A Re-energized Catholic Church Requires the Efforts
of Leadership and Membership
by S. Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican
As we welcome and celebrate the election of our new leader, Pope Francis, in the Catholic Church, we pray that he will be guided by the Holy Spirit in his very important role of leading the one billion Catholics worldwide who are commissioned to carry on the mission of Jesus.
Before the election, many expressed their hopes clearly and directly. They want a leader who will take the mission of Jesus given to the early members, to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We are to study that mission and bring the Good News of the Gospel to all people and cultures of our time. To fulfill this mission, leaders and members must be led and nurtured by the Holy Spirit. This calls us to remove all that hinders the work of the Spirit in our midst, issues like prejudice, power and control, lack of connectedness to the vital issues of our world today, lack of understanding and contact with people of other cultures who are a growing part of the membership at this time. Dealing effectively with the scandal of clergy sex abuse must be effectively addressed. The gifts of all church members, male and female, and people of all ages, should be recognized, developed and used for the creation of strong faith communities.
We start out by leading people to study Scripture, do faith sharing, and use contemplation. Pastors and other leaders will be trained in good preaching and leadership practices. The Church cannot successfully transform culture without first transforming itself. Gandhi once said; “We must be the change that we want to see happen” Children and families are to be well prepared in faith formation and for living their faith wherever they will be. Leaders also must be in touch with the issues individuals and families are struggling with today. Deep listening to the needs of individuals, families and society is an important requirement of leadership today. We are hopeful that our new pope will effectively accomplish these goals.
The Church membership must also be dedicated to working for justice and peace and creating a culture of non-violence in both public and private life. It is important to be aware of the issues that affect people’s lives and deprive them of the means to live a full and meaningful human life. Members also are encouraged to know their political leaders and be ready to speak truth to power and engage them in restoring compassion, justice, and peace to a broken and bleeding world. People could gather in small groups and explore ways to address these issues as part of living their faith.
There is a growing effort to meet the needs of parishes where there is a great shortage of priests and spiritual nourishment for the members. The gifts of women should be recognized and used to fill this need. There are many ways to involve and train youth to name and use their gifts in meaningful ways to help people in need. Welcoming people of other cultures is also very important. We can learn from their ways of expressing their faith, and help them put their faith into practice wherever they are.
All of us must practice civil discourse as a tool for healing and understanding each other in both public and private life. We are all called to reflect and ask ourselves “How do we individually and as a community need to be transformed to reflect the face of Jesus? Name some of the things we can do as members and leaders of the Catholic Church to reach out effectively to the ends of the earth, so that God’s purposes will be fulfilled through us. How can we restore hope in the Catholic Church? The choice is ours. Let us begin today with courage, conviction and hope. With God’s unfailing help we can accomplish our mission. No effort is too small to make a difference.
A RENEWED CALL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW EVANGELIZATION
S. Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican
Evangelization is not a new idea. It dates back to the disciples of Jesus who were sent by him to preach and share the Good News of the Gospel with all people even to the ends of the earth. Evangelization is an important part of the year- long celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican Council 11. The most recent Synod of Bishops held in Rome in October 2012 took up this issue.
Pope Benedict XV1 described the renewal in these words: “Christ comes to each of us to teach us the art of living. The world today needs people who will speak to God and about God. To be an evangelizer is not a privilege. It is an important part of our faith. It means to share the faith with people who have never heard of Christ and strengthen the faith of those who have drifted away from the church and are looking for spiritual nourishment elsewhere.”
At the opening address to the Synod of Bishops in Rome, Archbishop Rowan Williams spoke about the profound connection between contemplation and evangelization, saying :“it must be rooted in a profound confidence that we have a distinctive human destiny to show and share with the world This is the key to prayer, liturgy art and ethics….the key to a renewed humanity that is capable of seeing the world whole and free from self-oriented, acquisitive habits and distorted understanding that come from them. Contemplation is the only answer in our world today. We need to contemplate to learn what we need to do, so as to live truthfully and honestly and lovingly. “The Bishop also said we need to get to know and respect people of other faith expressions. “The Report Preceding the Discussion at the World Synod of Bishops” is available in the 10/21/12 issue of Origins. 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017Go to www.originsonline.com.
You can get the full text on the Archbishop’s website http://www. archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2645/. Quotes in this article are printed with permission of David Brownlie-Marshall, Press Office of the Archbishop.
Fr. Bruno Cadore, OP, was invited to be part of the Council. Our call as Dominicans is to preach the Gospel not only by our words but especially by the witness of our lives. To “Be still and know that I am your God” is the foundation of contemplative living. God is to be found right where we are, in whatever situation we find ourselves. People in parishes can be taught the importance of contemplation and prayer. They are a necessary preparation for touching the Divine that is always available to us. Then we can allow the Spirit to touch the inner core of our being and to allow that same Spirit to lead us to act with justice on behalf of all the suffering people in our world. We are also reminded that we are all part of the human global family, not just the people around us. We can gather people of other cultures, creeds and places of origin, to imagine and discuss the kind of world God has in mind for the global family. Then they can decide what part each of us can play in creating such a world. Contemplation and action are not two separate things we can do. They are but two sides of the same coin.
When we take time to pause and ponder what our lives are about, we reach out in love and compassion to bring hope and healing to a broken and bleeding world. We get in touch with the transforming power of God ‘s presence working in us and through us in our world today. We discover that all of life vibrates with the divine life and invites us to join in the daily journey of transformation. Fr. Don Goergen ,OP, a well-known and respected Dominican priest, reminds us that “The fruit of our contemplation is a diminished self-centeredness or self-preoccupation. We become more centered and we discover that our true center is beyond us, that we are not the center of our universe ourselves.” We are led to a deeper self. Our personal transformation leads us to connect with the transformation of our world and allows us to engage the world more deeply from within a Deeper Source.
“Be still and know that I am your God.”
We all need to embrace the call to work for justice and to collaborate with one another and with all those to whom we minister. There is no limit to our possibilities when we make room for the action and transforming power of God in our lives. Let us begin today with courage, deep faith and hope.
Another good source of information is “The New Evangelization in Origins, CNS Documentary Service, Washington DC 20017, March 1, 2012 issue, Volume 41, Number 38. Go to http://www.catholic news.com. Go to http://op.org/en/content/fr-bruno-cadore-challenges-evange.
CREATING A CULTURE OF PEACE IN HOMES AND FAMILIES
By S. Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican
Some time ago, faith communities were asked to address domestic violence, which is a growing concern in the US and beyond. It is a major contributor to the overall picture of violence in any community. In almost every newscast, we hear stories of such violence. We hear the cries of children dying from abuse, neglect and conflict, which often become deadly. Some are desperately looking for a way to get involved in putting an end to the violence. Many who are in abusive situations are living in great fear and do not report abuse because they fear retaliation. Others are embarrassed to report it.
Several efforts are being made to address the needs of families. Many people are working to provide a safe and nurturing environment for famiies and communities. Many challenges remain to be addressed, and it will take everyone’s contribution in the public and private arena to accomplish the goal of peace and harmony.
What are the causes of violence? It can happen to all classes of people and walks of life. Some believe it happens mainly in the minority population or among the poor. This is far from the truth. In recent surveys, the causes are many. It may come from fear, unforgiving attitudes, jealousy, economic woes, easy access to weapons by people who out of control, and people who are prejudiced. Usually it is a way of one person gaining control over another. Some are mentally ill or suffering from post- traumatic stress syndrome. Many of the victims are afraid to leave their abusive situation because of what effect it might have on the lives of their children.
It has often been found that children who witness parental violence are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to help them survive. They experience difficulty at school and have low self-esteem and some even consider suicide. These ailments must be treated at all levels. A way to confront the abuser must also be found in order to bring about change. Women must find support when they decide to leave their abuser. Often, they experience depression and need help to get through it.
Every fifteen seconds, a woman is beaten in the US. Many are abused by a spouse or partner. Domestic violence is of epidemic proportions and often happens right around us. The cost of domestic violence exceeds 5.8 billion dollars each year. 4..3 billion of that is for direct medical and mental health services. One in three or four women is battered once in her lifetime. Many of those suffering are afraid to leave an abusive situation. They have children to care for and cannot find a way out of their misery and need help.
What can people do to address the issue? Some resources are available, such as the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (www.nredv.org) and Battered Women’s Justice Project at (www.bwjp.org ) The Racine Dominican Community sponsors Bethany Apartments, which helps adults and children face the future with hope. They provide a safe environment for families who have been in abusive situations. They help children get through school successfully, learn to live cooperatively and to appreciate and respect each other. For young adults, they teach them how to prepare for life and work. You can contact them for more information by phone at 262-633-9446 or by fax at 262-633-9463. Go to www.bethanyapartments.org
What can people do to address the issue?
-There is a great need to educate the public. This will dispel the myths about the problem and will inform people about different forms of violence and ways to address it. All ages must be educated about the issues.
-Help prevent violence before it starts. Children are bombarded by violence and aggression in the media. Carefully supervise the movies and games that they use and help them make better choices. All need to learn to control anger before it escalates to violence.
- Learn about programs that help prevent violence and assist the abused adults and children. Help family members find ways to get out of an abusive situation before it is too late.
-Teach young boys about domestic violence and abuse and show them how to keep their anger under control. Train male mentors to assist children and youth Show people how to respect themselves and show the same respect for others. Check your area to see if such programs are offered – such as a family violence advocacy network.
-Urge local churches to get involved in addressing violence and helping people get out of violent situations.
Mahatma Gandhi has much to offer about addressing violence, and to helping people live in peace and harmony in homes and communities. Among his suggestions was the need to develop tolerance for others, and to be kind and peaceful to those who share our lives. He also stresses the need for forgiveness and to get rid of grudges that often lead to revenge and more violence. We should also asks forgiveness of those who have hurt us.
Gandhi also said “we must be the change we want to see in others.” Peace starts with each of us, in our minds and hearts. We count on the ever-presence of our God to enable us to bring peace and harmony to those with whom we share our lives. We are called to be God’s lanterns and allow God’s light, love and forgiveness to shine though our lives.
A mother and grandmother to whom I spoke recently said: “We are all potential victims and we need to get busy and work on a solution.” No effort is too small to make a difference. May we continue our efforts with faith, hope and love.
PREACHER
Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican
Deeply rooted in solid ground
of God’s enlivening Word,
nurtured by contemplation and prayer,
study, community, listening
and responding to the Word.
PREACHER,
Truth Bearer, fearless preacher,
Tireless Torch,
lighting the weary world
starved for meaning and hope,
dispelling myths, unmasking idols
of our day with Light of Truth.
PREACHER,
Daring Dreamer
of a world winnowed of falsehood,
freed from weapons and war,
transformed by God’s healing touch,
birthing new life in dark and dreary places,
lighting the world with hope.
“How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of the messengers
who announce peace, and who bring Good News."
Is. 52:7
CHOOSING HOPE IN TIMES OF DARKNESS AND CHALLENGE
By Sr. Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican
The recent shooting and killing of innocent people and critically injuring many more in Colorado sent shock waves around the world and many are asking the question “How do I choose hope in these dark and challenging times?” There is no easy answer to this question but it needs to be explored.
We can and must believe that even in the darkest times, God’s hand will always hold and support us. It calls us to believe that even behind the darkest clouds, there is something more that will bring sunshine into our lives. Hope is in the expecting and the waiting. We can never give up even when there is no visible sign that things will be better. Is. 43:2 tells us “When you pass through waters they will not swallow you up. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep over you” In the power of the Spirit, we are sent to reflect God’s healing, mercy and hope and forgiveness to all that we meet.
After the tragic events in Colorado, we heard many stories of compassion when people were reaching out to those affected by the tragedy, and helping them live through their pain and loss. People gathered in many groups to pray for those who lost their loved ones and also with the hope that people would not respond with revenge. Some were discussing what they could do to replace the violence in our communities with peace, justice, love and forgiveness. We can all reflect on God’s plan for our own lives, our communities, nation and world, and work with others to make God’s plan a reality in our time and place. No matter what the challenges are, nothing is impossible with the power and grace of God.
As we journey with Jesus, we all experience many life challenges. If we focus only on the problems, the result is we will intensify the pain and become engulfed in fear and doubt. Sometimes such events can bring about transformation in our own lives and in our communities and helps us to search for deeper meaning as we continue our life journey. We are reminded of the Gospel story of Peter walking on water to meet Jesus. When Peter looked down and saw only the waves, he began to sink. When he kept his eyes on Jesus, he arrived safely at his destination. Choosing hope is the only way to go and succeed. Our hope is based on our faith in God, not a God somewhere up in the clouds but a God who is described in Matthew’s Gospel as one who says: “I am with you all days even to the end of the age.” This is not an avoidance of the problem. It means we must ground our hope on the reliable promises of Jesus who never fails us.
May this event challenge us to look at all the violence in our homes, communities, nation and world, and do what we can to replace the violence with peace, forgiveness and justice. Can we speak out about all the wars we as a nation are involved in and find other ways to address conflict and divisions. Complaining about the problems we have inherited will accomplish nothing. We become stronger and more compassionate when we live with hope. Often the darkest hour is before the dawn. Some fearless leader in the past has said: “We are as small as our fears and despair and as great as our courage and hope.”
“Loving God, may we be your partners in hope this day and every day.”
No effort is too small to make a difference.
A RENEWED CALL TO RESTORE CIVILITY IN POLITICAL DEBATES AND OTHER AREAS
By Sr. Brenda Walsh, Racine Dominican
Recently the Wisconsin Council of Churches and other groups are calling for a Season of Civility, especially before elections. That does not mean that we eliminate debate about public policies and issues. Debates include people of different faiths, beliefs, opinions on issues, both social, political and religious issues. Hostile and abusive rhetoric is not appropriate in any sphere of life, especially in public debates. Often the dispute is not only about the issues but especially about the means of achieving solutions. Wisconsin Cl. of Churches hopes we will share this call with other congregations and organizations.
We all know the golden rule that calls us to treat others with the same respect with which we would like to be treated. This calls for open and honest conversation and the valuing of each person involved in the discussion. The goal is to arrive at consensus in order to achieve the common good which our faith requires of us. We are called to reach out and listen to and try to understand people of differing viewpoints and model civility in our own conversation in both private and public life.
Our faith communities are where this call to civility must be lived and practiced. **Civility must be practiced within congregations, assemblies and other forums.
**We need to clarify our own positions on issues and to articulate them clearly and respectfully and be open to explanation or clarification.
**We are aware that we do not always know the correct or adequate answers to problem and we must be open to correction and reconsideration, without betraying our own convictions.
**When political debates are arranged, we must inform the candidates of standards of civility, integrity and truthfulness and not engage in mud-slinging at each other. The media can also be encouraged to follow the same rules of civility in public discourse. As our congregations preach about compassion and respect, we will rediscover ways to listen to and learn from our differences and model for others what a healthy democracy looks like.
For more information and to get the full document, go to ddewinter@ncccuse.org.
The effort mentioned here is designed to develop communities that are unified in their commitment to wholeness, justice and peace not only in the church but also in the world. This will replace the partisan rancor and bitterness that now exists within political debates with respect and civility. We are all encouraged to pray and work together for the unity and renewal of the church and the healing and reconciliation of our world. Congregations are encouraged to share this information and call to civility within congregations and beyond. May peace prevail on earth and let it begin with us.
This information not only applies to Wisconsin but to all communities across the nation and beyond. The whole idea of democracy is to heal the partisan divides and to replace them with caring and just communities working for the common good.
Food For Thought - August
August
Food For Thought
DOMINIC, PREACHER OF GRACE
Dominic dreamed a world
freed from war and violence,
winnowed of greed and falsehood,
mirroring truth and goodness
in every sphere of life.
Dominic preached in Spirit power,
filled with compassion and mercy,
visioning many grace-filled followers,
men and women of the Word,
Preachers ablaze with God’s dream.
Dominic walked the way,
reaching out to new frontiers
with steady torch of truth held high,
steeped in prayer day and night,
releasing streams of light.
An unexpected future
lies in wait for those who live
deeply rooted and formed in the Word,
watered by God’s abundant grace,
daily living Dominic’s dream.
PENTECOST PEOPLE,
Preachers of Grace in our time,
beaming the blessings
of our Loving and Faithful God.
by Brenda Walsh, OP
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question from the Preaching Committee
(from the celebration of 500 years of Dominicans coming to the Americas)
Are we Dominicans open to conversion? This implies an openness to restructure our way of thinking. We may lose friends. But is this not what the Gospel asks of us? Am I open to rethinking what I have been doing or not doing in relation to the urgent questions of our time? Let us all work together to promote deeper care for earth, justice, life and peace – to promote the right to live and the right to live with dignity – as we commemorate the arrival of the first Dominicans and their Holy Preaching in this part of the world.
May all of our efforts be blessed.