tpw)
More information on American saints and holy men and women for the Year of Faith is available
online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-offaith/saints-for-the-year-of-faith.cfm
Annual Appeal: Moving Milieu – LAST WEEK TO DONATE!
NCCL is moving. All tenants where we are currently located have been informed that their
current leases will no longer be in effect at the end of this calendar year. NCCL will be
relocating to the main building in which the offices were located prior to this move and my
arrival as Executive Director. The building is within St. Paul’s College and connected to the
Paulist Evangelization Ministries offices. Actual moving started on Thursday, Saint Dominic of
Silos, and will end on Wednesday, January 2, Feast of Saints Basil and Gregory. Then the
unpacking will commence and finally the technological aspects on Monday, January 7 will be
completed. Thanks to all those who have contributed to our annual appeal.
This expenses associated with this move were not in the 2012 budget. Therefore, the Board of
Directors has approved that the monies for the 2012 Annual Campaign be designated Moving
Milieu with all donations being earmarked for Moving Expenses. Your contribution to our goal
of $5000 is greatly appreciated. Don’t hesitate. Go to the NCCL website www.NCCL.org and
make your contribution to our Annual Appeal. What’s important is not what you give but that
you give.
Our new address effective January 1, 2013 is NCCL, 3031 Fourth Street NE, Suite B,
Washington, DC 20017. The following individuals provided financial contributions to bring our
total to $2485 towards our goal of $5,000. Thank you. Please join the ranks of this year’s Annual
Appeal contributors. We still need $2515 to reach our goal. We are almost half way there and
less than ONE week to go. Every dollar helps.
Caroline Cerveny, TOSF
Jim Kemna
USCCB committees call for action in response to Newtown tragedy
The chairmen of three committees of the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops issued a joint statement Dec. 21 stressing the
need for gun control, improved services for the mentally ill and a
critical examination of the violence in today's movies, videos and
television shows. The bishops said they joined New York
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, president of the USCCB, who in a
Dec. 14 statement expressed his "profound solidarity with and
prayers for the families, friends, neighbors, and communities
whose hearts have been rent by the loss of a child or loved one."
"Understandably this tragedy has given rise to discussions about national policies and steps that
can be taken to foster a culture that protects the innocent and those most vulnerable among us. It
is time for our nation to renew a culture of life in our society," said the committee chairmen.
They are Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., Committee on Domestic Justice and
Human Development; Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, Committee on Communications;
and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., Committee on Laity, Marriage,
Family Life and Youth.
The bishops called on all Americans and elected leaders in
particular to have "faith-filled courage to address the challenges
our nation faces, both in our homes and in our national policies."
They noted that "guns are too easily accessible" and cited a 2006
document by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and
Peace that stressed the importance of enacting concrete controls
on handguns and noted that "limiting the purchase of such arms
would certainly not infringe on the rights of anyone." They also
reiterated some of what the U.S. bishops said in a 2000 statement
on "Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and
Criminal Justice."
In responding to the Newtown tragedy, the bishops also urged entertainers, particularly film
producers and video game creators, to recognize the extent of
violence in movies, television programs and video games, which
they said have "desensitized all of us." "We need to admit that the
viewing and use of these products has negative emotional,
psychological and spiritual effects on people," they added,
stressing that parents, guardians and youths need resources to
"evaluate entertainment products intelligently."
The bishops said the tragic shooting also points to the need for society to "provide health
services and support to those who have mental illnesses and to their families and caregivers."
"Burdensome health care policies must be adjusted so people can
get help for themselves or others in need. Just as we properly
reach out to those with physical challenges we need to approach
mental health concerns with equal sensitivity," they continued.
"There is no shame in seeking help for oneself or others; the only
shame is in refusing to provide care and support."
"This is also a time to restore civility to our world and work to
change the pervasive culture of violence found throughout this
nation, and especially in the entertainment industry."
Nominate Young Adults To Be Conference Participants
Fostering new professionals into the catechetical ministry is a priority around the nation. The
National Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) seeks to encourage young people to
consider this ministry through its Young Adult Initiative and its Young Adult Professional
Catechetical Minister Scholarship.
The purpose of this Young Adult Initiative is to:
-
raise awareness about professional catechetical ministry among young adults who might
be discerning ecclesial professional roles
foster arch/diocesan involvement in bringing forth strong candidates for professional
catechetical ministry among young adults
create an awareness in young adults of the benefits of gathering with NCCL, the
professional organization for catechetical leaders which includes parish and diocesan
leaders, academic members, and publishers
The purpose of the Young Adult Professional Catechetical Minister Scholarship is to:
-
raise awareness about a career as a professional catechetical ministry among young adults
who are currently employed in an ecclesial professional catechetical role
foster arch/diocesan involvement in affirming professional catechetical ministry among
young adults employed in the catechetical field
create an awareness in young adults of the benefits of gathering with NCCL, the
professional organization for catechetical leaders which includes parish and diocesan
leaders, academic members, and publishers
To nominate candidates, the person’s immediate supervisor should e-mail Mark Buckley
(mbuckley@stbedechurch.com) or Michelle Tomshack (mtomshack@dwc.org), NCCL
Membership Committee co-chairs. NCCL’s Membership Committee will determine the
awardees and notify them via e-mail no later than March 15, 2013. For specific requirements and
application procures, please go to NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events
tab.
National Migration Week 2013: January 6-12
National Migration Week 2013 will be held from January 6-12
with a primary theme of “We are Strangers No Longer: Our
Journey of Hope Continues.” This year's National Migration
Week observance and theme commemorate the 10th anniversary
of the historic joint pastoral letter of the United States and
Mexico bishops conferences, Strangers No Longer: Together
on the Journey of Hope. This theme reminds us of our
responsibility as Catholics to help newcomers integrate in ways
that are respectful, culturally sensitive and responsive to social needs, and of the ongoing need
for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform.
To purchase National Migration Week materials, please visit the USCCB Bookstore on-line. To
order each of the 2013 National Migration Week materials, go to
http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/nationalmigration-week/. Additionally, you are encouraged to visit the Justice for
Immigrants website, where you can find a wide range of educational
resources on immigration and Catholic Social Teaching.
In coordination with National Migration Week and this special
anniversary, the USCCB is also in the process of publishing a book of
edited essays that focuses on many of the issues and themes that arise in light of the pastoral
statement Strangers No Longer. We aim to have the book released in the spring of 2013 and are
confident that it will provide an important resource for those interested in this important issue.
Year of Faith postings on the NCCL Website – Check it out! NEW Postings
It’s up on the NCCL website and there are NEW postings every week. You can find the
information under Resources on the Home page or by simply clicking YEAR of FAITH
Resources. There is a wide variety of ideas from which you can choose.
NCCL will be posting Year of Faith plans from parishes and
dioceses on the NCCL website. If your committee or Forum
has discussed the Year of Faith from an NCCL perspective, or
if someone on your committee has plans for the Year of Faith,
please email the information to NCCL Board member Joanie
McKeown at jmckNCCL@email.com. We'll post links to
websites, outlines of plans, introductory articles, worksheets,
etc., along with a byline crediting you (or your parish, diocese,
committee, etc.) for the materials you are sharing. By allowing
others to see your plans you'll be helping other parish and
diocesan catechetical leaders as they develop their local plans
so that across the country, in parishes large and small, we'll
have vibrant celebrations of the Year of Faith.
National Vocation Awareness Week Set For January 13-19
The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National
Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) January 13-19. The annual event
earmarks a time for parishes to consider their role in promoting the role
of priests, deacons and religious order brothers and sisters to Catholics
deciding on their future.
"National Vocation Awareness Week gives dioceses and parishes across
the country a chance to promote vocations through prayer and
education," said Archbishop Robert Carlson, chairman of the bishops'
Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. "This is
especially important in this Year of Faith and as the Church continues to
focus on the New Evangelization. Vocations to the priesthood, diaconate
and consecrated life are essential in the Church's mission of spreading the joy and love of Jesus
Christ. Our world and culture needs the Good News of Christ more than ever."
Father Shawn McKnight, executive director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and
Vocations (CCLV), said research shows more youth consider a lifetime of service to the Church
than family and friends realize. "A recent study found significant interest among never-married
Catholics ages 14-35 in priesthood and the consecrated life," he said. "We estimate that over
600,000 youth and young adults have seriously considered a religious vocation in the Church.
This is good news. The challenge is to pray for them and encourage them to take the next step as
they discern God's call."
The study, "Consideration of Priesthood and Religious Life Among Never-Married U.S.
Catholics," was conducted by the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in
the Apostolate (CARA) and commissioned by the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Clergy,
Consecrated Life and Vocations. It is available at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-andteachings/vocations/survey-of-youth-and-young-adults-on-vocations.cfm.
Vocation Awareness Week reminds Catholics that they have responsibility to pray for vocations
and to invite young people to consider a call to ordained ministry and consecrated life, said
Father John Guthrie, CCLV associate director. "When someone is encouraged by three or more
people to consider a religious vocation in the Church, they are more than five times more likely
to seriously consider it, the CARA study showed. We need to be less shy about encouraging
someone with the right qualities for religious life to think about it," Father Guthrie said.
The CCLV office will provide dioceses web resources such as prayer cards, suggested prayers of
the faithful and bulletin-ready quotes. Materials can be downloaded from the USCCB Vocations
page, www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/national-vocation-awarenessweek.cfm.
Quick Fire 2013: Rapid Resources
Interested in presenting a Rapid Resources session?
Have you developed an effective program, resource, or other information
for your diocese or parish?
Have a book or a piece of research you would like to share with your
peers?
Have an innovative response to a catechetical need?
Then NCCL wants you to present a Rapid Resource session at our 2013 Conference in
Cleveland, Ohio.
Quick Fire 2013 is a great way for conference participants to learn new ideas and network
with peers.
This Rapid Resource gathering consists of four 10 minute sessions.
Presenters will give a fast 7 minute presentation to a small group
(up to ten people) followed by 3 minutes for discussion. At the end
of the ten minutes, presenters will give the group a one-page
handout that includes their contact information. People will then
move to another Rapid Resource session.
NCCL Committees will also present Rapid Resource sessions so that participants can learn
about NCCL's activities and how they can become involved.
To nominate yourself as a Rapid Resource presenter, please complete the Rapid Resource
nomination form available on the Home Page of the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) or
you can download and complete the APPLICATION FORM. The Conference Committee
will review your submission based on the following criteria:
• clarity of description of the content and presentation methods
• relevance/audience interest, importance, focus
• presenter's experience, qualifications and expertise
(The review process does not apply to sessions by NCCL committees.)
Nominate Individuals, Parishes, Dioceses for AWARDS
╬ Distinguished Service Award
The award is intended to recognize and applaud the good works of
someone who has spent many years in catechesis helping individuals
and communities encounter the Good News of Jesus. The award
recipient is not revealed until the time of the presentation and is someone who is attending the
annual meeting. Nominations are due by January 14, 2013. Nomination Forms are available on
the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events tab.
The criteria are that the recipient:
• has worked in catechetical ministry a good number of years
• has labored in the field with dedication and enthusiasm
• has made a substantial contribution to the ministry and to the people they serve
• has labored tirelessly, willingly and effectively for the sake of the Gospel without any
thought of recognition-an “unsung catechetical hero”
• has a current membership in NCCL or is a former member who has retired within the
past 5 years
╬ New Wineskins Award - Parish/Cluster Level
This new award offered by the National Conference for Catechetical
Leadership is designed to:
• Highlight and celebrate extraordinary achievement occurring
in parishes (or parish clusters) in the ministries of
evangelization and catechesis.
• Share successful initiatives that may benefit other parishes.
• Encourage continued creative innovation in parish catechetical and evangelization efforts.
• Reflect the spirit of the "new evangelization" promulgated by Pope John Paul II and the
General/National Directories for Catechesis.
Nominations are due by January 14, 2013. Nomination Forms are available on the NCCL
website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events tab. The awarded entry will be notified by
February 15th..
Award Criteria
The parish ministry initiative must exhibit
1. a strong catechetical and/or evangelization dimension;
2. innovative qualities;
3. a history or track record of at least three years;
4. a demonstrated record of effectiveness;
5. fidelity to Scripture and Church teaching.
╬ New Wineskins Award - Diocesan/Multi-Diocesan Level
This new award offered by the National Conference for Catechetical
Leadership is designed to:
• Highlight and celebrate extraordinary achievement occurring in a
diocese (or a cooperative effort in more than one diocese) in the
ministries of evangelization and catechesis.
• Share successful initiatives that may benefit other dioceses.
• Encourage continued creative innovation in parish/diocesan
catechetical and evangelization efforts.
• Reflect the spirit of the "new evangelization" promulgated by
Pope John Paul II and the General and /National Directories for
Catechesis.
Nominations are due by January 14, 2013. Nomination Forms are available on the NCCL
website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events tab. The awarded entry will be notified by
February 15th.
Award Criteria
The ministry of the diocese(s) initiative must exhibit
1. a strong catechetical and/or evangelization dimension;
2. innovative qualities;
3. a history or track record of at least three years;
4. a demonstrated record of effectiveness;
5. fidelity to Scripture and Church teaching.
Carl & Janaan Scholarship for Couples in Ministry
Any NCCL member whose spouse is also involved in church ministry is eligible to apply for this
scholarship. This is a scholarship that is based both on the couple’s catechetical ministry and
their collaborative commitment to serve the church. The scholarship provides free registration
for one NCCL member and spouse to attend the NCCL national conference and meeting.
Applicants are requested to share how they creatively help their catechists address the six tasks
of catechesis and what working together has done for them and their faith life. For more
information and an application go to the News and Events tab on the NCCL homepage
(www.NCCL.org) and click on Scholarships.
4th Annual NCCL Conference Scholarship
in memory of the life and ministry of
Sister Maria de la Cruz Aymes, SH
for
Diocesan Leaders
serving
Catechesis with Hispanics
Through the Generosity of
Information about the Scholarship process along with an application can be found on the NCCL
website. Go to the News & Events tab on the NCCL homepage (www.NCCL.org) and click on
Scholarships. Application deadline, including all support documentation, must be received no
later than midnight, Thursday, January 31, 2013.
Encourage Participation in the 2013 Multi-Media Youth Contest
Calling all religious educators! Materials are now available for
the 2013 Multi-Media Youth Contest, sponsored by the USCCB
Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) with
support from RCL Benziger. This year's theme is "Be a Disciple!
Put Two Feet of Love in Action." Educators lead participants
through 5 easy steps to learn about U.S. poverty, the Church’s
response, and the Two Feet of Love in Action. Youth then create
multi-media work of any type (e.g. painting, video, poetry, dance,
etc.) and work to educate their peers before submitting their work
to the contest. The contest can be facilitated by any diocesan
office – for example, the Religious Education, Catholic Schools,
Youth Ministry, Social Concerns, or Hispanic Ministry office.
The annual national contest deadline is March 31. Visit the
contest materials now in English and Spanish
FREE Professional Development Webinar – Tuesday, January 15
Ave Maria Press, in partnership with the
National Conference for Catechetical Leadership,
the National Association for Lay Ministry, and
National Federation of Priests' Councils
presents a series of free, online workshops on
professional development for parish ministers. This webinar Living the Gospel: From Ash to
Living Flame offered on Tuesday, January 15 at 3:00 pm EST. You can register at PDW01.15.2013 (http://tiny.cc/cmanpw). For a complete listing of professional development
webinars in this series, please visit www.avemariapress.com/webinars.
Living the Gospel: From Ash to Living Flame—Presented by Fr. Scott Hurd
Lent can be a blessed season of renewal if kept in a meaningful and realistic way. Doing so can
be a challenge in our overscheduled, secularized world, but it is far from impossible! Join Fr.
Scott Hurd for this webinar to explore how to encourage and lead those you serve to have a
"good" Lent this year.
Parishes Called to Welcome, Support People With Mental Illness
When Deacon Tom Lambert's wife was hospitalized for open heart surgery, friends brought
unsolicited meals to the family's door. "For three or four weeks, every day at 6 o'clock, the bell
would ring and a different family would bring us dinner," he said. Those neighbors and fellow
parishioners were responding to a need.
But a different illness in his family some years later garnered no response. "When our daughter
was diagnosed with mental illness, no one came to the door," he said. That was 25 years ago, and
Deacon Lambert, who co-chairs the National Catholic Partnership on Disability's Council on
Mental Illness, said awareness is essential in overcoming the stigma associated with a disease of
the mind.
In the United States, severe or persistent mental illness affects 1 in 17 Americans. The mental
illness disability rate has more than doubled since the 1980s and increased six-fold since the
1950s. Some clinicians and researchers believe the increase has been influenced by external
factors, including environmental and social causes. Other experts theorize that a widening set of
criteria for diagnosing mental illness -- which was once thought to be a result of chronic or
irreversible conditions -- has led to a rise in the number of people living with such a disability.
Practitioners in the mental health field consider the requirement for a diagnosis before
pharmaceutical and insurance companies will dispense treatment as a factor as well.
Unfortunately, treatment plans have long ignored a patient's spiritual needs,
said Sacred Heart Sister Nancy Kehoe, a clinical psychologist. She authored
the book "Wrestling with Our Inner
Angels: Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey to Wholeness." When she
began working with people with mental illness 30 years ago, faith issues were
ignored. Because mental health professionals were not trained to adequately
respond when a patient spoke about spirituality, she said.
"It was really unheard of in 1981 to have anyone suggest that it would be
worthwhile to have a conversation with people with serious mental illness about religion because
up until then, it was really just seen as part of their symptoms or a defense," she said. "Either
people pathologized it or they ignored it." Contrary to the prevailing belief that faith was a part
of a patient's mental illness, Sister Nancy soon discovered that it was often part of an individual's
inner strength. She then organized a group for people who wanted to talk about mental illness
and religion. The group meets monthly at St. Paul Parish in Cambridge, Mass.
When someone struggles with a severe mental illness, they often feel isolated. Their behaviors
may put others at a distance, and they may have difficulty holding a job, keeping relationships
and living on their own. Deacon Lambert said that many people at Sunday Mass privately
struggle with mental illness and the vast majority are managing their illness well. "Nobody's
going to come up and say, 'Well, I have schizophrenia, but I go to work every day, I hold a job, I
have a marriage.' But I guarantee there's a lot of people who are in that situation," he said.
As "people of compassion and justice," Deacon Lambert said, Catholics can help by creating safe
havens for people to talk about their mental illness and allow their faith to be part of their
healing. Even a prayer intention at Mass may spark hope, he added. In reaction to his daughter's
diagnosis, faith played a significant role, the deacon said. "(Our faith) was crucial in getting us
through that," he explained. "Through prayer and turning things over to the Lord, saying we're
going to deal with this situation with the strength and hope that comes from God and our faith.
That's really what got us through, quite honestly. It's as simple as that."
Father Rodney Thibault, director of the Diocese of Fall River's Pastoral Care of the Sick
program, said his work in hospital ministry has brought him in frequent contact with people
whose mental illness has led to their admittance to the psychiatric ward, often because they are
battling suicidal thoughts. "I have found that people really do reach out, and they seek the
presence of God in their lives in a moment like that," he said. "Usually, it's to find that inner
peace. They know that Jesus is the one who is the king of peace." Information about various
ways that parishes can reach out to its members struggling with mental illness can be found on
the website of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability at http://ncpd.org/.
Is It Time to Forgive?
These are some good thoughts at the end of the year. It may
inspire you to be reconciled with someone. It may encourage
you to promote the sacrament of penance. Regardless, it
reinforces the sense of peace and joy that is associated with the
Christmas season.
Forgiveness holds the possibility for expanding our capacity
to love. There is only one reason to forgive. If we want to be
free, if we want to live as the full and unlimited expression of ourselves, if we want our
hearts to open, then we are being invited to put an end to all stories that keep us closed
and contracted.
What exactly is forgiveness? When we are in the state of unforgiving, we are holding on
to a grudge. A grudge is a story of hurt and resentment that we believe to be true and
repeat over and over in our thoughts. It lodges in our body and mind like a freeloading
visitor who won’t leave. It keeps our hearts clamped shut, depletes our energy, and
hijacks our creativity.
When we make the choice to forgive, we let go of the power the grudge has over us.
We are released, liberated, and free to return to our natural state of open-heartedness and
clarity.
Did you notice that I didn’t mention the other person who
wronged you? Forgiveness is not about the other – it is
an inner letting go that finally allows us to be at peace.
It is an acceptance of what happened along with a choice
to stop dragging the unhappy past into the present. It is the
experience of moving through blockages that keep us from
being alive right now. It is for you way more than anyone
else.
Let’s clear up two misconceptions about forgiveness.
1. When you release your attention from your grievance story, you are not
condoning the other’s behavior.
2. You can be completely released without receiving an apology.
Forgiveness happens in its own time. It is never too early, or too late, to let go. When the
time is right for you, adopt an attitude of tough love: be tender and compassionate, but
don’t let yourself off the hook. Stay committed and on track, even if it’s challenging,
until you feel at peace.
1. First, identify your experience of the grudge. Crack open to the possibility of
discovering something new about it that has the potential to release you from
suffering.
2. Experience the feelings directly.
3. You might notice a part of you that shouts a resounding, “No!” to this
process.
4. Now consider the impact that holding on to this story has on you.
5. Acknowledge the core belief that keeps the story running
6. Bring your attention inside, and ask yourself what you need, then be creative so
that your need is fulfilled. Do whatever it takes so that you can let go of the
ball and chain you are dragging around.
What are you holding on to? What has your experience been with letting go? What
challenges are you aware of?
If you care to read the complete article, Is It Time to Forgive, you can find it on Gail Brenner’s
blog at A Flourishing Life at http://aflourishinglife.com/2009/11/how-to-forgive/.
Pope Personally Delivers Pre-Christmas Pardon to Butler
Pope Benedict XVI visited his former butler, Paolo Gabriele, in
his cell in the Vatican police barracks, personally telling the
butler he was forgiven and was being pardoned. Jesuit Father
Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the pope had
wanted “to confirm his forgiveness and to inform him
personally of his acceptance of Mr. Gabriele’s request for
pardon.”
The Vatican described the pope’s visit and the pardon as “a
paternal gesture toward a person with whom the pope shared a
relationship of daily familiarity for many years.” The 46-yearold Gabriele, who worked in the papal apartments from 2006
until his arrest in May, has been barred from further
employment at the Vatican. He, his wife and three young
children have been living in a Vatican apartment, but will have
to move now that he is no longer employed by the Vatican,
Father Lombardi said.
Gabriele’s lawyer had told an Italian newspaper in July that Gabriele had written “a confidential
letter to the pope,” asking for his forgiveness and telling the pope he had acted alone. Gabriele
had told investigators that he had acted out of concern for the pope, who he believed was not
being fully informed about the corruption and careerism in the Vatican. He had repeated the
claim at his trial.
Father Lombardi also told reporters that Claudio Sciarpelletti, a computer technician in the
Vatican Secretariat of State who was found guilty of obstructing the Gabriele investigation and
given a suspended sentence, has returned to work in the Secretariat of State. A full pardon also is
expected for him, Father Lombardi said.
3 New Year’s Resolutions that Will Make You Happier
These thoughts are from Christine Carter on the Greater Good site. If interested, you can read the
complete article at http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness/.
You want to lose weight. Get out of debt. Stop smoking. Eat more kale. Call your
grandma more often.
I do understand why people don’t like New Year’s resolutions: They can be a source of
failure, year after year. Folks often pick resolutions that are inherently unrewarding, that
necessitate relentless hard work, or that remind them of their mortality in a way that
makes them feel small instead of grateful. …Over the years I’ve learned a lot of tricks for
successfully keeping my resolutions. And in the last three years, the science around
willpower and habits has made great advancements, which helps a lot.
The first and most important factor in keeping your resolutions is to make the right
resolution. Make the wrong one and you won’t keep it; you’ll just add another habit to
the “fail” list.
This year, pick just one resolution that research shows will make you happier. Here
are three of my favorites:
1. Spend more time with friends.
2. Everyday, find a way to give something to somebody. My favorite happiness
booster is to give thanks…. In a world that is more focused on getting than giving, a
New Year’s resolution to do one kind thing each day, or to give thanks in one small
way, is a pretty radical act.
3. Get more sleep and exercise. Try increasing your sleep 10 minutes a night for a
week, and then another 10 the next week, and so on until you are regularly getting
your eight hours.
It is miraculous to me that people can change themselves simply because they want to.
New Year’s resolutions are an amazing act of creation, an art form where the canvas is
the self. Cheers to making 2013 your happiest year yet!
With a Child's Trust: a Christmas letter
Here are the closing paragraphs from the Christmas letter of Brother David
Steindl-Rast O.S.B. If you are interested in reading his complete letter, please go
to http://www.gratefulness.org/readings/dsr_christmas_child.htm.
No wonder, then, that violence, arrogance, and greed disfigure our fearful
society. No wonder we long for the world of the fearless child, the world of non-violence,
mutual respect, and joyful sharing.
To let the child-in-you guide you – by the ears, if necessary – toward building this new
world, this is what i wish you most of all for 2013. It will take courage, strength, and
wisdom, but – ”fear not!” – together we can do it. Let us run with grateful joy toward
the opportunities a new year holds out to us.
Adore Him / Christmas Eve / Kari Jobe
You can WATCH AND LISTEN to this 4:18 minute video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUCD-GXObac.
It makes you want to sing Christ the Lord rather than wait for the very end.
Christmas Offering
This is a song from Casting Crowns. Listen and watch the video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcXSNJNHmoc. You can buy the song at
Christmas Offering or you can order the album at Peace on Earth.
Here are the lyrics:
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star
While angels sang to lowly shepherds
Three Wiseman seeking truth they traveled from afar
Hoping to find the child from heaven
Falling on their knees they bow before the humble Prince of Peace
We bring an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord I bring an offering to you
The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love
There is no shadow in your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your blood
It's only through Your mercy
Lord, I come
I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, I bring an offering to you
We bring an offering to you
We are an offering to you
We are an offering to you, Jesus
We are an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, we bring an offering to you
O Lord, we bring an offering to you
We bring an offering to you
We are an offering to you
We are an offering to you
Bells Are Ringing
I had not heard this song until Christmas Day but I was moved so
that I wanted to share it with you in hopes that it will become a
part of your Christmas tradition. You can listen to Mary Chapin
Carpenter sing it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp9nPuGkqs.
No presents, no candy, no trees, no stockings hung by the fire.
No parties, no family to greet, no angel's heavenly choirs.
Bells are ringing, all over the world.
Bells are ringing, calling the light
Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world tonight.
No doorways, no windows, no walls,
No shelter here on the ground.
No standing, no safe place to fall,
Just the promise of this distant sound
Bells are ringing, all over the world.
Bells are ringing, calling the light
Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world tonight.
Wherever you're walking tonight, whoever you're waiting for
Somehow, by the stable's faint light,
Peace in your heart is restored.
'Cause Bells are ringing, all over the world.
Bells are ringing, calling the light
Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world
Bells are ringing, all over the world.
Bells are ringing, calling the light
Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world tonight.
Earth from Above
As 2012 comes to an end, this is a series of photographs that will help
you give thanks to God for all that He has given us. "Earth From
Above" is the result of the aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand's
five-year airborne odyssey across six continents. It's a spectacular
presentation of large scale photographs of astonishing natural
landscapes. Every stunning aerial photograph tells a story about our
changing planet. Go to http://justpaste.it/3ky.
A Story For Tomorrow
A visually beautiful and inspiring video of a "journey" ending with two
poignant questions:
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•
“Is it possible to be happy with this life?” and
“Did you enjoy your story?” (Did you?)
God Bless America – Kate Smith
I just read the piece below on the song God Bless America and it
occurred to me that many people are frustrated with our
legislature who can’t seem to either compromise or work together.
Perhaps many of us need to be reminded that we can still celebrate
our faith freely and go to whatever church we choose so maybe
this will be a good reminder of how blessed we are and offer some
hope as we are only a few days from 2013.
The link below will take you to a video showing the very first public singing of " GOD
BLESS AMERICA.” But before you watch, you should also know the story of the song.
The time was 1940. America was still in a terrible economic depression. Hitler was
taking over Europe and Americans were afraid we'd have to go to war. It was a time of
hardship and worry for most Americans.
This was the era just before TV, when radio shows were HUGE, and American families
sat around their radios in the evenings, listening to their favorite entertainers, and no
entertainer of that era was bigger than Kate Smith.
Kate was also large in size, and the popular phrase still used today is in deference to her,
"Ain't over till the fat lady sings". Kate Smith might not have made it big in the age of
TV, but with her voice coming over the radio, she was the biggest star of her time.
Kate was also very patriotic. It hurt her to see Americans so depressed and afraid of what
the next day would bring. She had hope for America , and faith in her fellow Americans.
She wanted to do something to cheer them up, so she went to the famous American songwriter, Irving Berlin (also wrote "White Christmas") and asked him to write a song that
would make Americans feel good again about their country.
When she described what she was looking for, he said he had just the song for her. He
went to his files and found a song that he had written, but never published, 22 years
before - way back in 1917. He gave it to Kate Smith and she worked on it with her studio
orchestra. She and Irving Berlin were not sure how the song would be received by the
public, but both agreed they would not take any profits from God Bless America . Any
profits would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, the Boy Scouts have
received millions of dollars in royalties from this song.
This video starts out with Kate Smith coming into the radio studio with the orchestra and
an audience. She introduces the new song for the very first time, and starts singing. After
the first couple verses, with her voice in the background still singing, scenes are shown
from the 1940 movie, "You're In The Army Now." At the 4:20 mark of the video you see
a young actor in the movie, sitting in an office, reading a paper; it's Ronald Reagan.
Frank Sinatra considered Kate Smith the best singer of her time, and said when he and a
million other guys first heard her sing "God Bless America " on the radio, they all
pretended to have dust in their eyes as they wiped away a tear or two.
To this day, God Bless America stirs our patriotic feelings and pride in our country. Back
in 1940, when Kate Smith went looking for a song to raise the spirits of her fellow
Americans, I doubt she realized just how successful the results would be for her fellow
Americans during those years of hardship and worry, and for many generations of
Americans to follow. Now that you know the story of the song, I hope you will enjoy it
and treasure it even more. Now here is "GOD BLESS AMERICA"
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=TnQDWNMaRs#!
HooplaHa Heroes of 2012
What better way to kick off the new HooplaList series than with a
rundown of some of the most memorable heroes and heroic acts
of the year? From brave dogs to a Batman, 2012 has been packed
to the gills with heroes of all kinds. Watch as they present some
of their favorites at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilxHn1RdV4
The Third Gift
We all play a part in history, and most often, our role remains unknown until
long after we've moved on. "The Third Gift" celebrates one of those unknown
roles in the Nativity story. There are no bells and whistles, elves or sparkling
lights in Linda's book. Yet it tells more of what the holiday season is about
than many of its contemporaries. It is an engaging story of ordinary people
involved in an extraordinary event. Most of the book takes place away from
the city, and the quietness of the landscape contributes to the reverence of the
book. You can order The Third Gift.
The Miracle of Myrrh
This is a beautifully written, gentle story about something most people have
wondered about: what became of the gifts the Magi brought to Bethlehem?
The Miracle of the Myrrh is a sensitive tale showing us the blessings we
receive when we generously offer our gifts to meet another's need. Awardwinning French artist Herve Blondon richly illustrates Alborghetti's original,
entertaining, and highly recommended picturebook story of a grown-up
Drummer Boy, his son, and the fate of the frankincense, gold and myrrh.
You can order The Miracle of the Myrrh (Christmas & Advent).
The Sphinx at Dawn: Two Stories
This is another answer to about the gifts but this time, they are in a special
place in the home of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Madeline L’Engle weaves a
tale for 9-10 year olds. This is a plausible story about what Jesus was like as
a young boy. I have always found it inspiring and appreciate the way Jesus
chooses to solve the problem, helps his friend save face and offers an insight
in the importance of relationships and forgiveness. Like most boys, it is done
without fanfare and then not spoken about again. It’s a fascinating story and
one you might be interested in adding to your collection. You can order The
Sphinx at Dawn: Two Stories.
Knowing Jesus and His Message – Conociendo a Jesus y su Mensaje
This is an excellent resource.
Immediately following the Learning
Session on this resource at the NCCL
Conference and Exposition in San Diego,
the NCCL Bookstore sold over twenty
(20) copies of the book in English and
Spanish.
Based on the protocol used to evaluate
elementary religion series, the book used
fifteen standards for Pre-K and K
through Grades 7 & 8. Included with the binder is a CD with all the materials available for
duplication. This is an ideal help for any elementary catechist regardless of the series you might
be using. Check out the following and use the Order Form.
•
PREFACE - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/nysql)
•
•
•
•
EXPLANATION - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/xuvw8)
Standards - Explained (http://tiny.cc/65wmc)
Normas y Fundamentos (http://tiny.cc/zfrg2)
ORDER FORM - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/9j0mb)
Looking For A Good Book?
Stop by the NCCL Bookstore. Purchasing books, CDs, DVDs, and other products on Amazon
through the NCCL Bookstore (http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20) helps support this
valuable online ministry.
If you are an on-line shopper and you frequent Amazon.com, please enter through the
NCCL Amazon Bookstore as the organization benefits from every purchase you make. It’s
an ideal way to support our ministry. Just go to our Home page (www.NCCL.org) and click
on the Store tab or click on http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20 and it will take you
directly to our bookstore. It doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as you enter through the
NCCL Amazon Bookstore, we get a percentage of your purchases.
We are just building our bookstore and adding titles every day, so if you have any suggestions
for books you believe should be available through our bookstore, please drop NCCL a note. All
books mentioned in CL Weekly are available at the NCCL Bookstore.
Quote for the New Year
If this is to be a Happy New Year, a year of usefulness, a year in which we shall live to
make this earth better, it is because God will direct our pathway. How important then, to
feel our dependence upon Him!
- Matthew Simpson
Happy New Year – A Blessing for YOU
May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work
You do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those
Who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden you.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams,
Possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.
This is a prayer written by John O’Donohue and can be found in his book, Anam Cara: A
Book of Celtic Wisdom.
Closing Image for 2012: Stickworks: Lean on Me
I came across this in my Winter issue of the
Abbey Banner. It might just be that I am a
plains boy or then again it might be that I love
community projects or it could be that I love
what happens when a university or any school
for that matter or even a church brings in an
Artist-in-Residence. Environmental artist
Patrick Dougherty was in residence at the
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's
University from September 3-21, building a
large-scale outdoor sculpture with saplings
harvested sustainably from the Saint John’s
Arboretum. You can see more pictures
including a time lapse at http://www.stickwork-csbsju.org/. Patrick weaves tree saplings into
enormous, whirling, animated shapes that resemble tumbleweeds or gusts of wind, and over the
course of his career he has created some 230 of them all around the world. Check out his
website: http://www.stickwork.net.
Feedback/Comments should be addressed to: lnagel@nccl.org