Sixteen weeks ago, I began my first day here at Rowan and, despite being a junior, the adjustment process was still a bit bumpy.
Now, almost as quickly as it began, the semester is over. I survived, and have a good deal of writing to add to my growing resume portfolio. I would have never guessed an entire blog would be added in, though!
As I've mentioned in the past, Abide With Us was a semester-long project for my Online Journalism I course. Friends and my professor have all commented since about my ability to be personal here, and I couldn't help but smile. Allow me to let you in on a little secret: I've been a blogger in various forms for eight years now. ;) Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when I learned that blogging would be the cornerstone of this course.
And suddenly, almost strangely, I don't have to write here anymore.
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm shutting the site down. It will remain up, with all multimedia intact, until the Internet explodes. Who knows, now and again I may return with comments on the Church and the media. I'd love to work the religion beat someday. A girl can dream, right?
Thank you to Fr. Larry Polansky, Msgr. John Burton and Fr. Tom Kiely for giving your time (and faces!) to make my feature stories come together. Thanks also to Lois Dark and Ann Polo for allowing me to record at CCM meetings. I'm blessed for having all of you as mentors.
Mark Berkey-Gerard, my professor, made this blog possible, and has turned me into a multimedia princess in the process. I'll be back on the web with him next semester--I'll post a link when things settle down.
And for those of you who have read faithfully or have just stumbled here while looking for cupcake recipes, I appreciate you coming along on both my faith journey and that of Rowan's Catholic community.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Peace be with you!
Melissa
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Resources
There's so much more I wish I could write about here, but given the Catholic faith spans nearly 2000 years, it's ground I won't be able to cover on my own. However, I do want to leave you my top five book recommendations that will further explain much of what Abide With Us has explored.
* Catholicism for Dummies by Frs. John Trigilio and Kenneth Brighenti- This should be the first book purchased by anyone curious about Catholicism. The For Dummies series is famous for its simple, engaging writing style, as well as mini-lessons, handy charts and trivia. Written by two priests, it's incredibly thorough and has an index for looking up specific questions.
* Swimming with Scapulars by Matthew Lickona- When I grow up, I want to be Matthew Lickona. He's a newspaper columnist for the San Diego Reader, writing reviews of various worship services in the area. His new book is about living as a young, devout Catholic in today's world. Funny, honest and sometimes intense, if you like what you've read in this blog even a little, pick up this book.
* Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn- To be a bit personal, this book was a huge player in leading me back to the Church, and many others credit Dr. Hahn for influencing their faith. Hahn and his wife Kimberly recount candidly and rationally their gradual conversion to Catholicism. This includes tons of Scriptural support for every step of their "journey home." I recommend all of Hahn's work, but this one is a favorite.
* Saints Behaving Badly by Thomas Craughwell- I mentioned this book before when I covered saints, and definitely have to add it to the list. Not only is it educational, but it gives a very real sense of how human and imperfect the Church's saints are. Some of the examples are actually downright comical.
* Introduction to Mary by Mark Miravalle- This book is written by an ordained deacon and covers all of the central elements of Mary's role in our salvation. It also deals with uniquely Catholic beliefs like the Immaculate Conception, Assumption, and her perpetual virginity. This is an easy read and a solid springboard into other Marian works.
Ten more days until Christmas. It's not too late!
* Catholicism for Dummies by Frs. John Trigilio and Kenneth Brighenti- This should be the first book purchased by anyone curious about Catholicism. The For Dummies series is famous for its simple, engaging writing style, as well as mini-lessons, handy charts and trivia. Written by two priests, it's incredibly thorough and has an index for looking up specific questions.
* Swimming with Scapulars by Matthew Lickona- When I grow up, I want to be Matthew Lickona. He's a newspaper columnist for the San Diego Reader, writing reviews of various worship services in the area. His new book is about living as a young, devout Catholic in today's world. Funny, honest and sometimes intense, if you like what you've read in this blog even a little, pick up this book.
* Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn- To be a bit personal, this book was a huge player in leading me back to the Church, and many others credit Dr. Hahn for influencing their faith. Hahn and his wife Kimberly recount candidly and rationally their gradual conversion to Catholicism. This includes tons of Scriptural support for every step of their "journey home." I recommend all of Hahn's work, but this one is a favorite.
* Saints Behaving Badly by Thomas Craughwell- I mentioned this book before when I covered saints, and definitely have to add it to the list. Not only is it educational, but it gives a very real sense of how human and imperfect the Church's saints are. Some of the examples are actually downright comical.
* Introduction to Mary by Mark Miravalle- This book is written by an ordained deacon and covers all of the central elements of Mary's role in our salvation. It also deals with uniquely Catholic beliefs like the Immaculate Conception, Assumption, and her perpetual virginity. This is an easy read and a solid springboard into other Marian works.
Ten more days until Christmas. It's not too late!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Gathering God's Gifts: A New Future for the Diocese
Note: This post is my final project for my coursework, and is therefore a bit more formal and lengthy. Consider yourself warned. ;) Click the play button to the left of each media player to hear clips from audio interviews. Comments are always welcome!
After over two years of intense debate, discussion and prayer, Bishop Joseph Galante of the Diocese of Camden made a sobering address to Catholics of South Jersey: it was time to reconfigure.
In 2006, there were around 175 priests in active ministry for the diocese. That number has been steadily dropping since, and trends suggest there will be only 85 remaining by 2015. This shortage of priests has only further constricted the tight schedules of those still active; some are already serving as pastor for two or more parishes. Similar problems can be found in areas nationwide. In the most dire situations, some parishes are no longer able to celebrate daily or even weekly Masses.
The solution has come in the form of mergers, clusters and closures of many churches in the area. It has been a difficult process that is still progressing in many places, but a few have already completed their mergers.
The initiative, called Gathering God's Gifts, began in 2004 when Bishop Galante first arrived in South Jersey. He held "speak up sessions" throughout the diocese, inviting clergy and laypeople alike to openly express their concerns and suggestions for strengthening the Church locally. From these talks, six points of focus were developed, among them worship, lifelong formation (growth in faith), and young adult ministry.
Parishes then submitted a proposal to the bishop with their suggestions for the future of their community. Galante considered these proposals and on April 3, 2008, declared his intentions for each parish in the diocese. According to an article from the Associated Press, the diocese's 124 churches will be cut down to just 66.
After over two years of intense debate, discussion and prayer, Bishop Joseph Galante of the Diocese of Camden made a sobering address to Catholics of South Jersey: it was time to reconfigure.
In 2006, there were around 175 priests in active ministry for the diocese. That number has been steadily dropping since, and trends suggest there will be only 85 remaining by 2015. This shortage of priests has only further constricted the tight schedules of those still active; some are already serving as pastor for two or more parishes. Similar problems can be found in areas nationwide. In the most dire situations, some parishes are no longer able to celebrate daily or even weekly Masses.
The solution has come in the form of mergers, clusters and closures of many churches in the area. It has been a difficult process that is still progressing in many places, but a few have already completed their mergers.
The initiative, called Gathering God's Gifts, began in 2004 when Bishop Galante first arrived in South Jersey. He held "speak up sessions" throughout the diocese, inviting clergy and laypeople alike to openly express their concerns and suggestions for strengthening the Church locally. From these talks, six points of focus were developed, among them worship, lifelong formation (growth in faith), and young adult ministry.
Parishes then submitted a proposal to the bishop with their suggestions for the future of their community. Galante considered these proposals and on April 3, 2008, declared his intentions for each parish in the diocese. According to an article from the Associated Press, the diocese's 124 churches will be cut down to just 66.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
I Confess
I still remember very well the day I walked into my church two years ago and made the first honest confession of my sins. I didn't know the priest; he had arrived after I left the faith, and was new to my parish. I rambled about it having been a long time, about always lying in the past to the priests and bragging afterward. He told me it would be okay, just to sit, relax and talk about it.
I told him everything, and when I was done, I heard these familiar words: "God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever. The Lord has freed you from your sins; go in peace."
Just like that, ten tons of weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Everything was behind me. I was home.
Most converts and "reverts" like myself can tell a story like this one. It's usually one of the most difficult things they'll ever do for their faith, but the majority will admit that when it's over, the joy is indescribable.
Some get upset with the Church when they hear we confess our sins to a priest. Men can't forgive sins, they might say, and there is no mediator between God and man but Jesus. So where do flawed priests get the authority to forgive sins? How is the Sacrament of Confession biblical at all? These two verses explain the foundation:
[Jesus said to Peter,] "I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." --Matthew 16:19
"(Jesus) said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.'" --John 20:21-23
Jesus gave His Apostles the power to wipe away sins in His name, and because the Apostles passed their authority on to others, all our priests can forgive sins. It's not his own authority that does it, but the power of God working through him. We confess our sins simply because the Bible tells us to; the book of James says plainly, "Confess your sins to one another" (5:16). Why would Jesus allow men to forgive sins if he didn't want us to confess to them?
Confession gives us the closure that is sometimes absent from just asking God to forgive us. Like all our Sacraments, it's a real and physical way to express what is happening spiritually. The best part is that our priests are bound to utmost secrecy. Every priest I've spoken with has said that they forget our sins almost immediately, no matter how heinous. Plus, it's also good to have an objective confidante who can counsel us, and spot patterns or motivators we would otherwise overlook.
This video, while humorous, does a fantastic job shedding more light on Confession. There are six minutes of actual content and then bloopers, so it's really not that bad. Check it out; you'll be glad you did.
One last note: kneeling behind the screen is optional today. Many people, particularly in my generation, were raised confessing in a comfortable and well-lit room, face to face with their priest. You usually have a choice of both options. It's also a good idea to choose a priest with whom you feel comfortable.
I told him everything, and when I was done, I heard these familiar words: "God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever. The Lord has freed you from your sins; go in peace."
Just like that, ten tons of weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Everything was behind me. I was home.
Most converts and "reverts" like myself can tell a story like this one. It's usually one of the most difficult things they'll ever do for their faith, but the majority will admit that when it's over, the joy is indescribable.
Some get upset with the Church when they hear we confess our sins to a priest. Men can't forgive sins, they might say, and there is no mediator between God and man but Jesus. So where do flawed priests get the authority to forgive sins? How is the Sacrament of Confession biblical at all? These two verses explain the foundation:
[Jesus said to Peter,] "I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." --Matthew 16:19
"(Jesus) said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.'" --John 20:21-23
Jesus gave His Apostles the power to wipe away sins in His name, and because the Apostles passed their authority on to others, all our priests can forgive sins. It's not his own authority that does it, but the power of God working through him. We confess our sins simply because the Bible tells us to; the book of James says plainly, "Confess your sins to one another" (5:16). Why would Jesus allow men to forgive sins if he didn't want us to confess to them?
Confession gives us the closure that is sometimes absent from just asking God to forgive us. Like all our Sacraments, it's a real and physical way to express what is happening spiritually. The best part is that our priests are bound to utmost secrecy. Every priest I've spoken with has said that they forget our sins almost immediately, no matter how heinous. Plus, it's also good to have an objective confidante who can counsel us, and spot patterns or motivators we would otherwise overlook.
This video, while humorous, does a fantastic job shedding more light on Confession. There are six minutes of actual content and then bloopers, so it's really not that bad. Check it out; you'll be glad you did.
One last note: kneeling behind the screen is optional today. Many people, particularly in my generation, were raised confessing in a comfortable and well-lit room, face to face with their priest. You usually have a choice of both options. It's also a good idea to choose a priest with whom you feel comfortable.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
New beginnings...
Over Thanksgiving break I was home in Vineland, so I went to Mass at St. Isidore's to visit everyone. I've been going to Mass at the Newman House since October, and it was so nice to return to all the "smells and bells" for a little while.
I picked a good day to show up, and admittedly had planned it that way. Our usual elaborate decor has been stripped down, replaced by plain purple banners that hang behind the altar. Most of the flowers were taken away, and evergreen branches laid in their place. The scent was light, but the transition made me aware of the changes to come on more than just an intellectual level.
This past Saturday evening began the Advent season, the beginning of the new liturgical (Church) year. Our year is broken up into seasons:
Advent- Four weeks before Christmas.
Christmas- Dec. 25 and eight days after.
Ordinary Time- The "normal" time of the year; nothing particularly special celebrated.
Lent- Starts with Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days until Easter, not counting Sundays. (Sundays are treated as breaks in our fasting, so they aren't included.)
The Triduum- Three days before Easter; the most solemn time of the Church year that includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, where new converts are baptized and/or confirmed. (Wikipedia, while usually unreliable, is particularly good with explaining the Vigil).
Easter Season- Begins at the Easter Vigil and continues for 50 days until Pentecost.
Ordinary Time- Picks up again until Advent.
The liturgical year is based entirely on the life of Jesus. It makes sense, then, that Advent is a solemn period of reflection and prayer to prepare ourselves to celebrate His birth. The same thing occurs on a larger scale during Lent, which includes fasting. Advent is also at the end of the standard calendar year, and we use it to reflect on the other arrival of Jesus: the Second Coming at the end of time.
I love Advent. Things may be a bit subdued and solemn, but there's also an expectancy reflected in the prayers, songs and rituals we use. It's time to start over. Joy is coming, and this month is perfect for readying ourselves to receive it.
It also means that the carols start showing up at Mass. ;) Here's one you may recognize, performed by guitarist Trace Bundy and singer/songwriter Josh Garrels. The latter writes very raw, sometimes dark, and entirely non-cheesy Christian music. Do check him out.
I picked a good day to show up, and admittedly had planned it that way. Our usual elaborate decor has been stripped down, replaced by plain purple banners that hang behind the altar. Most of the flowers were taken away, and evergreen branches laid in their place. The scent was light, but the transition made me aware of the changes to come on more than just an intellectual level.
This past Saturday evening began the Advent season, the beginning of the new liturgical (Church) year. Our year is broken up into seasons:
Advent- Four weeks before Christmas.
Christmas- Dec. 25 and eight days after.
Ordinary Time- The "normal" time of the year; nothing particularly special celebrated.
Lent- Starts with Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days until Easter, not counting Sundays. (Sundays are treated as breaks in our fasting, so they aren't included.)
The Triduum- Three days before Easter; the most solemn time of the Church year that includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, where new converts are baptized and/or confirmed. (Wikipedia, while usually unreliable, is particularly good with explaining the Vigil).
Easter Season- Begins at the Easter Vigil and continues for 50 days until Pentecost.
Ordinary Time- Picks up again until Advent.
The liturgical year is based entirely on the life of Jesus. It makes sense, then, that Advent is a solemn period of reflection and prayer to prepare ourselves to celebrate His birth. The same thing occurs on a larger scale during Lent, which includes fasting. Advent is also at the end of the standard calendar year, and we use it to reflect on the other arrival of Jesus: the Second Coming at the end of time.
I love Advent. Things may be a bit subdued and solemn, but there's also an expectancy reflected in the prayers, songs and rituals we use. It's time to start over. Joy is coming, and this month is perfect for readying ourselves to receive it.
It also means that the carols start showing up at Mass. ;) Here's one you may recognize, performed by guitarist Trace Bundy and singer/songwriter Josh Garrels. The latter writes very raw, sometimes dark, and entirely non-cheesy Christian music. Do check him out.
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