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July 12, 2007
At the first session of our Summer Series we gave an introduction to the place
of "justice-concerns" and "actions-for-justice" in the context of our Catholic
faith and the Gospel.
We face the error of privatizing religion from politics. We cannot separate the
Church's guidance for faithful Christian living from action for justice. It is our
religious faith we must act upon, not party politics.
Every well-informed Catholic recognizes that action on behalf of the poor has
been a Biblical issue from the time of the Prophets in the Old Testament right
through to the word of Jesus in the New Testament.
We look at how the papal encyclicals have called us over the decades to an
understanding of the inseparable bond between the genuine life of holiness,
and commitment to action for justice. We see how our U.S. Bishops have
developed a rich legacy of guidelines for justice actions at this time in our
Church and in our world.
We are reminded that our actions must be guided by a consistent life ethic,
based on our belief that life is sacred at all times, in all places, and in all
circumstances, without exception. As Catholics we believe that whatever we
do to the least, we do to Christ himself.
We also see how basic human values are shared with many people of good
will of the major world religions and faith groups, calling us to respect and
cooperation in our common efforts to work for the building of God's Kingdom
of peace and justice.
At the first session of our Summer Series we gave an introduction to the place
of "justice-concerns" and "actions-for-justice" in the context of our Catholic
faith and the Gospel.
We face the error of privatizing religion from politics. We cannot separate the
Church's guidance for faithful Christian living from action for justice. It is our
religious faith we must act upon, not party politics.
Every well-informed Catholic recognizes that action on behalf of the poor has
been a Biblical issue from the time of the Prophets in the Old Testament right
through to the word of Jesus in the New Testament.
We look at how the papal encyclicals have called us over the decades to an
understanding of the inseparable bond between the genuine life of holiness,
and commitment to action for justice. We see how our U.S. Bishops have
developed a rich legacy of guidelines for justice actions at this time in our
Church and in our world.
We are reminded that our actions must be guided by a consistent life ethic,
based on our belief that life is sacred at all times, in all places, and in all
circumstances, without exception. As Catholics we believe that whatever we
do to the least, we do to Christ himself.
We also see how basic human values are shared with many people of good
will of the major world religions and faith groups, calling us to respect and
cooperation in our common efforts to work for the building of God's Kingdom
of peace and justice.
July 19, 2007
The second session in our “Making a Difference” series was a presentation by
Fr. Jeff Finley, C.PP.S., Spiritual Care Coordinator at Washington Hospital in
Fremont on end-of-life concerns. He began by stating clearly the Church’s
stance against euthanasia and reaffirming that death is a natural part of life to
be dealt with by all of us. To try to extend life unnaturally is to try to play God.
Extraordinary means to sustain life only makes sense when there is clear
indication that health can be restored, otherwise extraordinary life supports
only prolong the dying.
The ministry of the Church should be sought while the patient is able to
cooperate with the priest. The Sacrament of the Sick is meant as grace for
healing and/or peaceful acceptance of God’s will.
If a person is advanced in age with several vital systems failing, do not put
them on life-supports unless they themselves request it. If a person is taken
off life-supports but still lingers, it may be because of some unfinished
business … things yet to be said, forgiveness to be given, etc.
Life is a gift of our loving God to be returned to our God in faith and trust
when the time comes. Awareness of this truth throughout our lives is the best
preparation for that final surrender.
The second session in our “Making a Difference” series was a presentation by
Fr. Jeff Finley, C.PP.S., Spiritual Care Coordinator at Washington Hospital in
Fremont on end-of-life concerns. He began by stating clearly the Church’s
stance against euthanasia and reaffirming that death is a natural part of life to
be dealt with by all of us. To try to extend life unnaturally is to try to play God.
Extraordinary means to sustain life only makes sense when there is clear
indication that health can be restored, otherwise extraordinary life supports
only prolong the dying.
The ministry of the Church should be sought while the patient is able to
cooperate with the priest. The Sacrament of the Sick is meant as grace for
healing and/or peaceful acceptance of God’s will.
If a person is advanced in age with several vital systems failing, do not put
them on life-supports unless they themselves request it. If a person is taken
off life-supports but still lingers, it may be because of some unfinished
business … things yet to be said, forgiveness to be given, etc.
Life is a gift of our loving God to be returned to our God in faith and trust
when the time comes. Awareness of this truth throughout our lives is the best
preparation for that final surrender.
July 26, 2007
The third session of our Summer Series, "Making a Difference", began as
usual with ten minutes of silent prayer for the concerns of the world. A portion
of the video on immigration entitled "Dying to Live" was shown after which two
of our parishioners did a testimonial sharing their own experience of
immigration.
This was followed by a brief presentation on the five basic principles of
Catholic Social Teaching relating to migration which was distributed in a
printed handout for reflection. A few questions from those attending followed.
Another hand-out with a sample letter to legislators asking for continued study
on immigration reform was distributed with directions for use as a follow-up.
The evening concluded with another period of silent prayer.
The third session of our Summer Series, "Making a Difference", began as
usual with ten minutes of silent prayer for the concerns of the world. A portion
of the video on immigration entitled "Dying to Live" was shown after which two
of our parishioners did a testimonial sharing their own experience of
immigration.
This was followed by a brief presentation on the five basic principles of
Catholic Social Teaching relating to migration which was distributed in a
printed handout for reflection. A few questions from those attending followed.
Another hand-out with a sample letter to legislators asking for continued study
on immigration reform was distributed with directions for use as a follow-up.
The evening concluded with another period of silent prayer.
August 2, 2007
The fourth and final session of our Summer Series “Making It Happen” began
in our usual manner with ten minutes of silent prayer focused on world peace
and justice concerns.
A parishioner of St. Edward Parish, Cynthia Ney, gave an informative
presentation, including power point graphics, developing the reason why we
do the things we do by way of Christian Service within the parish and in the
world situation. The Christian response to perceived needs is seen as
much more than simple volunteerism. It is the response in faith to brothers
and sisters in need and performed in that spirit.
There followed several presentations by way of example:
l. Another parishioner, Greg Miller, briefly discussed his experience of
prison ministry and what inspires his fidelity to it.
2. Deacon Roger Wedl gave an overview of a Scripture Study Series
designed as a follow-up of this summer series emphasizing the call
to action for justice as found in both Old and New Testamnet.
3. Fr. Jerard, C.PP.S., from India, of our St. Edward Precious Blood
Community , spoke of his dream to found an orphanage in India to minister to
the many children who lost their parents during the recent tsunami. He
indicated how this could be a meaningful out-reach for
any parish alive to its challenge to be part of Jesus’ work for the Kingdom.
4. A parishioner from nearby St. Joseph’s Parish, Kay Tierney, shared
how their parish moved into a sister-parish relationship with a parish in
Guatemala and described the mutual blessing the experience has been
for both communities. There is much for our first world community can
learn from our third world brothers and sisters.
5. Our parishioners, Tony and Judy Pino, enthusiastically described their
experience of adopting a child in El Salvador through the Christian
Foundation for Children and Aging and their joy in traveling there to visit
their adoptive son and the abundant blessing this commitment has been
for them.
The evening once again concluded with a ten-minute period of silent prayer
during which those attending were invited to consider some of the ways they
might reach out to others in need within the parish and beyond it.
The fourth and final session of our Summer Series “Making It Happen” began
in our usual manner with ten minutes of silent prayer focused on world peace
and justice concerns.
A parishioner of St. Edward Parish, Cynthia Ney, gave an informative
presentation, including power point graphics, developing the reason why we
do the things we do by way of Christian Service within the parish and in the
world situation. The Christian response to perceived needs is seen as
much more than simple volunteerism. It is the response in faith to brothers
and sisters in need and performed in that spirit.
There followed several presentations by way of example:
l. Another parishioner, Greg Miller, briefly discussed his experience of
prison ministry and what inspires his fidelity to it.
2. Deacon Roger Wedl gave an overview of a Scripture Study Series
designed as a follow-up of this summer series emphasizing the call
to action for justice as found in both Old and New Testamnet.
3. Fr. Jerard, C.PP.S., from India, of our St. Edward Precious Blood
Community , spoke of his dream to found an orphanage in India to minister to
the many children who lost their parents during the recent tsunami. He
indicated how this could be a meaningful out-reach for
any parish alive to its challenge to be part of Jesus’ work for the Kingdom.
4. A parishioner from nearby St. Joseph’s Parish, Kay Tierney, shared
how their parish moved into a sister-parish relationship with a parish in
Guatemala and described the mutual blessing the experience has been
for both communities. There is much for our first world community can
learn from our third world brothers and sisters.
5. Our parishioners, Tony and Judy Pino, enthusiastically described their
experience of adopting a child in El Salvador through the Christian
Foundation for Children and Aging and their joy in traveling there to visit
their adoptive son and the abundant blessing this commitment has been
for them.
The evening once again concluded with a ten-minute period of silent prayer
during which those attending were invited to consider some of the ways they
might reach out to others in need within the parish and beyond it.