tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13518649221760793902024-03-05T17:53:50.999-08:00Gifts Received, Gifts GivenFrank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-65280598202457625032017-04-04T08:39:00.002-07:002017-04-04T08:39:56.954-07:00Changes in My Life<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On March 28, the Diocese of Pittsburgh held the fourth in a series of "priest collaborative" meetings. These are organized by the Secretariat for Evangelization, to help priests (and deacons) prepare for the coming drastic changes dictated by On Mission for the Church Alive in 2018. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These sessions are focused on helping us clergy to change our ways of ministry. I was asked to be one of four priests to offer personal reflections on change in our lives, priesthood and ministries. Here's the talk I offered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Father Joe Mele asked me to offer some reflections on change in my life and my priesthood. I'm grateful for the invitation to speak. Let me offer an opening scene and three points (like a good Jesuit sermon).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The scene is St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. I'm a first year theologian. The year is 1974, less than ten years after the end of the Second Vatican Council. It's the annual alumni day. A visiting bishop-alumnus has just celebrated a Solemn High Mass at 10:30 a.m., and now the alumni, faculty and guests have made their way to the hall for appetizers and drinks, prior to the festive midday meal. Us fresh-faced seminarians are milling around, serving drinks and gawking at the elderly (to us) priest alumni.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Priests ordained 40 or more years are mingling and laughing, with a Manhattan in one hand and a cigarette in the other. They have beer bellies bigger than mine. These are the guys who went through the seminary when it was tough as nails, with all the prayers and lectures in Latin. They've been through the huge changes of Vatican II. Now they are doing what priests always do when they gather in social settings -- bitch about their bishop and the church. I overheard this comment: "I haven't read a book in 40 years, and I'm damn proud of it!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At that moment, I decide then and there, that's not going to be me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've always been fascinated by the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman. (Mark 7:25-30; Matthew 15:21-28, "Canaanite woman"). She is a feisty pagan, and she has the backbone to approach Jesus and ask a Jew for healing for her daughter. Jesus refuses. "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." She pleads, Lord, have mercy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus is firm. No. "It is not right to take the food to the children and throw it to the dogs." But this insult does not stop her. She is able to give back as good as she gets, after Jesus calls her "a dog." "Hey, even us dogs gotta eat!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is certainly not official teaching, but in this encounter I believe Jesus changed. Up until this point this faithful Jew had directed his ministry of teaching and healing only toward his fellow Jews. But this pagan woman taught him that other human beings needed to receive his ministry. From now one, he would widen his audience, proclaiming the reign of God to the Samaritans, and all folks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(As a side comment, not all biblical commentators share this understanding of the event. It may be retrojected back into his public ministry after the council of Jerusalem in 49 and Paul's successful appeals to faith in Jesus among the Gentiles. Who knows?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From this passage I conclude it is false to say, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Jesus was confronted, Jesus learned, Jesus changed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The way I have phrased this is we are all in the school of continuing education and formation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I may be personal for a moment,, I have grown significantly as a person, a Christian and a Catholic priest beyond the usual college and seminary studies, by these post-ordination schools of learning.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">RCIA. I started the second parish catechumenate in the Diocese of Pittsburgh in my first priestly assignment at St. Therese, Munhall. I followed Tom Tobin after he stared the first RCIA at St. Sebastian, Ross. Studying and learning the stages and liturgies of the RCIA, sharing them with catechumens and candidates through their growth in the faith, and teaching them to others was a source of great joy early in my priesthood.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Like all of us, I began ministry as an associate pastor (now parochial vicar). BUt one day I realized, I could become a pastor. I could do that!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I expanded my ministry by teaching adults, through the diocesan continuing ed program, and later at Duquesne University and the Byzantine Catholic Seminary.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">My graduate studies at Duquesne allowed me to learn and love Catholic social thought, and to share it through talks, a book and even a job.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I stumbled upon the little gem, "Getting to Yes," by the Harvard Negotiation Project, and learned to integrate sound principles of conflict resolution.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I learned Bowen family systems theory from Msgr. Jack McCarren by listening to him at the lunch table of St. Mary of Mercy rectory.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">With the help of my brothers in our priest support group I've tried to stay healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A spiritual director introduced me to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. What a joy to pray in profound silence for days on end. I've been blessed by doing 12 eight-day silent retreats, including the 30-day long retreat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">More self-knowledge through DISC and the "Good Leaders, Good Shepherds" program.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Now Father Mele's secretariat has introduced us to "StrengthFinders."</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each one of these has changed my attitudes, actions and background for ministry. These various programs have improved my performance as a priest and one who is trying to be a compassionate minister of the Gospel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now a new mantra is, "Do what you are good at." This is healthy stuff. I want to dive deeply into StrengthFinders, first to learn about myself and then to engage our parish staff as well. I hope that there will be positive fallout, even carryover, to the lay leadership -- pastoral council, finance council and On Mission leadership team members.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>My first point: I can change, with the help of new ideas.</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the Gospel we heard this past weekend, where Jesus heals the man born blind (John 9), his understanding of Jesus evolves: from calling Jesus a man, a prophet, of God, Son of Man and then Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a similar evolution I have changed as a pastor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a first-born son, so I'm naturally bossy. He, I realize, I can be a pastor, not realizing my limitations. Then from hard experience, I learn that being bossy is a lousy way of pastoring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My two assignments in diocesan administration taught me to be a team player, as well as a leader within my specific areas of responsibility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All four of my pastor assignments forced me to be an agent of change, not just a manager of people and administrator of buildings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Along the way, I think I picked up the smell of the sheep, just by doing the ordinary ministry of a parish priest (well before Pope Francis popularized the phrase). I was also learning from some of the great pastors of this diocese: Leonard, Rooney, Getty, Schultz, the brothers Farina, Vanyo, Rice, Kraus, Saladna, Dattillo, Bassompiere, all gone to their heavenly reward--and others who are today members of our presbyterate, active and retired.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Key elements were learning the value of pastoral planning, delegating and using staff wel, and engaging and respecting the wisdom of lay leaders of pastoral and finance councils.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I think I am a good administrator. But I am being stretched to be a better pastor, as well as chief evangelist for our four parishes in New Castle. Our demographics, culture and church have changed, and thereby force me to change too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know if I can become an evangelist. But there is no doubt that this is what is demanded by the times in which we live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Second point: I have changed, forced by circumstances and adapting to circumstances.</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me share a story. Fifteen years ago I was called into the clergy office. Bishop Wuerl wanted to transfer me. I was upset and confused. I loved my job in the social concerns secretariat of the diocese. I thought I was doing it well. In my anger, I said, I don't want to be transferred. I put up objections, but the sharp men of the clergy office knock them all down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I pray. I cry. I say to myself, I love what I'm doing. I don't want to move. I pray and reflect some more. The Holy Spirit intervenes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally I have my appointment with the bishop. He startles me, by having the two chairs in his office set side by side, not in the usual pattern of facing his desk like a schoolboy. Is this a signal that we are brothers, working together?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tell the bishop, you know I have resisted this reassignment. But in my discernment this biblical scene came to me (John 21). Jesus said to Peter, "Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." The Gospel continues, "He said this signifying by what kind of death he [Peter] would glorify God." Then Jesus said, "Follow me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tell Bishop Wuerl, yes, I'll move. I'll do what you want.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the perspective of 15 years, I can still see a slight smile on Wuerl's face. I imagined that he was thinking of his own faith journey: leaving Pittsburgh for an unexpected detour to Seattle, the disastrous first years as a bishop, all the pain along the way, his return to Pittsburgh as ordinary, and his slow evolution from alleged Vatican hatchet man to a wisdom figure in the U.S. conference of bishops. Of course, today he is cardinal archbishop of the nation's capital, and an advisor to three popes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>My third point: We re in a different church, in a different time. We must change. We're going where we do not want to go, but are led by the Lord Jesus.</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a different alumni day at St. Mary's Seminary long ago, I overheard another comment which has stuck with me. "This is not the church I was ordained in."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When my classmates and I gather for dinner, we say exactly the same thing to each other. "This is not the church we were ordained into." The church and its ministers, have had to change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been in the school of continuing education and formation all my life. What school are you in?</span></div>
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Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-52564843420526408052017-02-13T18:43:00.000-08:002017-02-13T18:43:05.694-08:00Back Story to a Front Page Story<span style="font-size: large;">Right after Christmas I received an email from Peter Smith, the religion editor of the <i>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</i>. We had corresponded by email last summer, when he was pursuing a story idea about the Diocese of Pittsburgh's "On Mission for the Church Alive" reorganization. But he never wrote the story, and obviously he never used my comments. I had never met the man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the midst of the email interview Peter learned that I was pastor of four parishes. (We have a couple of priests who pastor three parishes, and one who pastors one parish with four churches.) In his email Peter wanted to do a "one day in the life of a pastor who has four parishes" story. I was flattered, but wondered, where are the pitfalls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I consulted with some folks. My staff thought it was OK. My two associates thought I was crazy to open myself up to a reporter, but were good sports and were willing to go along with it. A couple of friends thought it was a great idea. But one friend, an attorney, said, "No way!" She was afraid of a "hack-job" article, and the writer saying things which made me, or our churches, look bad. She worried I would be misquoted, or taken out of context, or betray a parishioner confidence. She was doing what any good lawyer does, look at the "what's the worst thing that could happen."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I checked with the vicar general and the director of communications for the diocese. I told them, if they thought it wasn't a good idea, I would not go through with it. But they thought well of me, and said, go for it. They knew I had talked many times with reporters in the past. I hadn't put my foot in my mouth -- yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I gave the reporter some available dates on my calendar, ones that included meetings with representatives of all four parishes--our pastoral councils, finance councils, and On Mission team. He picked last Tuesday, February 7, to come to New Castle. It turned out the day was mild, so I only had to wear a suit coat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had agreed to do a 10 am funeral Mass that day in St. Vitus Church. That's the church you see so well on page 8, with the large mural behind the altar. The rest of the day was, conversation with the reporter and photographer, Andrew Rush, from 11 to 12 (including a 5 minute video interview, available on-line), our priests lunch at 12 noon in the dining room of Mary Mother of Hope rectory, visiting a classroom in St. Vitus School from 1:30 to 2, time in the Adoration Chapel from 4 to 5, dinner with Peter Smith from 5 to 6:30, and the pastoral council meeting in the Marian Room underneath Mary Mother of Hope Church from 7 to 8:30. It was a usual day for me, but not a unique day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The two of them, Andrew and Peter, followed me from 9 am to 9 pm. It was really weird being photographed at every turn by Andrew, but he was unobtrusive and only doing his job. Even when I went to the Adoration Chapel for my usual one hour time slot (4 to 5 pm every Tuesday), praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament, Andrew walked around me shooting. I personally think we Christians ought to take Jesus's words about praying literally. "Go into your inner room, close the door, and don't let anyone know you are praying." But while I sat or knelt in the chapel, I thought of Pope Francis, who is photographed every moment and at every turn, and still manages to pray in public.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peter Smith turned out to be a sensitive soul, and a good listener. He told me the best part of his job is meeting different people. Over dinner ("You treated me to lunch, I'll let my publisher treat you for dinner") we talked politics, church politics and the job of being a religion writer. I told him I had to commend the <i>Post-Gazette</i> for having a "religion beat." Ann Rodgers served that beat so well for more than 25 years. (Now Ann works for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.) Peter took over for Ann three years ago. Both Peter and Andrew are Presbyterian, but both were knowledgeable about our Catholic church and its ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the article appeared yesterday, I was flabbergasted that it was so long, and double flabbergasted that it appeared on the front page. But I am glad that I did it. It was no hack-job. The same friend who was worried about all the potential problems with such a story told me, after reading the article, "I think he really captured you, Frank. I was wrong to oppose doing it."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I agreed to the day-long interview, in my mind I was not doing it to pad my ego. I believe that what we are doing here in New Castle is honorable Catholic ministry, and a positive story that is under-appreciated. I believed that good could come out of such a long interview. Through Peter's clear, accurate writing, and Andrew's illuminating pictures, I think my belief came true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since the story has appeared, I've gotten lots of emails and texts, all of them complimentary. I pass them on to Peter Smith, the writer. I am only a representative of so many unsung, hard-working priests and pastoral ministers. I never imagined that this would be such a long story, and that my picture -- and my bald spot -- would be on the front page, above the fold, of the Sunday edition of the <i>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</i>. I just hope through this story that people -- Catholics and others -- see better the good that we priests, parish staff and parishioners are doing in and through our parishes.</span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-36732155567940952732017-02-12T10:41:00.001-08:002017-02-12T10:41:54.207-08:00Post-Gazette Article<span style="font-size: large;">Reporter Peter Smith and photographer Andrew Rush shadowed me for 12 hours last Tuesday. Peter had emailed me about the possibility of doing a story, "a day in the life of a priest who pastors four parishes." I was amenable, so were the powers that be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So read what they discovered. This article appears in the February 12, 2017 edition of the <i>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">http://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2017/02/12/New-Castle-pastor-finds-purpose-even-as-he-leads-four-parishes/stories/201702120095</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll offer more comments in a couple of days.</span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-75578647572154676662017-02-08T18:28:00.000-08:002017-02-08T18:47:52.592-08:0040 Suggestions for "Best Lent Ever" Part Two<span style="font-size: large;">Here is part two of my 40 suggestions for "the best Lent ever."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">21. Read one of the four Gospels from beginning to end. Takes about 3 hours, or maybe 30 minutes a week for six weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">22. Think about a habit that is keeping you from being whom God is calling you to be. Consciously give up that habit for Lent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">23. Lent started as a time of preparation for people who were preparing for baptism and sacraments at Easter. Pray for the parish's catechumens and candidates for full initiation. Pray for the 2nd graders who will be receiving First Holy Communion.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">24. Fast from drinking alcohol. Give the money you save to Catholic Charities.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">25. One morning a week don't turn on the radio on your commute to work in your car. Use the silence to reflect on God's creation around you, and the people you love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">26. If you don't have one, make out your will. Include that you wish to be buried with a funeral Mass in your parish. Reflect on what you want people to say about you after your death.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">27. Look up information about your patron saint, or a saint you'd like to learn more about. Ask for help from that saint.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">28. Tell a friend about Jesus, and how much you love him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">29. Give a compliment to a co-worker each day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">30. Fast from anger and resentment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">31. Write a letter to your congressperson about a political issue you are passionate about.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">32. Visit a local nursing home, and participate in one daily activity with the residents. Smile at folks when you walk down the corridors.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">33. Go 20 minutes early to Sunday Mass, and spend the time reading the Scriptural readings, and thinking about them, for that day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">34. Forgive an enemy, without expectations of thanks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">35. Review your charitable giving over the past year. What percentage of your total income do you give away to church and charity? Prayerfully consider whether you can increase your giving by 2%.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">36. Before shutting down your computer at the end of the work day, visit the online prayer website, www.sacredspace.ie .</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">37. Fast from pornography.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">38. List five things you are grateful for each day in Lent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">39. OK, you can give up chocolate and sweets (or tobacco/smoking) for Lent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">40. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday in the Roman Catholic tradition, and ends around noon on Holy Thursday. This is actually 46 days. Sundays are not counted as days of fasting or penance. Use the six Sundays of Lent to avoid work, relax and spent time with family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-24154513090933175512017-02-08T18:17:00.000-08:002017-02-08T18:46:03.289-08:0040 Suggestions for "Best Ever Lent" Part One<span style="font-size: large;">Lent is coming. Ash Wednesday is March 1. It's not too early to think about what you might do to make this "the best Lent ever." Let me offer 40 suggestions to help you, in recognition of the 40 days of Lent. Pray over this list, pick one or two (NOT all 40!) and commit to them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are adapted from suggestions I made for New Castle folks. Here's ##1-20.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Read the daily Scriptural readings for each Mass in Lent.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Say a decade of the rosary each day, or even a rosary each day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Volunteer at a local food pantry.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Have a technology-free day. Put away your cell phone, tablet, games, email and telephone. Spend time with your family, your spouse, a friend, or just time in quiet reflection.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Go to one daily Mass each week during Lent.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Attend the Stations of the Cross on Fridays (check your parish bulletin for schedule).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Invite someone to join you when you go to confession at a Lenten penance service.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Make a really really generous pledge or gift to the diocesan Parish Share Program for your parish.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Join a local Bible study.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Give up using curse or vulgar words. Penalize yourself $1 per word, and give the money to Catholic Charities.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Telephone a family member you've lost touch with.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Donate articles of clean clothing you haven't worn or don't need to the St. Vincent de Paul Society stores or Goodwill.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">One week in Lent pray for Pope Francis. One day each week pray for all church leaders.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Visit a local Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Sepnd 30 minutes in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Before you go to bed each night, say the Jesus prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Fast from cruel comments about neighbors or co-workers. Avoid gossiping or reading celebritye tabloids.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Make a list of the excesses in your life. Think about which ones you could do without.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If you don't have a cross or crucifix in your home or apartment, buy a simple one and put it in your bedroom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Get some friends together and go to a local church, VFW or club for Fish Fry meal on Fridays in Lent. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Research a charity you are interested in and commit to giving either time or a donation each month for the rest of the year. Find a way to gie time and talent to your parish by volunteering.</span></li>
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Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-86928614741031088802017-01-31T17:36:00.000-08:002017-01-31T17:36:14.354-08:00Homily from Pro-Life Mass: "Sanctuary"<span style="font-size: large;">This is the text of the homily given by Cardinal Timothy Dolan at the 2017 Pro-Life Vigil Mass on January 26, 2017, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"We have confidence of entrance into the <b><i>sanctuary</i></b>..." These are consoling words we heard in this evening's reading from the Bible. And here we gather in this splendid shrine of the Mother of Jesus, whom he gave to us as our mother, too, from his cross before he died.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Italians, the Spanish-speaking, would call this, not a shrine, but a <i><b>santuario</b></i>, a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How fitting indeed that we would assemble in a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i>, as we seek protection, grace, mercy and guidance in a holy, safe, secure place that reeks of the divine, that envelops us in God's embrace, where we sense the presence of our heavenly mother, as we are renewed by prayer, encouraged by the solidarity of so many brothers and sisters in the faith, as we are heartened by his Word, as we are nourished by the bread of angels, as we are sent out in confidence for our pro-life testimony tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"We do indeed have confidence within this <i><b>sanctuary</b></i>."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our ancestors in the faith, the People of Israel, sought such divine solace in their <i><b>sanctuaries</b></i>, remember?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary and Joseph brought Jesus annually to the <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> of the great temple in Jerusalem, didn't they?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through church history, those scared, in trouble or need, those on the run escaping pursuers, would claim <b><i>the right of sanctuary</i></b> as they rushed frightened and breathless in the safety of their Father's house, the <i><b>sanctuaries</b></i> of great churches like this one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pilgrims who left religious harassment in England sought such <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> in this land we now, with them, gratefully cherish as our earthly home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our grandparents and ancestors continued that grand tradition, coming to this country as immigrants, with hardly anything but the clothes on their back, but clinging within to that "pearl of great price," their faith, which inspired dreams and hopes for safety and security in a land they approached as a <b><i>sanctuary</i></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, refugees and immigrants continue to believe that this nation is still a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i>, as they arrive with relief and thanksgiving, and we pray they are never let down!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We come together this evening in a church we call a <b><i>sanctuary</i></b>, in a land historically termed a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i>, on a planet the Creator intended as an environment of a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To reclaim the belief of nature and supernature that a mother's womb is <i><b>the primal sanctuary</b></i>, where a helpless, innocent, fragile, tiny baby is safe, secure, nurtured and protected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Should it shock us, as Pope Francis asks in his ongoing global examination of conscience, that a culture that violently intrudes upon the life of a baby in the <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> of his or her mother's womb, would soon lose reverence for all places intended by God as safe, secure, and nurturing; that such a society would begin to treat the <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> of the earth's environment as a toxic waste dump; would begin to consider homes and neighborhoods as dangerous instead of as <i><b>sanctuaries</b></i> where families are protected and fostered; would commence to approach the poor as bothersome instead of brothers; would lock the doors to a nation celebrated as a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> to scared, scarred, and shivering immigrants eager for a new home, and would burden the dying with guilt for peacefully and patiently savoring each day until God takes them, pressuring them instead to suicide?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can any of us be safe, can any of us claim a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> anywhere when the first and most significant <b><i>sanctuary</i></b> of them all, the mother's womb protecting a tiny life, can be raided and ravaged?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think this evening of another <b><i>sanctuary</i></b>, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and the massive square leading into it, brilliantly designed by Bernini. When asked about the geometry of the massive colonnades surrounding the square, the artist explained that these were the arms of God, the outreach of Jesus gathering us in, the embrace of our Mother Mary and holy Mother Church, tenderly protecting her children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Behold our model, our paradigm...a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> which beckons us, where we are safe and secure in our mother's tender yet strong embrace, where the Creator himself assures us of protection and life itself, a <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> God has designed for us to protect our lives now and in eternity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Behold the baby in the <i><b>sanctuary</b></i> of the womb. Once that's violated, once a society deems it legal to invade it, the integrity of the natural and the supernatural are ruptured, and we have no place safe and secure left to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We praise you, dear God, for your assurances and encouragement of this evening; we have confidence in the sacredness of <i><b>sanctuary</b></i>, you intended to protect your children;p and we entrust to you all our efforts to uphold the sacredness of human life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As soon as I read this sermon, I knew that Cardinal Dolan, current chair of the U.S.C.C.B. committee for pro-life activities, was alluding to the spirit and person of the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, a former chair of the same committee. For it was Cardinal Bernardin who popularized the important concept of the "consistent ethic of life." In this understanding of Catholic moral theology, all human life has to be protected, from womb to tomb. It was a way of linking opposition to abortion, capital punishment, economic injustice, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and unjust war. The consistent ethic of life was also known by the image of a "seamless garment," in reference (John 19:23) to the garment taken from Jesus before he was crucified. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since Bernardin's death in 1996, many anti-abortionists and pro-lifers moved away from the seamless garment image and concept. They felt that it allowed Catholic politicians to support <i>Roe v. Wade</i> while still remaining Catholic; they felt that it knocked abortion down to "just one issue among many." From my reading of Bernardin's many sermons and talks, and others who followed up with theological reflection on this, I fervently disagree. But there is no doubt that a small but vocal slice of public Catholicism rejected and continues to reject the seamless garment, even as they sneered at Bernardin and his efforts to bring Catholic teaching into the public square of American culture and politics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, hurray for you, Cardinal Dolan. No one can doubt your bona fides as an out-spoken opponent of abortion. No one can doubt your orthodoxy as a Catholic churchman. And, perhaps for a new, younger, generation of pro-life advocates, you can again link determined opposition to abortion with several of the other anti-life evils of our world, in a seamless garment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cardinal Joseph Bernardin (1928-1996)</i></span></div>
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Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-74289057824455551572017-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:002017-01-16T19:07:08.975-08:00Commercials and Parables<span style="font-size: large;">The numbers are staggering. Americans watch an average of more than four hours of television a day. If you add this up over a year, it's 61 days. If you add this up over 40 years it's just shy of seven years. Phew! That's a lot of TV watching. What useful things could we do if we leave our easy chairs and break away from the "boob tube?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Further, at least 25% of this TV time is commercials. Haven't we seen our fill of sexy new cars, goofy insurance companies, skinny people eating fattening pizza, young people drinking beer, old people swallowing pills, and promotions for forgettable movies? (At least the despicable political commercials are gone for another four years.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Actors and directors have a love/hate relationship with commercials. All want to do "important work," yet production values have risen for these 30-second stories, and doing commercials sometimes pays the bills for starving talent. And once in a while a well-written commercial brings out the best in the human condition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the Christmas holidays I saw two commercials which touched my heart. One was for Toyota. The opening scene is a typical Friday night high school football stadium. Boys competing on the field in a playoff game. Time running out, the quarterback throws a pass into the end zone. The receiver catches it, but the referee rules he was out of bounds. No touchdown, the receiver's team loses. A huge disappointment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next scene is Dad and Mom driving their son home through a driving rainstorm. Dad sees a car broken down, and a soaked man trying to fix it. Dad pulls over, winds down the window and asked the stranded man if he'd like a ride. It's the referee! Dad says, "Son, move over." The receiver looks at the referee, dripping wet, looks at his father, then reluctantly moves over in the back seat. The referee says nothing, acknowledging the awkward moment, but gratitude is written all over his face. The receiver hands him a cloth to wipe his face. Simple human compassion beats a football loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second one is by Amazon. Two elderly clerics are enjoying conversation and a cup of tea in a rectory. One is a Muslim imam, the other a Catholic priest. As they make their goodbyes, both have trouble getting out of their chairs. Oh, those aching knees. The priest and imam embrace, and grin at each other as they depart, recognizing their shared stiffness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the imam walks home, he has an inspiration. He pulls out his smart phone, and buys something. The priest, back in his rectory, also has an idea. He does the same. (Commercial pitch--2 day free delivery with Amazon Prime!) In the next scene, an Amazon delivery person comes to each of the clerics's doors. Both gave the other the same helpful gift--a lime green knee brace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the concluding scenes, the imam puts on his knee brace, and then the priest does the same. Both kneel in prayer, in mosque and in church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This commercial is truly unique. Have we ever seen a priest in a commercial in a positive light, much less in genuine friendship with a Muslim leader? Interfaith relations are presented in a positive, personable light. When have we seen men at humble prayer, with bended knee? In our violence-filled world, a subtle yet powerful message of peace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I confess that the first time I saw this commercial I had tears in my eyes. There was no dialog, only a haunting piano score in the background. The bonds of affection between the clerics were clear. This is the way friends act. Isn't this the way we should act too?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My twelve years of seminary studies consisted of reading and studying the best textbooks of theologians, and the most important papal and episcopal statements. Yet one day someone said to me, "You know, Jesus never wrote a single thing. All he did was tell stories and live out stories of compassion."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These two commercials confirm the power of storytelling. How should we act? What kind of persons do we want to be? In the wasteland of television commercials and popular culture, these imaginative parables help us to see how to do the right thing and be good persons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can see these commercials on YouTube at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSxdZ97BWCU">Toyota</a> and at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouu6LGGIWsc">Amazon</a> .</span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-50023152909744304482017-01-16T18:41:00.001-08:002017-01-16T19:10:26.018-08:00Letter from a Dying Priest<i><span style="font-size: large;">Father Mike Crosby, O. F. M. Cap., is another noted spiritual writer. He is also a social activist. Recently he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and colon. Here is a circular letter he sent recently to members of his family, his Capuchin family, and his friends around the country. Truly an "encyclical."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When our Founder, St. Francis of Assisi, wrote his Testament, he urged us to greet people with the words of Jesus: "May the Lord give you peace." So, as I begin this blog post, I repeat the same to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't expect I would begin 2017 writing a blog like this but none of us knows the day nor the hour when some of us will hear the words, "You have cancer." This happened to me the last week of Advent. While I still don't know the extent of it and my prognosis, my GP has let me know that most people with my type of cancer die within the year of experiencing the symptoms. A CT scan shows I have cancer of the esophagus (four centimeters at the juncture of the esophagus and stomach) that also has entered at least one lymph node. It is lodged in an inaccessible place in the area of the esophagus, stomach and pancreas. I also have a cancer of the colon (which is in its initial stages). Because of this uncertainly I will have a PET scan on Friday, January 6. I will then meet with a radiologist and my oncologist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While studying in Berkeley, I had a very bad car accident. My injuries later turned into blood clots. When the doctor told me I might die, my first reaction surprised me: "That wouldn't be too bad." This led me to try to maintain the same attitude if I lived and if something like this would ever happen again. A key element of this involved having no hard feelings in my heart against anyone. It seems this time has now arrived. So, while I am prepared for that day and hour (for which I'm not volunteering) I have no especial desire to postpone it. This gives me great peace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I can't yet answer the question, "What's the prognosis?" I can respond to a question many have asked me since I've received the diagnosis: "How are you doing with all of this news?" Simply said, I'm doing (to my own surprise and gratitude) very well. Not only am I not afraid of Sister Death; I find something deeper is happening in me. And for this I cannot thank St. Francis of Assisi but the founder of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius of Loyola.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may recall that when the Jesuit Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope, he did not take the name "Francis" to honor the Jesuit missionary disciple, St. Francis Xavier; rather he took the name of our founder, Francis of Assisi. Well, conversely, I have learned something very important from St. Ignatius. He wrote the <i>Spiritual Exercises</i>; I prayed them for 30 days some years ago and have been forever thankful for the experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many of us who attended Catholic grade school were asked in Catechism: "Where is God?" We dutifully replied: "God is everywhere." Now that I have an adult faith that response is becoming ever more meaningful. Heaven isn't a "place" that we "go to" but a way of being in relationship with and connected to G</span><span style="font-size: large;">od and all God's people, whether friend or foe, now and forever. This realization led me to adapt something from the <i>Exercises</i>. I greet each day praying: "Loving, Trinitarian God, grace me to seek and find you in everything and to love and serve your Divine Majesty in everyone and everything."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now at this time of my cancer, I can thankfully say, I have found God's real presence in my cancer and all those cell-critters that are fighting the good cells in me. "This is my body" too, another form of the Eucharistic banquet of life to which I now find myself invited. I don't know if I'd have this assurance without faith and know many without it also find such acceptance in the face of their cancer too. But I believe it and it grounds me and sustains me. I also am sustained in this faith by a passage from Exodus 15:2. I read it the other day during the Prayer of the Church shortly after my diagnosis: "God is my strength; this is the God who saves me. This is the God I praise, the God of my people."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You, good reader, are "my people" and for this I am most grateful. As we continue this part of my journey, I am thankful that we have been able to walk together and hope it will be a long, long time before we part ways here on this earth!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In hope, Mike</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. If you want to make a donation in my name, I'd ask that you consider our Province, the Midwest Capuchin Franciscans. We still are not fully funded for our retirement and health care (which will be at my service these days) nor for the care of the significant number of men who are now in the process of making their full commitment (vows) to our way of life. You can send anything you desire to St. Benedict Friary, 1015 N. Ninth Street, Milwaukee WI 53233. Thanks for this too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Father Mike Crosby, O.F.M. Cap.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A personal connection. One day several summers ago I was preparing for Sunday Mass at St. Mary's Church in Sharpsburg (St. Juan Diego Parish), where I was pastor. I saw a bunch of men in brown robes walk into the church, and sit in the middle pews. Most were young, in their 20's, one an older, bald man. It was very unusual for us to have men in brown robes in our church! But Mass went on. That day, for a Spirit-filled (but unknown to me) reason, I preached on connecting the Gospel to everyday life. Somehow I mentioned as an example the difficulty the city transit authority was having getting stable funding. I said, I have a car, and find it easy to get around. But what about people on the margins, who need bus transportation. Supporting their need was an act of solidarity in this community.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>After Mass, I greeted the men in brown robes. As I had guessed, they were Capuchin Franciscans, in stages of formation. And yes, the bald leader of the pack was Father Mike Crosby, whom I had never met. He complimented me on my sermon, which was right up his (social justice) alley. I mentioned I had read several of his books. I dropped the name of a friend whom I knew he knew from his years of working in the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility in New York City, and internationally. Mike said he was giving a retreat to Capuchin novices and seminarians in Pittsburgh, and thought it would be good to go to "an ordinary parish church" for Sunday Mass. How small the world is, that a famous author and speaker would end up in tiny Sharpsburg. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pray for Mike. Share his words.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-65234506460686435182017-01-16T18:00:00.003-08:002017-01-16T18:00:51.778-08:00Five Nice & Easy Pieces of Advice for a Happier New Year<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Here is a new year's piece by noted contemporary spiritual writer <b>Father Jim Martin, S.J.</b> "Nice and easy!" This sounds like a talk he gave. The advice may be "simple" but it is sure down-to-earth.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, we all like making lists of New Year's Resolutions. And most of the time--well, much of the time--we have a really hard time keeping them because they're so difficult. Lose 20 pounds. Read a new book a month. Avoid all sodas and alcohol. Don't eat any chocolate again. Stand up to my boss. Go to the gym every day. Sometimes you feel defeated by January 2!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But how about five simple things you can do to be happier--which you really can do? Here are five easy things you can do for a happier life this year. And they're a lot easier than losing 20 pounds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>1. Be a Little Kinder.</b></u> I think that 90% of the spiritual life is being a kind person. No need to have any advance degrees in theology or moral reasoning, and no need to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the world's religious traditions, to get this: Be gentler and more compassionate towards other people. In other words, say "thank you" and "please." Ask people how they are. Listen more carefully when they speak to you. Don't say snotty things about them behind their backs. Basically, give them the benefit of the doubt. I know that sometimes you feel like acting like a jerk--you feel justified because of the way you're being treated--but you don't have to. Most of the time you have a choice: I can be a jerk or I can be kind. Be kind. You'll find that you'll be happier with yourself at the end of the day. And, as an added benefit, everyone around you will be happier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>2. Relax a Bit More.</b></u> Let's not belabor the point: a lot of us are rushing around like lunatics these days. Overbooked. Overscheduled. Overworked. Crazy busy. Exhausted. Checking our phones and iPads and blah blah blahs every five seconds. Do you really, really, need to be checking in every few minutes? Can you set those things aside for just a little bit? And aren't there just a few tasks you can let go of? A few months ago I realized that I had completely booked myself for the next few months and started to bet a little overwhelmed. The more I thought about these supposedly fun things, the more depressed I got. I had to ask myself: How many of these things did I really have to do? For me, the answer was about there-quarters of them. The other quarter I could let go of. Maybe the proportion is different for you, but looking at cutting back a bit is a good exercise. Relaxing a little bit more can lead to more creativity, more time to think, and more time to pray. Paradoxically, it may make you more productive. It'll certainly make you happier--and again, everyone around you happier because you're not stressing everyone else out with your stress. I'm not saying check out completely, or quit your job, or tell everyone that you're stopping every activity you presently do. Just relax a little more. You're a human being not a human doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">3. Enjoy Nature More.</b> Look up at the sky. It's pretty amazing. Every moment of the day. Yesterday where I saw staying it was a brilliant blue. Clear. Cloudless. Ahhhhh. Enjoy it. How about noticing something as the trees in your neighborhood? Are you watching them cycle from spring green to green to red to barren? Give yourself a few seconds to be aware of that. If you life in a city, can you notice the wind on your face or the occasional burst of sunshine peeping through the gray buildings? If you're lucky enough to live by the ocean or a lake, well, I envy you! Notice nature a little more. It's always changing and so it's always a surprise. And can you thank God for the natural things that you notice everyday? Natural beauty is, I think, happy-making for most of us; and being more grateful to God will add even more to your happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>4. Be a Little More Grateful.</b></u> Try this: Notice the small daily things that you tend to overlook. The stuff you take for granted or like, but don't really consider "special." The taste of your favorite cereal or coffee or juice in the morning. An unexpected phone call from a friend. Your child's laugh or a nephew's or niece's giggle. Your cat's crazy antics. A funny TV show. A small house job finally finished. Stop and savor those little things. And say thanks to God. I'm not saying that you can't be sad or bummed out. Life's really tough sometimes. Most times. But I'll bet that there are a few things in your life that make you feel lucky. Just a few seconds a day is all it takes. Gratitude is the gateway to the spiritual life. Open that door today. You'll be a happier person once you step through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>5. Pray Just a Tiny bit More.</u></b> I'm not saying that you need to enter a monastery or take out a mortgage on a hermitage. But just a few more minutes a day is enough to jumpstart your spiritual life. Think of it as a relationship. If God is important to you, wouldn't you want to spend some one-on-one time with God? That's what prayer is. And there's no best, or only way, to pray. Whatever works best for you--imagining yourself with God, quietly meditating on a favorite Scripture passage, or reciting an old prayer that comforts you--is what's best for you. Just a little bit of prayer will help you feel in closer touch with God. And that relationship, because it connects you to the transcendent and makes you feel less alone in those tough times I mentioned, will make you happier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There. Those aren't so hard, are they? Be kind. Relax a little bit. Enjoy nature more. Be a little more grateful. Pray just a tiny bit more. You can do all those. And in doing those you'll be happier. And have a Happy New Year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Father Jim Martin, S. J.</i></span></div>
<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-55937903426980445952016-11-23T11:54:00.000-08:002016-11-23T11:54:48.136-08:00Themes of a Life<span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago in my weekly column in our bulletin ( available here: www.catholicnewcastle.org ) I mentioned that one of the themes of my life has been gratitude. Another is education. From my earliest memories I recall the importance my parents placed on my brothers and me doing well in school. Mom and Dad were children of the Great Depression. Dad did graduate from high school, Mom was a 10th grade dropout. Both did not want their sons to work in the coal mine or steel mill as did Dad, or as a janitor, as did Mom. Education was their golden highway to success.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This may be an odd scene from my childhood, so bear with me. I have a vivid memory of one night taking a bath. I think I was in the 7th grade. As I was in the tub, Dad came into the bathroom, sat on the toilet seat, and began to tell me how important it was that I worked hard in grade school, succeed, and went on to high school and college. This vivid memory has stuck with me all these years, because (1) I was embarrassed by Dad coming in to see me; (2) Dad talked to me so long I started to shiver as the bathwater got cold; and (3) Dad was clearly pouring out his heart about something urgent to him, and so to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom and Dad's desire came true. All four of us finished college, three of us have graduate degrees. Education was and is meaningful to us. Further, as a priest I came to treasure teaching adults about the Catholic faith, in various parishes through the diocesan adult education program, at Duquesne University, in the diocese's permanent diaconate program and now at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh (where I am an adjunct professor of moral theology).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why do I mention this? Somewhere in my education career the church taught me that learning was a lifetime endeavor. It was not enough to earn a degree. Faith formation, and growth in God's grace through the sacraments, was my responsibility to nurture and building on cradle to grave, assisted by the church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was the message Bishop Waltersheid tried to impart to our 77 young adults who received the sacrament of Confirmation last month. Confirmation was not the end of CCD. It is the beginning of a lifetime of learning Jesus, living Jesus, loving Jesus and sharing Jesus. And I dare to say it should be your witness too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our parishes have offered many classes and talks over the past several years, most successfully the 24 week bible study, with over 100 adult learners. A four-session explanation of the Mass begins in a week. The diocese continues to offer a number of interesting courses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And, of course, anyone can pick up the bible to pray or read, or borrow or buy a book to read. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next year the parishes of Lawrence County will be working together to offer growth in the Catholic faith through a program called <i>Christlife</i>. Our evangelization task force is considering other programs for leadership development and maturing in the Catholic faith for parishioners. <b><i>On Mission for the Church Alive</i></b> offers many avenues for ministering to others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The message is the same, whether 13, 33, 63 or 93: All of us believers in Jesus Christ are responsible for growing in faith and knowledge. We can make use of the ordinary--and still very valuable--means of practicing one's faith. These include daily prayer, participating in Sunday Mass each and every week, receiving Holy Communion reverently and frequently, going to confession a couple times a year, reading and studying the bible, reading Catholic authors from ancient times and today, praying the rosary, spending quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament in our Adoration Chapel, and being willing to share our faith with our family and neighbors. Every Catholic learns differently, and each of us has to find out what works to grow in the love of God in our lives. All of us are in the "dynamic ongoing school of faith development." We can hope that the Holy Spirit, who taught his apostles and hungry crowds, and who bestowed the Holy Spirit on all his followers, guide our efforts to know, love and serve him better. </span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-36924787925047760462016-11-23T11:30:00.001-08:002016-11-23T11:30:46.958-08:00A Prayer for Thanksgiving<span style="font-size: large;">We used this prayer at our most recent meeting of the Pastoral Councils of the city of New Castle parishes. I saw on line that it was attributed to "an unknown Confederate soldier." Well, wherever it came from, it's very appropriate to the season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I asked for health, that I might do greater things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I asked for riches, that I might be happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was given poverty, that I might be wise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I asked for power, that I might have the praise of people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I received nothing that I asked for, but everything that I hoped for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am among all people, most richly blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amen.</span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-12811410562531903752016-11-02T15:02:00.000-07:002016-11-02T17:23:48.364-07:00Bad News and Good News from the Holy Land<span style="font-size: large;">It was one year ago this week that 32 pilgrims, along with our expert guide Mrs. Helene Paharik and me, visited the holy shrines of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the Galilee. My memories are still fresh for these very special eight days of travel, prayer, common meals and fellowship. When these sites come up in the lectionary's gospel readings--such as yesterday for the Beatitudes, or this past Sunday, for the cute story of Zaccheus in Jericho--my imagination and memory go wild in having these stories, and places, burst into view in my brain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two of the holy shrines we visited, and most Christian pilgrims visit, have been in the news lately. One good, one bad. Let's start with the sad one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometime in the night of October 24, vandals and burglars broke into the Church of the Transfiguration atop Mt. Tabor. They destroyed the tabernacle, desecrated the Sacred Hosts, and stole the ciborium after throwing the Hosts on the floor. Icons were damaged, chalices were stolen, and the donation box was robbed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The tabernacle at the Church of the Transfiguration in Israel, desecrated by burglars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There have been other Christian churches in the Holy Land which have been vandalized by Jewish extremists. Last year we saw some of their anti-Catholic graffiti and their arson attempt at the shrine of Tabgha, on the Sea of Galilee. But church officials said they believe only robbery was the motive in this instance, since there was not graffiti painted on the church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This act of robbery strikes me as odd, since the church sits atop 1,500 foot high mountain. The way most people get there is by taxi or tour bus. Almost nobody walks up the steep slopes, where Jesus and three of his closest friends went to pray, and his appearance was physically changed. According the gospels, Jesus conversed with the prophets Elijah and Moses. This location is next to a Franciscan monastery, whose friars guard the church and grounds. So how did the robbers get there? And how did they get down the mountain? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember this site vividly, as the simple lines of the late 19th century church moved me to prayer. I must have sat in the cool of the church for 30 minutes or more, admiring the icons on the walls and taking in the presence of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a blessed more positive note, in Jerusalem archaeologists have been deconstructing the facade of the Edicule, the shrine which houses what is believed to be the tomb of Jesus within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Edicule has been held up by scaffolding for a long time, as water has damaged the shrine. This act of conservation in itself is a minor miracle, as the five Christian denominations which control parts of the Holy Sepulchre Church have not been able to agree on anything for decades.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But news broke the other day that after the marble cladding was removed, the researchers found first a layer of fill material, and then another marble slab with a cross carved into its surface. It is believed that the original limestone burial bed where the crucified body of Jesus was laid was revealed intact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>National Geographic</i>'s archaeologist-in-residence, Fredrik Hiebert, said, "I'm absolutely amazed. My knees are shaking a little bit because I wasn't expecting this. We can't say 100 percent, but it appears to be visible proof that the location of the tomb has not shifted through time, something that scientists and historians have wondered for decades." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chief scientific supervisor Professor Antonia Moropoulou of the National Technical University of Athens, who is directing the conservation and restoration of the Edicule, said, "This is the Holy Rock that has been revered for centuries, but only now can actually be seen."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition, researchers confirmed the existence of the original limestone cave walls within the 18th century Edicule, which encloses the tomb. A window has been cut into the southern interior wall of the shrine to expose one of the cave walls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to a story on the <i>National Geographic</i> website, when Constantine's representatives arrived in Jerusalem around 325 to locate the tomb of Christ, they were allegedly pointed to a temple build by the Roman emperor Hadrian some 200 years earlier. Historical sources suggest that Hadrian had the temple built over the tomb to assert the dominance of Roman state religion at the site venerated by Christians. But his action actually seemed to have preserved the site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">According the church historian Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea, the Roman temple was razed and excavations beneath it revealed a rock-cut tomb, just as the gospels stated. The top of the cave was sheared off to expose the interior, and a church was built around it to enclose the tomb. This church was destroyed in 1009, and rebuilt a century later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This restoration has been going on for months, but the burial bed was only left exposed for 60 hours. It was extensively photographed and all work recorded by video. The burial bed has been resealed in its original marble cladding dating to 1555, and may not be exposed again for centuries or even millennia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year Helene and I were able to visit the Holy Sepulchre three times, and twice we entered the Edicule to pray. I also celebrated Mass in a side chapel of the Holy Sepulchre Church for our group. Only feet away from the tomb is the actual hill of Golgotha. Once can hardly describe the feelings you have to get down on your hands and knees, reach down under a marble altar, and touch the actual stone of the site where Jesus was crucified. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Both of these sites I hope to visit again one year from now. I have begun preparations, with Unitours of New York, which guided our tour last year, to spiritually lead another pilgrimage to the Holy Land from October 31--November 7, 2017. Let me know if you are interested in joining us. </span>Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-6032884090472276462016-10-31T14:15:00.002-07:002016-10-31T14:17:13.990-07:00Jubilee Year of Mercy Soon to End<span style="font-size: large;">In three weeks on Sunday, November 20, the Roman Catholic Church will celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King (or as it is formally titled in the Roman Missal, "Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe"). This day also marks the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How does anyone judge the "success" of a Jubilee Year? Certainly the Vatican can point to the several international pilgrimages Pope Francis made during this year: to Sweden, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Greece, Mexico and to World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. Literally millions of people have themselves made the pilgrimage to Rome to see and hear the Holy Father and walk through the Holy Door of St. Peter Basilica. Untold millions have journeyed to Holy Doors of cathedrals, chapels and shrines in their own diocese. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(The website of the Jubilee Year, <b>www.im.va</b> , incredibly states that 19,246,338 persons have participated in the Jubilee in Rome, as of October 24. How do they know this?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Image result for jubilee year of mercy" height="91" 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" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Catholics are just beginning to gain insight into the love of husband and wife in the sacrament of marriage by reading the apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis, <i>Amoris Laetitia, The Joy of Love.</i> The them of "Merciful like the Father" has been tweeted and re-tweeted around the world, as the key understanding of Pope Francis's ministry of Christ-like service, and the witness of Christians everywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But more importantly than these externals are the spiritual exercises known only to God conducted by Catholics and other Christians. These include the gift of plenary indulgences offered to the faithful who received Holy Communion, made a confession, and prayed for the Holy Father and his intentions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How many souls were re-awakened to the challenges and joys of performing the corporal works of mercy: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">feeding the hungry</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">giving drink to the thirsty</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">clothing the naked</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">welcoming the stranger</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">healing the sick</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">visiting the imprisoned</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">burying the dead.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or how many have carrying out the spiritual works of mercy:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">counselling the doubtful</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">instructing the ignorant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">admonishing sinners</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">comforting the afflicted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">forgiving offenses </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">bearing those who do us ill patiently</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">praying for the living and the dead.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We priests know that our dear pope's kindly persistent references to mercy allowed us to be vehicles of God's forgiveness in the sacrament of confession (reconciliation) to larger numbers of penitents in Advent, Lent and throughout the year. In other words, like St. Peter we caught a great deal of big fish, and were blessed to bring them God's life and love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bishop Zubik was moved by the Jubilee Year of Mercy to waive all fees associated with the annulment process in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This act has opened the door for so many more persons to seek a nullity of their prior marriage, and to move toward the sacrament of matrimony and more grace-filled lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We in New Castle had an official pilgrimage to the Holy Doors of St. Paul Cathedral and St. Anthony Chapel. At the end of June 52 parishioners joined me in a wonderful journey to Pittsburgh. In two weeks I will accompany the children, chaperone parents and faculty of St. Vitus School on a similar prayer-filled and joy-filled pilgrimage to these beautiful churches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the Jubilee Year of Mercy brought home the many references to mercy in the bible. Here are a few:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 136 ("For his mercy endures forever")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Luke 15: 1-32 (parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the merciful father with two sons)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 18:22 ("forgive 70 times seven times")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ("Love is patient, kind, not rude")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ephesians 4:26 ("Do not let the sun go down on your anger")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 John 4:8 ("God is love")</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In every Sunday Mass we celebrate God's mercy</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">in the penitential act ("May Almighty God have mercy on us")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Gloria ("You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Creed ("I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Eucharistic Prayer III ("In your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Lord's Prayer ("Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us") </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Truly any success of this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy will be found in the days and years to come as we act upon the lessons offered and learned. </span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When families more readily forgive.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When the unborn, children, elderly, persons with disabilities and immigrants are given full human dignity.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When diplomats are busy building peace and soldiers can stand down from waging war.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When we desire to grow in the wealth of humble service, not mammon.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When our parishes are hospitals for the sick and sin-filled.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When our common home, the earth, is treated with mercy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When our daily prayer is enflamed by the words of Pope Francis: "Jesus Christ is the face of the Father's mercy.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the few days remaining for this Jubilee Year, may we revel in the superabundance of God's mercy. May the blessings and joy of God's ineffable mercy because of our experiences of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-58323005670410707832016-10-31T13:45:00.002-07:002016-10-31T13:45:29.403-07:00Things I've Heard<span style="font-size: large;">Here are three comments I heard recently, and my responses.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"YOU PRIESTS TALK ABOUT MONEY ALL THE TIME!" </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Sorry about the all caps. This one is usually shouted at me.) Three years ago I heard this when the Diocese of Pittsburgh conducted<i><b> Our Campaign for the Church Alive</b></i>. The goal for the entire diocese was $150 million. Over $233 million was pledged. Our goal for the four parishes in New Castle was $2.7 million, which we reached with the help of less than 15% of our total census population. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I also heard this thrown at me several times in the past few weeks, as our four parishes conducted "Together in Faith, Sharing our Gifts," our gentle effort to promote Christian Stewardship and to suggest increasing Offertory donations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have to say, this saying hurts. When this is thrown at me, the accuser also says I don't preach the Gospel of Christ, and implies that I (and all priests) are greedy. Here's the fact: Priests never ask for money for themselves. They only ask for contributions for the church and its ministries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I push back by responding, "OK, when was the last time you heard the priest at Sunday Mass actually talk about money." "Well, when I was a kid the priest always talked about money." "How old are you?" "76."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's also true that Jesus talked about money--a lot--more than love, heaven and hell. Eleven of 39 parables deal with money. Once scholar reports that one of every seven verses in the Gospel of Luke speaks of money. In the bible as a whole, depending on your definition of money and possessions, somewhere between 800 and 2,000 verses address this subject.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that I (and my brother bishops, priests and deacons) do not "talk money" every Sunday. We take our preaching topics from the biblical readings in the lectionary, or the feastday, or the saint. If we do talk about money, however, it is to to ask the same question Jesus asks: What is in your heart? Money (and possessions) are means to an end, not the end itself. How we spend and use money, whether we are generous or selfish, reveals our character and our values. Jesus asked for wholehearted devotion to the Kingdom of God. This includes our time, talents and treasure. We express our devotion to God's will, and our desire to help our neighbor, through our time, talents--and money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do talk money once a year, on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, which is the kickoff for the <b>Parish Share Program</b> in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I do this to encourage ever faithful parishioners to make a pledge or gift to <b>PSP.</b> But the bigger reason I address <b>Parish Share </b>is to point out how our parishes in New Castle are in communion with the other 188 parishes in the diocese, and how we need each other to build up this local church. <b>Parish Share</b> is not just another collection. it is a tangible expression of our spiritual communion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was the answer I put in our bulletin yesterday. But upon reflection, I have to add that I have never heard this accusation said (or shouted) at me by someone who regularly gives to the church. Inevitably it is used by those who do not give, and do not understand the value and necessity of giving to their parish/church. Isn't that interesting?</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"I don't need to be registered to be a Catholic."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No, you don't. But. On the positive side, being registered and in the census of a parish is each baptized Catholic's way of saying my faith is not just about <i>me</i>. It's also about <i>us</i>. Each of us is connected to one another in the Body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12), and particularly, with our sisters and brothers in the parish (and thereby, by extension, in the diocese). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Negatively, your parish doesn't know you unless you're registered (or an under 21-year-old is registered under her/his parents). This becomes a problem when someone who is not registered in one of our parishes is asked to be a godparent for baptism, or a sponsor for Confirmation. If you are not in our census, it makes it very difficult for the pastor to give you a "sponsor slip," an acknowledgement to another parish and pastor that you are baptized and confirmed, attending Mass, in a valid sacramental marriage (if married), and <i>an active member of the parish</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Folks sometimes say, "But I was baptized at St. Vitus Parish!" Great! But being <i>baptized</i> in a parish, 20 or 40 o 60 years ago does not mean you are <i>registered</i> in the parish, particularly if you moved at any time in your life or you do not currently live in the great New Castle area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Parish registration is easy. One can stop by the parish office, or call, or visit the parish website, to join. It only takes a few minutes of filling out basic information. If someone is in doubt whether she/he is registered, a short phone call can clear up the mystery. Like the old American Express commercial, "Membership has its privileges."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This question came up in the Q&A in a recent edition of <i>Our Sunday Visitor.</i> The priest answering said that parish registration is a peculiarly American practice. I didn't know that. But if the "world" of a parish was a small village in Italy or France, and the priest had been at the parish for a long time, sponsor slips and computerized census forms would not be necessary. He knew everyone. All the information needed would be in the parish priest's head. But that's not the case now, with our transient society and parishes of 10,000 souls or more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>"I don't believe Bishop Zubik when he says no decisions have been made in On Mission for the Church Alive."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To this remark I can only say, it is a fundamental Christian act to accept that people are telling the truth. St. Ignatius of Loyola taught that Christian charity leads us to a "presupposition" to put a good interpretation on another's statement, rather than condemn it. The first step in any relationship is compassion and understanding. Time may reveal that another is lying, but our first response is to take that person at his/her word. We have to take Bishop Zubik at his word, and accept that no decisions have been made by him or by the diocese for <i style="font-weight: bold;">On Mission for the Church Alive. </i>These decisions will come in the first quarter of 2018. </span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-55074618400660245532016-10-05T14:25:00.003-07:002016-10-05T14:25:56.890-07:00Charities Accountable <span style="font-size: large;">A couple of days ago the New York attorney general's office announced that it had ordered Donald Trump's personal charity to cease fundraising immediately. It had determined that the Donald J. Trump Foundation was violating state law by soliciting donations without proper authorization. The foundation had 15 days to register with the state as a charity that solicits money, as well as to provide financial audit reports for any year it had solicited money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">James G. Sheehan, head of the charities bureau in the office of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, wrote that if Trump's foundation does not comply, it will be considered "a continuing fraud upon the people of New York."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Trump Foundation has come under increasing scrutiny by reporter David A. Fahrenthold of the <i>Washington Post</i>, who over the past several months has tried to shed light on the Republican presidential nominee's assertion that he had given millions of dollars to charities, and to which organizations. Among many discoveries Fahrenthold found that "The Donald" has stopped giving his own foundation any personal money in 2008. With its founding in 1987, Trump himself was the foundation's only <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-foundation-ordered-to-stop-fundraising-by-ny-sttorney-generals-office/2016/10/03/1d4d295a-8987-11e6-bff0-d53f592f176e_story.html">source of money</a>. Between 1987 and 2008, he donated $5.4 million to his own foundation. Since 2008, the foundation has received donations from a wide variety of people and organizations: Vince and Linda McMahon (pro wrestling executives), NBC Universal, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Comedy Central, Richard Ebers (NY businessman) and others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a statement the Trump campaign spokesperson said the foundation "intends to cooperate fully with the investigation."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This news story brought back a long forgotten memory. In the winter of 1978-79, I was one of eight people in Pittsburgh who worked to open a soup kitchen in the Hill District. The steel mills had begun to shut down, and unemployment ran high in the city. We were determined to help people with a free meal who were on the streets or on the margins. The Jubilee Soup Kitchen opened on November 11, 1979. Sister Liguori Rossner, our first executive director, has recalled that at the time the soup kitchen had only $9.39 in its checking account. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had begun raising funds during the winter in order to open in a leased (for $1 a year) building owned by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Pittsburgh on Wyandotte Street, off Fifth Avenue. Over the next two years we increased our fundraising, with personal appeals to our friends and neighbors and churches, and with an annual variety show and dinner at St. Anne's Parish in Castle Shannon. My friend, and president of our founding committee, Father Jim Garvey was associate pastor there, and with the help of my cousin Rudy Richtar, who did the cooking, and the late Jude Puhl, who directed the show, we filled the school auditorium, ran a 50/50 raffle and raised some money (how much I've forgotten).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I haven't forgotten was one meeting of our organizing committee. After two years it was clear Jubilee was a going concern. Sister Liguori was our leader (and only paid employee), volunteers continued to come and help, food purveyors made donations when we begged and we were helping people. But we were not legal. We took in donations and paid our bills--but we were violating the commonwealth of Pennsylvania's laws regarding a "public charity." At this meeting, one member of our founding committee vehemently opposed filing the necessary papers to become a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. In Father Jim's words, he was an "anarchist," and wanted nothing to do with supporting corrupt government. He only wanted to help homeless and near-homeless people by feeding them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rest of us wanted to do the same thing--but we didn't want to go to jail, or at least, not be arrested for violating the law. Jubilee was beginning to get into the newspapers. We were public and a going concern. Getting publicity brought more offers for volunteering and donations. We didn't want to shut down our good works, or be accused of failing our brothers and sisters who came between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for a free meal. So our committee voted (with one nay) in favor of using a lawyer friend's pro bono offer to prepare the necessary papers to become legal. Our anarchist friend then left the committee, which became the board of directors of Jubilee Association, Inc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years <a href="http://www.jubileesoupkitchen.org/">Jubilee</a> has grown in its service to the poor. In 1980 the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food <a href="http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/">Bank</a> was started on the second floor, above the soup kitchen. Later Jubilee expanded its services to helping guests (not clients) find jobs, get health services, receive in-home delivery, and help families with day care and parent education programs. I left the board of directors in 1993, after 14 years, when I became a pastor on the North Side and could not find the time to continue my volunteer help. But others blessedly continue the ministry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That decision to incorporate, with its paperwork, audits and legalization, has been vindicated in the lives helped over the decades by the Jubilee Association, Inc. That decision also confirmed in me the understanding that public charity has to be accountable to its many audiences: the clients served, the generous benefactors, donors and volunteers, its own mission statement and listing of values, and finally the general public. Public charities are accountable. I have supported that value every time I became a director of a not-for-profit organization. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe the Donald J. Trump Foundation needs to learn that lesson too.</span><br />
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Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-595249755745654912016-09-30T19:08:00.000-07:002016-10-05T14:37:52.220-07:00Another Anniversary<span style="font-size: large;">You know all the cheap sayings: "Time flies when you are having fun." "Time flies, but memories last forever." "The older you get the faster time flies." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But they are all true. Which leads me to say I celebrated another anniversary of my priesthood ordination, number 38. Our Diocese of Pittsburgh class was the "no pope" class. By dumb luck--or divine providence--my 11 classmates and I were ordained two days after the untimely and unexpected death of Pope John Paul I, Albino Luciani. Two weeks later, on October 16, 1978, Pope (and now saint) John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla, was elected. the "year of three popes" was a good year for the church, and for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I celebrated in the best way possible, by saying Mass for the children and teachers of St. Vitus School. The kids gave me a pack of hand-drawn cards, which they know I love. And so I asked them to join me in a photo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our priesthood class will gather with family for the Eucharist and a meal this Sunday, as we do every year. May we have a few more years of proclaiming God's love and mercy, of serving the People of God through priestly ministry, of sharing the wisdom of the Spirit. "Jesus said, 'When you have done all you have been commanded, say, "We are useless servants, we have only done what we were obliged to do.'"" (Luke 17:10)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The Pittsburgh Ordination Class of 1978: (l-r) Fathers Dan Whalen (honorary), Tim Whalen, Bob Cedolia, Sam Esposito, Mike Decewicz, Vic Molka, Ben Vaghetto, Rich Yagesh, Frank Almade. Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Holy Sepulcher Church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">My brother Martie joins me in Holy Sepulcher Church, Butler, Pennsylvania. </span><br />
<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-78460876207169856692016-09-30T18:36:00.000-07:002016-09-30T19:11:14.639-07:00Captain Sidney Crosby<span style="font-size: large;">Being a fan (short for fanatic) is fun. You get to watch the game, root for your team, rejoice when they win, move on to the next thing on your to-do list when they lose. At it's best, fans and sports teams get to rise up a nation (USA Olympic team, 1980; 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks post 9/11)) or city (1970s Pittsburgh by the Super Steelers in the midst of the demise of the steel industry; 2016 Cleveland by LeBron"The Promise" James and the Cavaliers). At it's worst, being a fan is merely a waste of an hour or two. It's easy to be a demanding, boorish fan. It's easy to be a fan-lite. It's not hard to be a fan of any kind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But we fans do not appreciate all that athletics do to get to where they are, whether high school, college, minor league, major league or Olympics. The practices, the repetition, the training, the dieting, the demands of coaches, management, teammates, or your own inner voice. And we don't appreciate when an athlete gets injured, has a slump, is traded halfway across the continent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's so easy to appreciate Sidney Crosby from the far distance of my Amish swivel rocker in front of my 55 inch tv. By all accounts Crosby is a winner. Two-time Stanley Cup champion with our Pittsburgh Penguins, two-time Olympic gold metal winner, World Championship in 2015, and just the other evening up in Toronto, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, both for his native Canada. He captained both Penguin Cup winners, both Canadian Olympic winners, and the two international championships. As they say, he'll never have to buy a beer anywhere in Canada ever, after scoring "the Golden Goal" in overtime against the USA in the gold medal game of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I really appreciate Crosby for how he conducts himself, the reputation he has carved, the kind of person he tries to be. Crosby is widely known for his work ethic of preparation and practice. Since the day he played his first game in the National Hockey League, he has been the "face" of hockey, with a microphone in front of him win or lose. He is gracious and self-deflecting in these interviews, playing up his teammates and passing over his own incredible feats. From news accounts he wants to be "just another guy," albeit one destined for the Hockey Hall of Fame and he's not yet 30 years old. A recent profile in the </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pittsburgh Tribune-Revie</i><i>w</i></span><i style="font-size: x-large;"> </i><span style="font-size: large;">labeled him "polite, patient, humble." This past summer he began a youth hockey camp in his hometown of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. In that same article he says when his playing days are over he'd like to be a philanthropist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's also easy to overlook what every athlete dreds. In the 2011 Winter Classic on New Years Day here in Pittsburgh, an outdoor game in Heinz Field no less, Crosby received a vicious hit from Washington Capital Dave Steckel. Another hit a few days later, and Crosby's concussion became evident. He missed the rest of the 2011 season, and most of the 2011-2012 season. Many wondered if he could or would ever return to play from what were puzzling and painful symptoms of multiple concussions, much less compete at the world-class level of play we'd all become accustomed to see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He did come back, roaring back, but the team did not. Quick departures from the playoffs over two years were disappointing to Crosby, his team and Pittsburgh fans. By now every hockey fan knows how a year ago Crosby began the 2015-2016 season in a dreary slump. At one time he was something like 165th in scoring in the league. But a change of coach, and change of tactics, righted the Penguin ship, and the team roared through the rest of the season and playoffs to earn its fourth Lord Stanley Cup in June. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It this adulation? Yeah, I guess so. But I appreciate all the aspects of this fine hockey player--captain, scorer, student of the game, hardest worker on the ice, fine human being off the ice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the conclusion of the winning game for Canada in the World Cup of Hockey on Wednesday, ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose said Crosby earned the MVP award for the tournament. He said, yes, he was the highest scorer in the tournament. But better, every time Crosby stepped onto the ice, he changed the flow of the game. "If anyone says that Sidney Crosby isn't the greatest hockey player in the world, he's crazy!" On the ice, and off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May we fans in Pittsburgh and throughout North America have many, many more years of enjoying the skills and talents of Captain Sidney Crosby. </span><br />
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Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-70933422395713735192016-09-23T19:01:00.002-07:002016-09-23T19:01:21.943-07:00Pittsburgh Priest Convocation Report<span style="font-size: large;">Every three years, since 1992, the presbyterate of the Diocese of Pittsburgh gathers for four days of prayer, fellowship and learning. These triennial convocations have been held at the Oglebay Resort and Convention Center in Wheeling, West Virginia. The most recent one this week was the ninth, and I would judge it another successful one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The official title speaks to the lofty ambition of the convocation: "Prophets of a Future Not Our Own: Leading with Confidence in this Time of Transition." This convocation came as <i><b>On Mission for the Church Alive</b></i> is moving into a more active phase of consultation. Three weeks ago the priests and deacons of the diocese received the proposed models of parish configurations for the 21 districts of the diocese. Next week the lay parish leadership teams will see these same models, and the following week over the following two months these same models will be shared with interested parishioners and parish staff in over 350 consultation sessions in our 192 parishes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone acknowledges that leadership is key to the success of implementing <b><i>On Mission</i></b>. The leadership will come from the lay parish leadership teams, the members of finance and pastoral councils--and from the priests and deacons of the diocese. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is indeed "a time of transition." On the final day of the convocation Father Jim Conroy, S.J., shared his insights with us priests on the convocation as an invited official observer. Using categories from a book, "Managing Transitions," he distinguished between "change" and "transition." Change comes quickly. We have to take significant amounts of time to deal with the transitions of change. Father Conroy said he saw much hope and courage in the conversations with priests he had over the four days. he also admitted that he hears stories of priests being weary, tired and having difficulty absorbing the magnitude of the proposed changes. No one denies the need for change in the Diocese of Pittsburgh--the statistics are too stark and revealing. But how we all deal with the transition "to a future not our own" will determine in great measure whether "success" will come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> One great blessing of the convocation were three addresses by Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B. Father Rosica is a Scripture scholar, founder of Salt and Light Television Network in Canada, and a key adviser to the Vatican Press Office for English language media. Father Rosica enlightened us in the unique aspects of the three year ministry of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio). He also </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">opened up the special Gospel passages which inform Francis' vision, as well as how the 266th successor of St. Peter as Bishop of Rome is clearly in continuity with his holy predecessors--Benedict XVI, John Paul II, John Paul I, Paul VI, John XXIII, and Pius XII. His talks were a crash course in "The Pope Francis effect" while calling us to "go to the periphery," "smell like our sheep" and draw ever closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As with the other eight convocations, the heart of our convocation was prayer. The planning committee did its usual excellent job in preparing nourishing and holy liturgies. Bishop Zubik repeatedly exhorted us to open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, and the faith-filled adventure of the Acts of the Apostles. We need his leadership, and his courage in convening <b><i>On Mission for the Church Alive</i></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another joy of the convocations has been the fellowship. But I have to admit that the schedule was so tight that few had the energy to continue fraternal conversations in the evenings, much less into the wee hours. This was no vacation, it was hard work with a packed schedule, yet valuable work, building up bonds among the priests. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I myself wish that we did these convocations more often. Either two days together on an annual basis, or maybe this same schedule every other year. Many other dioceses manage to do this for their presbyterates. As our numbers decline, it seems to me even more important that, in the words of Father Conroy, we care for each other as brothers. Nevertheless, it is good to return to our various ministries with the learning, prayer and conversations of this convocation in our memories and hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the entire beautiful prayer from which the title of our convocation came, which was composed by the late Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw, Michigan, in honor of Archbishop Oscar Romaro.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.<br /><br />The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.<br /><br />We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.<br /><br />No statement says all that could be said.<br /><br />No prayer fully expresses our faith.<br /><br />No confession brings perfection.<br /><br />No pastoral visit brings wholeness.<br /><br />No program accomplishes the Church's mission.<br /><br />No set of goals and objectives includes everything.<br /><br />This is what we are about.<br /><br />We plant the seeds that one day will grow.<br /><br />We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.<br /><br />We lay foundations that will need further development.<br /><br />We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.<br /><br />We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.<br /><br />This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.<br /><br />It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.<br /><br />We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.<br /><br />We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.<br /><br />We are prophets of a future not our own.</span></div>
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-32294952466363070212016-09-18T18:05:00.000-07:002016-09-18T18:05:14.048-07:00Pittsburgh Priest Convocation<span style="font-size: large;">For the ninth time the presbyterate of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh convenes for a four day convocation at the Oglebay Resort and Hotel in Wheeling, West Virginia, this week. We will hear talks from Father Tom Rosica, the executive director of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation in Toronto, and producer of "The Francis Effect," a documentary on the impact of our pope on the world. We will discuss the next steps in <b><i>On Mission for the Church Alive</i></b>, the planning and evangelization process for the future of our local church. We will pray together and eat together and talk with each other. It's a good time, and probably not enough time, for us to renew acquaintances and get to know a few of the younger guys. (My classmates and I from the class of 1978 have somehow passed from clerical "middle age" to "old fogey senior citizens" status. A "young priest" for us now is anyone under the age of 50.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pray for us as we priests step aside from daily ministry for a few days of rest, study and relaxation. </span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-37938661001425998142016-09-18T17:57:00.000-07:002016-09-18T17:57:08.251-07:00Springsteen beyond words<span style="font-size: large;">One week ago I attended the second Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band concert in Pittsburgh this year, at Consol Energy Center. 18,000+ fans turned out to see a second edition of The River tour. But unlike the first concert back in January, which began this year's tour, he did not play the entire set list of the two-volume River album. Instead, he spanned his entire history, from the first album to the most recent, and lots inbetween. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The concert began with eight violinists sitting on stage behind the band. "New York Serenade" commenced with that so unexpected (for a rock n roll band) classical piano solo by Roy Bittan, then the voice of Bruce and his storytelling, then those heavenly violins, then the rest of the story. (Read Brian O'Neill's human interest story <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2016/09/15/Brian-O-Neill-A-local-string-section-fit-for-The-Boss/stories/201609150032">here.)</a> That began a roller coaster ride of pure joy. With the concert on the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, without saying a word the band acknowledged that day and its many losses with "Into the Fire," (tears came to my eyes as I thought of how I used its faith-filled refrain in Dad's funeral Mass homily), "Lonesome Day," and a truly poignant "You're Missing." (The line "there's too much room in my bed" always hits me hard.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But it was time to move on. "Mary's Place" upped the tone and tempo, and on to early songs "It's Hard to be a Saint in the City" and, after a talkative introduction about how he had to work cutting grass, clipping hedges and tarring roofs on a 95 degree day ("the last honest work I've ever done") to save up to buy a guitar as a kid, Bruce launched into "Growin' Up." Along the way I heard live for the first time "Lost in the Flood" and "American Skin (41 Shots)." Pittsburghers Joe and Johnny Grushecky joined the band for raucous "Light of Day," and on and on and on. They closed with "Bobby Jean," and three hours, 50 minutes after it started, we breathed again. It wasn't a record (Bruce and the band broke four hours three times in concerts in New Jersey and Washington in the previous two weeks), but it was enough. ENOUGH! We never get enough of the Boss!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The River tour continues with eight concerts in Australia and New Zealand in January (it's summer Down Under! Anyone up for a looooong flight?), but that's it for a while. Bruce is rumored to be bringing out a solo album, and of course we await the publication of his autobiography later this month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2016 was a good year to get my share of Bruce. Three concerts, two in Pittsburgh and one in Cleveland in March, bringing me to a total of ten lifetime. "Is there anybody ALIVE out there?" Yes!</span><br />
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<i>(All photos from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 9/12/2016.)</i><br />
<i> </i>Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-26627326048521973532016-09-08T19:48:00.002-07:002016-09-08T19:48:33.163-07:00How Bruce Springsteen Concerts Cure Loneliness<span style="font-size: large;">Bruce Springsteen and the ("heart-stopping, pants-dropping, hard-rocking, booty-shaking, love-making, earth-quaking, Viagra-taking, justifying, death-defying, legendary") E Street Band come to Pittsburgh this Sunday, September 11, for the second time in ten months. Bruce and his merry gang of musical friends began the River Tour back in January at Consol Energy Center, and in one of the last concerts on this tour, return. Of course I'll be there! This will be my third take this year, as I also managed to drive to Cleveland and see them at the Q in March.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I saw this article in the <i>Washington Post </i>the other day, and it captures some of my feelings and joy that I experience at a Bruce concert. It also helps that the author sees The Boss through the lens of Catholic sacramentalism, Catholic imagery, Catholic theology, just as I do. When he mentions Springsteen's performance on stage as "work" I think of the Catholic theological understandings of labor, its drudgery hearkening back to Adam and Eve outside the Garden of Eden, and its divine possibility of building and co-creating the very Kingdom of God. I think of the nobility of my Dad, going to work at the J&L Steel mill, my Mom cleaning offices of big-shots in Downtown Pittsburgh. I think of the families of workers I've ministered to and with over almost four decades throughout western Pennsylvania. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, amazingly, Bruce and the band have been playing longer. When I saw them in January, the show was an exhilarating three hours, twenty-five minutes. Three times within the last month he's broken the four hour mark. I <i>really really</i> look forward to the concert on Sunday night. "Is there anyone really alive out there???!!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I reprint this column by Michael R. Strain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>We live in a fragmented society. The Boss tries to fight that.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The night before his 27th birthday, in the spring of 1974, music critic Jon Landau attended a concert at the Harvard Square Theatre in Cambridge, Mass. It changed his life. He got up early the next day and wrote of the concert that "on a night when I needed to feel young, he made me feel like I was hearing music for the first time." That "he" is Bruce Springsteen, whom Landau, one of the most influential rock critics in the country at the time, had famously anointed "rock and roll's future" one sentence earlier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I saw Springsteen and his mighty E Street Band last week, here in Washington, on a night when I needed to feel young. (Who doesn't need to feel young these days.?) And whenever I see a Springsteen show, I feel like I'm hearing music for the first time--music, and all the wonderful things that come with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Springsteen concert is a celebration of community. There's an intimacy associated with seeing those seated near you in compete abandon, and that intimacy fosters friendliness. Last week's show offered a new spin on this familiar theme: I happened to meet the guy seated next to me a few days earlier when I sold him a couple of my extra tickets. He arrived during the third song, and we greeted each other as if we were old friends. It's odd, but there was more warmth between us than I have with any of my neighbors. Springsteen brings people together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many different kinds of people. There are the veterans, who share stories of their favorite concerts in anticipation that what will happen on that stage in a few minutes will top what they've seen before. There are the skeptical first-timers--five songs in, and they are always mesmerized, stunned, in awe of the fact that all the hype they've heard for many years wasn't hype after all. But my favorite are the kids, often with their parents--a generational handoff. My unborn son has been to two shows already.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We live in a fragmented society. People feel isolated. Many feel invisible. Springsteen is aware of this, and he explicitly tries to combat it with his concerts. For a few hours, any trace of loneliness vanishes. A Springsteen show is a balm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The community created at a Springsteen concert is, in part, sacramental. (Springsteen himself used this word in a 2005 documentary, albeit sheepishly, to describe his music.) From the "Badlands" chant to sharing his guitar with the audience during "Born to Run" to the crowd taking the first verse of "Hungry Heart" to the very frequent audience call-and-response--Springsteen uses action and participation ritualistically, sacramentally: as a means to create fellowship and confer grace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Springsteen concert is a celebration of life. First, the show is a blast. So much of it is just pure fun, pure joy. (That I'm not spending many words on the fun shouldn't underweight its importance.) And there are the songs, which cover the gamut of lived experience: fun, lust, fathers and sons, racial division, renewal and rebirth, duty, longing, fatherhood, marriage, murder, desperation, anger, mothers-in-law and more. Springsteen songs are about more than chasing the girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The characters in a four-minute song are often as developed as those in 200-page novels. Sean Penn based his 1991 film "The Indian Runner' on Springsteen's "Highway Patrolman." Springsteen stepped into the shoes of a man dying of AIDS, and won an Academy Award for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But more important than the range of content and quality of execution, Springsteen's songs celebrate the grandeur and importance of ordinary life. Getting up and going to your job is an act of great heroism. A father and a son sitting around a kitchen table late at night commands the drama of an ancient myth. An anthem about friendship and camaraderie reminds one of Henry V at Agincourt. <i>Rolling Stone</i> wrote that "Backstreets" -- a song about friendship and betrayal -- "begins with music so stately, so heartbreaking, that it might be the prelude to a rock & roll version of <i>The Iliad</i>."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The truth is that life is grand and life is important. Every day, we are all faced with choosing between angels and demons. For a Catholic like me, the stakes are a high as they come -- the product of those countless, daily choices influences where I'll spend eternity. It is important to be reminded of the majesty, romance and enormity of daily life. One of Springsteen's great gifts is expressing the epic drama of the mundane in popular art. His concerts are shaped by this gift.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Springsteen the performer is a role model. There's not a drop of gas left in the tank when he's done performing. He is dead serious about his job on that stage. There is something refreshing and deeply admirable about a man of his stature and wealth working so hard for his audience. Apart from all the rest, a Springsteen concert is an experience simply because of the energy, effort, devotion and dedication of the man himself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's all well and good. But the reason I keep going back is simple: redemption, the unapologetic embrace of the need of it and the possibility of it. Springsteen's music looks reality squarely in the face, recognizes that life is cruel and unfair, that this world is fallen, that we are all sinners and that we are all broken, sometimes significantly so. But we are alive. We can get up off the mat. We can defy the world. We can hope. We are not alone. Faith is powerful. Things might be better tomorrow. There's always another chance, waiting just a bit further down the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What better message could there be for the world today?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Michael R. Strain is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. From the Washington Post, September 7, 2016. </span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-19677918294168554092016-09-08T19:04:00.001-07:002016-09-08T19:04:22.870-07:00Foolishly Picking Pigskin Winners VI<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, tonight a new NFL season begins. After a defensive blow-out Super Bowl 50, the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers go at it again. As usual, there are a multitude of No Fun League story-lines. But since I'm a priest and not a sports writer, I only know two or three of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like the St. Louis Rams becoming the Los Angeles Rams. Like a four game suspension for Tom Brady, and a three game sit-down for Le'Veon Bell. Like Peyton Manning retiring as a quarterback, and making a career as a couch potato. Like Roger Goodell hitting his tenth anniversary as commissioner, and his salary rising to over $30 million.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year's predictions were not pretty. I managed to get only two of six playoff participants right in both the AFC and NFC. My guess of the Packers over the Colts in Super Bowl 50 was way off. I missed the looming disasters of 7-9 Eagles, Saints and Rams (all which I thought would make the playoffs), the 5-11 Ravens and the 4-12 Chargers. I also missed the rising Cardinals, Broncos and Steelers. I just didn't see Big Ben and his fabulous receivers coming together as they did. I didn't see Cam Newton's incredible season. And nobody but nobody saw the QB disaster twins of Manning and Brock Osweiler be saved by the superb defense of Wade Phillips to carry Denver to victory in Santa Clara. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But that doesn't stop me from boldly predicting the winner of Super Bowl XI, and the 31 losers who fail to touch the Lombardi Trophy. I am really tempted to pick the Steelers to go all the way. Lots of internet predictors are. <i>Sports Illustrated</i> says they will reach the Super Bowl, but be taken down by the Cardinals--a reverse of Super Bowl 43. That same year Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins won their third Stanley Cup. There were two championship parades in Pittsburgh in 2009. Let's do it again. But, no, I don't think so. Lord, make me WRONG!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here goes:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">NFC East Washington (4)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">NFC North Packers (3)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">NFC South Panthers (1)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">NFC West Cardinals (2)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wild cards Seahawks (5) and Vikings (6)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the playoffs:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Packers over Vikings</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Seahawks over Washington</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Panthers over Seahawks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cardinals over Packers</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cardinals over Panthers</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">AFC East Patriots (1)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">AFC North Steelers (2)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">AFC South Texans (3)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">AFC West Chiefs (4)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wild cards Bengals (5) and Raiders (6)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the playoffs:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Texans over Raiders</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bengals over Chiefs</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patriots over Bengals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Steelers over Texans</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patriots over Steelers</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">SUPER BOWL LI: Cardinals over Patriots</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See you in Houston on February 5, 2017! Have a great season, everyone!</span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-79837662035265187272016-09-08T18:25:00.001-07:002016-09-08T18:25:29.858-07:00Back At It<span style="font-size: large;">And you thought that it was a long time since Hillary Clinton met the press in a no-holds barred press conference. It's only been 267 days since I last posted on my blog. That one was a quasi-review and commentary on the movie "Spotlight" just before Christmas 2015. I later sent the piece to our local paper, <i>New Castle News</i>, and they were kind enough to publish it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where have I been? Right here in New Castle, still working alongside the fine people of Mary Mother of Hope Parish, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Parish and St. Vitus Parish. We did get a change in parochial vicars. In the spring, Father Larry Adams was appointed administrator of St. Ursula Parish, McCandless. To replace him the bishop was kind enough to send Father Joe Codori, most recently serving in St. Thomas More Parish, Bethel Park. One good one for another. And we welcomed a second retired priest, Father Nick Spirko, to our parishes, to join retired Father Joe Pudichery. Father Bill Siple is now into his fifth year working with me and us. We were blessed with a seminarian, Kristian Sherman, who interned with us over the summer. Kristian is now a first year theologian at St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe. And I marked my fifth anniversary in New Castle on August 1. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why have I not been posting? God only knows, and God isn't sharing. A few days moves into a few weeks moves into a few months, and wham! it's 267 days, and I say, geez, how I have let the time pass by. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why am I coming back? Because the "creativity bug" still resides somewhere in my soul. Because I miss it. And because there are still so many things to comment on. Certainly it's not for the money (none), fame (a blessed 43 long-suffering friends) or attention. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, tonight I'm not thinking of what might have been. I'm taking advantage of today. And looking forward to new opportunities to write, reflect, rejoice and return the favor of God's love in my and our sin-filled world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few Sundays ago at 6 a.m. I was trying to get out of bed to go say Mass. On my radio, from the NPR affiliate in Youngstown, Ohio, WYSU, was "On Being," an interview show with host Krista Tippett. Krista was interviewing a poet whose name I've forgotten. She was reflecting on her work, and happened to mention that at age 12 she began to "see" the world around her. She tried to write down in a journal three things she "saw" each day. It was the beginning of a poet's life. Now over 60 (I think) she still keeps to that discipline, which became and becomes the food for her writing and work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought as I listened, yes, that's what I feel. I "see" things each day, and sometimes am moved to write them down, reflect on them, share them, and even give thanks to God for them. So, if Christianity is a religion of "second chances," let me begin again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-86358015904577223272015-12-15T15:01:00.000-08:002015-12-15T15:01:11.878-08:00Spotlight<span style="font-size: large;">When I was in high school, my first thought of a career was not priesthood or ministry, but journalism. I wanted to become a writer. I seriously considered going to a university which had a nationally known journalism school. Obviously, I decided against that path, which is why I am writing in the <i>Pittsburgh Catholic</i> and the bulletin of the Catholic Community in New Castle, and not for the <i>Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</i> or the <i>Los Angeles Times</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That long-ago ambition came back to me when I went to see "Spotlight." This movie (released in November) details the work of four investigative reporters for the <i>Boston Globe</i> as they pursue the story of priests who abused children in the Archdiocese of Boston. We see their initial lack of understanding of the scope of the scandal, their frustration in interviewing victims, their editors' skepticism of the project, and their ultimate vindication. For their work the Spotlight Team won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for public service. Every newspaper review of "Spotlight" which I have read says that director Tom McCarthy and his actors accurately and vividly portray the life of contemporary reporters in gritty detail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Michael Keaton, Liev Schreiber, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Brian d'Arcy James</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But this is not just a movie about writing newspaper stories. It is also the fact-based retelling of one important part of the largest scandal in the Catholic church in the past 100 years. Going back decades, a few priests harmed children. ["A few" is relative. The John Jay report of U.S. Catholic clergy sexual abuse in 2004 noted that about 4% (4,392 clergy) of the 109,694 priests active between 1950 and 2002 were accused of abusing children under the age of 18.] When they did, and the victims' parents complained, these priest were moved from parish to parish to avoid scrutiny. Through the intervention of their bishops, most of these priests escaped punishment from the criminal justice system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Spotlight" focuses on the Archdiocese of Boston in the years 2000-2002. But as the final credits of the movie note, clergy abusing children was not a problem just in the Archdiocese of Boston, or just in the United States, or even just in the Catholic Church. Sexual abuse of children is a human problem. It is one which the leadership of the Catholic Church was painfully slow to realize, and even slower to bring into the open.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even today, we see educational institutions (for example, the Sandusky affair at Penn State; some local school districts), other churches and religions and social service agencies still grappling with how to acknowledge the harm done by a few adult leaders, and do everything in their power to protect children. These institutions have not learned from the hard experience of the U.S. Catholic Church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Spotlight" is accurate, as the <i>Boston Globe</i> writers dig up the story of 67 priests who repeated sexually abused children and still were in active ministry. Their reporting caused Cardinal Bernard Law to resign as archbishops, and force major changes in every diocese of the United States. What "Spotlight" does not tell is what has happened since 2002: how much the dioceses and eparchies in our country have done to admit openly the wrongdoing of priests and bishops, plead for forgiveness, and attempt to bring healing to victims through counselling and symbolic monetary payments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cardinal Bernard Law, John Geoghan</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, one can confidently say that in the United States there are no clergy or parish leaders in active ministry who have been accused of harming children. Over two million Catholic church workers and volunteers have undergone "safe environment" procedures of fingerprinting, FBI and state clearances, and education in identifying possible child predators. Shame--and $4 billion in reparations by the dioceses and religious orders of the U.S. and Canada--are our history. Constant vigilance is our church's future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One remark in "Spotlight" is wrong. As the Boston reporters focus on Boston priest, one speculates that it is celibacy which causes priests to harm children. This is false. Most child abusers are married (whether clergy or lay). It would take another movie to disprove the false belief that celibacy drives priests and bishops to harm young people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cardinal Sean O'Malley, current archbishop of Boston, said "Spotlight" illustrates how the newspapers's reporting prompted the church "to deal with what was shameful and hidden." In a review, Vatican Radio called the movie "honest" and "compelling,"" and said it helped the U.S. Catholic Church "to accept fully the sin, to admit it publicly and to pay the consequences." I encourage adults to see this movie. I think all parish safe environment coordinators, and all clergy, need to see it. "Spotlight" is gripping in its storytelling, the ensemble acting (including Pittsburgher Michael Keaton) is superb, and the way it presents the horror of child abuse is restrained yet pointed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Spotlight" is an important movie, if you want to see a truly shameful portion of our church's past. But it is also important to know that our church has changed as a result of the newspaper reporting of 2002. We are more humble and chastised because of our sins. May we never forget; may we move forward to do God's work with contrite resolve.</span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351864922176079390.post-12314278161267522572015-11-25T17:09:00.002-08:002015-11-25T17:09:58.414-08:00Giving With No Idea of Repayment<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By chance the other day I came across this column I wrote for the <i>Pittsburgh Catholic</i> on November 28, 1997. It seems just as appropriate for today as it did back then (except for the reference about commercial activity stopping on Thanksgiving Day--my crystal ball failed to see that change coming).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not an official liturgical season of the church, but I like to think that the months of November and December are "the season of giving."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The American national celebration of Thanksgiving is as close as we get to a secular holy day. Just about every commercial venture stops to allow employees to join their families in shared feasting and giving thanks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Churches and synagogues host cheerful and thankful worshipers</span><span style="font-size: large;"> that day. Ecumenical</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and interfaith prayer services abound. More than once after Mass on Thanksgiving Day I've heard people say, "I wish every Sunday could have this same joyful spirit."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, the day after Thanksgiving we are bombarded with advertising. But buried underneath the commercial avalanche is the Christian season of Advent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">During these days, Christians prepare their hearts to celebrate the gift of our Savior's birth with our own gift-giving. Stores and malls take this idea of gift-giving to extremes. They conveniently forget the reason for the season of giving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The biblical roots are deep. In the beginning Yahweh gave breath to human beings and brought them into life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ancient worshipers responded to God's generosity by giving up the first fruits of field and flock. The Lord gave the law, the path of righteousness, to the Hebrew people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the people strayed from the law, the Lord sent prophets. Because the Jews were once exiles and enslaved in Egypt, they are constantly exhorted throughout the Scriptures to care for the poor in their midst.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus, the faithful Jew, inherits this spirit of giving. My concordance records the word "give" 65 times in the Gospels. Jesus gives healing to the paralyzed, blind, lame, even the dead. He gives food to the hungry multitudes, instruction to his disciples, correction to Peter when this fisherman tries to rework Jesus's teaching. Jesus gives forgiveness to the woman caught in adultery and the thief on the cross next to him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus tells us he will give us a new commandment of love and a Spirit of life-giving power. He gives us his Body and Blood. He gave his life for us so that all might live eternally. In the only saying of Jesus quoted outside the Gospels, Paul recalls Jesus's teaching, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus gave to those who could not repay him. This is true in all of these examples. He instructs us to give to those who beg from us, regardless of our judgment of their worthiness. He chides us by asking, "If you love those who love you, what reward is there is that?" All that the Master asks for is a word of praise to God, not to himself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">St. Paul once wrote, "What have you that you did not receive?" (1 Cor 4:7) A moment's reflection tells us that all that we are and have comes from someone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We would do well to recheck our personal Christmas gift lists in light of the challenge from Christ himself. Are we giving to those who can't repay the gift?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is already happening through food drives, Jesse or Giving trees, and significant donations to the charities in the name of loved ones. This year, consider giving as much in response to people's needs as to return the love of family and friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the Nativity story, Mary and Joseph, the innkeeper, shepherds and Magi all gave to the Christ Child without expecting any return. They witness to us the wisdom of Christ our Teacher, "You received without paying, give without repayment." (Matthew 10:8)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The word "give" resides deeply in my heart. It's the reason I gave this blog the title it has. It's what I received (and can never repay) from my parents, teachers and friends. Give in greater measure this year in "the season of giving." And remember, you cannot never exceed the generosity of God. </span><br />
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<br />Frank D. Almadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08259077218170640175noreply@blogger.com0