Hello, loves.
It's that time of year again: we've reached the end of the semester, and I was informed last week that I've been relieved of my obligations here. :) I only have one week of classes left now, and then finals begin. Soon, I'll be home by the tree with my cat. (It takes so little to make me happy.)
This will be my last post for a while. However, I'm going to be serving as a lab monitor next semester, and will probably end up back here in one capacity on another. Fear not. :)
Until then, I have two great videos that expresses a lot about Advent that I've been trying to convey here. I got them both from the fine folks at Phatmass.com.
Have a wonderful, safe and Blessed Christmas season. I'll see you again next year!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Slowing down...
This time of year, it seems that the whole world is in a hurry. The to-do list is relentless: eat the leftover turkey, decorate, get the tree up, write out cards, shop, shop, plan the Christmas meal, shop, make cookies, shop some more.
Dec. 26 is usually when we flop on our couches, bodies and souls exhausted with the constant rush of the last six weeks, admiring our tree for a few brief moments before we rush to take it down, undecorate...the radio doesn't help. B101, the forerunner of those stations in this area that have flipped to all Christmas tunes, switches back at 12:01 a.m. that day. Boom -- no more Christmas.
You get the idea.
Here's the interesting thing about being Catholic. More than any other time of year, the weeks leading up to Christmas are a time to slow down, reflect and prepare ourselves for Christ. And the big day itself is celebrated starting on the 25th. Each Mass between then and the Epiphany (Jan. 6) is ranked with the same solemnity as Christmas Day.
So much of what we do goes against what this world says is important. For us, it's not so much about what we buy, but the intention behind our giving. It's not about greed, but charity. We don't work to impress our visiting relatives, but open our homes with humility and thanksgiving. And while so many are only celebrating the presents and food, we are celebrating so much more -- the reality that our entire world was changed the day Jesus was born.
It can be pretty staggering to consider. Sure, the list of errands is just as extensive for Catholics, and if we're not careful, the season will pass us by. But as the Gospel reading from this past weekend tells us, if we are vigilant and keep watch for Him, this season will do wonders for our faith.
Dec. 26 is usually when we flop on our couches, bodies and souls exhausted with the constant rush of the last six weeks, admiring our tree for a few brief moments before we rush to take it down, undecorate...the radio doesn't help. B101, the forerunner of those stations in this area that have flipped to all Christmas tunes, switches back at 12:01 a.m. that day. Boom -- no more Christmas.
You get the idea.
Here's the interesting thing about being Catholic. More than any other time of year, the weeks leading up to Christmas are a time to slow down, reflect and prepare ourselves for Christ. And the big day itself is celebrated starting on the 25th. Each Mass between then and the Epiphany (Jan. 6) is ranked with the same solemnity as Christmas Day.
So much of what we do goes against what this world says is important. For us, it's not so much about what we buy, but the intention behind our giving. It's not about greed, but charity. We don't work to impress our visiting relatives, but open our homes with humility and thanksgiving. And while so many are only celebrating the presents and food, we are celebrating so much more -- the reality that our entire world was changed the day Jesus was born.
It can be pretty staggering to consider. Sure, the list of errands is just as extensive for Catholics, and if we're not careful, the season will pass us by. But as the Gospel reading from this past weekend tells us, if we are vigilant and keep watch for Him, this season will do wonders for our faith.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tearjerker: The Hammit Family's Gratitude
One of my favorite Christian bands is Sanctus Real, a rock group headed by singer Matt Hammitt. He's famous for capturing hearts with his emotional lyrics paired with powerful melodies. Go on and listen to "Lead Me" on their website to get an idea of what I mean.
Earlier this fall, Hammitt found a new source of inspiration: the birth of his third child and first son, Bowen. He's had so many bumps and triumphs in his first months of life, and tonight his story graces ABC World News during an episode of gratitude.
This resonated with me, as someone who followed baby Bowen's progress on the radio, through Matt's Twitter, and Bowen's Heart, a website the family built chronicling his struggle for anxious supporters. I had a rough start, too -- born 3 months premature, I was under 2 lbs and spent 81 days in the hospital.
We all have a lot to be grateful for this week. I hope all of you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
Here's the segment from ABC. Grab your tissues.
Earlier this fall, Hammitt found a new source of inspiration: the birth of his third child and first son, Bowen. He's had so many bumps and triumphs in his first months of life, and tonight his story graces ABC World News during an episode of gratitude.
This resonated with me, as someone who followed baby Bowen's progress on the radio, through Matt's Twitter, and Bowen's Heart, a website the family built chronicling his struggle for anxious supporters. I had a rough start, too -- born 3 months premature, I was under 2 lbs and spent 81 days in the hospital.
We all have a lot to be grateful for this week. I hope all of you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
Here's the segment from ABC. Grab your tissues.
Monday, November 22, 2010
New York's Dolan to Lead U.S. Bishops
There has been an especially large amount of buzz in Catholic news lately. There are two stories I want to cover that have broken over the past few days, so bear with me as I work to sort out the details.
The first comes out of the nation's capital from Tuesday. Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, has been elected to lead the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB serves as the main body of Catholic leadership and guidance in America.
The question here is likely "So what?" The answer is that no one saw this result coming. The USCCB has consistently elected its Vice President into the top spot for every single election since its creation (then the National Conference of Catholic Bishops) in 1966.
Currently, the sitting vice president is Tuscon's Gerald Kicanas, an outspoken liberal in his theology who has aligned himself with pro-abortion and GLBT causes and politicians. There have also been instances of priests abusing children under his watch. For the more progressive of the Church, Kicanas has been seen as a rallying point and hope for the future. As VP, his elevation to president was virtually guaranteed.
But after the third round of voting, Dolan emerged as the clear winner, defeating Kicanas 128-111. Known as a fierce defender of both the Pope and conservative values, he has become a favorite among those who toe the Church's party line. The decision is a startling one, both because it was unprecedented and because, as the bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, he is one of the most prominent faces in Catholic America.
The one thing I will say without compromising my objectivity is that it's great to see a bishop have so much charisma. Let's hope that personality serves well in the Church's relations with the country's political scene.
The first comes out of the nation's capital from Tuesday. Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, has been elected to lead the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB serves as the main body of Catholic leadership and guidance in America.
The question here is likely "So what?" The answer is that no one saw this result coming. The USCCB has consistently elected its Vice President into the top spot for every single election since its creation (then the National Conference of Catholic Bishops) in 1966.
Currently, the sitting vice president is Tuscon's Gerald Kicanas, an outspoken liberal in his theology who has aligned himself with pro-abortion and GLBT causes and politicians. There have also been instances of priests abusing children under his watch. For the more progressive of the Church, Kicanas has been seen as a rallying point and hope for the future. As VP, his elevation to president was virtually guaranteed.
But after the third round of voting, Dolan emerged as the clear winner, defeating Kicanas 128-111. Known as a fierce defender of both the Pope and conservative values, he has become a favorite among those who toe the Church's party line. The decision is a startling one, both because it was unprecedented and because, as the bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, he is one of the most prominent faces in Catholic America.
The one thing I will say without compromising my objectivity is that it's great to see a bishop have so much charisma. Let's hope that personality serves well in the Church's relations with the country's political scene.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Post #50!
Permit me a moment of unprofessionalism, okay?
B101 PHILADELPHIA IS OFFICIALLY FLIPPED TO 24/7 CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!!
I have been waiting for weeks! Woohoo!
Enjoy it on 101.1 FM!
B101 PHILADELPHIA IS OFFICIALLY FLIPPED TO 24/7 CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!!
I have been waiting for weeks! Woohoo!
Enjoy it on 101.1 FM!
A Matter of Time
Last night was the last meeting at CCM until after the brief Thanksgiving break. When we return for Mass on Sunday the 28th, it will be the first Sunday of Advent. If you'll recall my post from last year on this season, this means that there will be only four weeks standing between us and Christmas.
It's funny how the season tends to sneak up on us, at least for me.
Ironically, last night our chaplain used the meeting to talk about time. Advent is a subdued kind of season as we all dig in our heels and reflect back on everything that has gotten us to this point, repenting as we find we need to. It's a time to focus on all that Christ has done (this is especially true for this weekend's holy day, the Solemnity of Christ the King) for us, the direction our lives are headed as we seek to follow Him, and of course, the end of time.
Father told us a story of a woman he had known named Connie, a poet from Pennsylvania who, after suffering a terrible stroke, lost her ability to communicate. She was virtually a soul trapped in a shell.
Her daughter was one day very emotional over this, and wrapping her arms around her mother, said, "Mom, if it weren't immoral, I wish I could help you move on to heaven so you don't have to suffer like this."
Using a touch pad to spell out words, it took Connie hours to type this: "I am in God's time. Don't cry for me, Argentina...this has happened so that I have to depend fully on Him."
Woah. Now that, friends, is faith -- and a peace with death that I imagine many would envy.
After the talk, we went downstairs to our chapel that was pitch black, with a special surprise: the place was lit entirely by luminarias, bags of sand with candles inside.
We prayed Compline together, better known as Night Prayer, a collection of hymns, psalms and Scripture that the entire Church prays together.
"Watch over us, Lord, as we stay awake, and protect us as we sleep; that awake, we might keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in His peace."
The theme was darkness and light, which was perfect for the coming Advent season. The whole experience encouraged us to pray for peace, and trust without anxiety that God will take care of us.
It's just a matter of time.
It's funny how the season tends to sneak up on us, at least for me.
Ironically, last night our chaplain used the meeting to talk about time. Advent is a subdued kind of season as we all dig in our heels and reflect back on everything that has gotten us to this point, repenting as we find we need to. It's a time to focus on all that Christ has done (this is especially true for this weekend's holy day, the Solemnity of Christ the King) for us, the direction our lives are headed as we seek to follow Him, and of course, the end of time.
Father told us a story of a woman he had known named Connie, a poet from Pennsylvania who, after suffering a terrible stroke, lost her ability to communicate. She was virtually a soul trapped in a shell.
Her daughter was one day very emotional over this, and wrapping her arms around her mother, said, "Mom, if it weren't immoral, I wish I could help you move on to heaven so you don't have to suffer like this."
Using a touch pad to spell out words, it took Connie hours to type this: "I am in God's time. Don't cry for me, Argentina...this has happened so that I have to depend fully on Him."
Woah. Now that, friends, is faith -- and a peace with death that I imagine many would envy.
After the talk, we went downstairs to our chapel that was pitch black, with a special surprise: the place was lit entirely by luminarias, bags of sand with candles inside.
We prayed Compline together, better known as Night Prayer, a collection of hymns, psalms and Scripture that the entire Church prays together.
"Watch over us, Lord, as we stay awake, and protect us as we sleep; that awake, we might keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in His peace."
The theme was darkness and light, which was perfect for the coming Advent season. The whole experience encouraged us to pray for peace, and trust without anxiety that God will take care of us.
It's just a matter of time.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Music Monday: Audrey Assad
A lot of people will tell you that today, the contemporary Christian music scene is largely dominated by men. If I were to list a few of the most popular groups and artists played on the nationally-syndicated station Air 1, you'd hear names like these: tobyMac, Skillet, Kutless, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North, Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp, Brandon Heath, David Crowder.
Not a woman in the mix.
This sad fact has only recently been pointed out in Christian media outlets; a particularly good read is this feature from Christianity Today on Addison Road's frontwoman, Jenny Simmons.
While I have nothing against male artists, because of the lack of females in the industry, I'm much more likely to gravitate toward them.
One of my favorite Christian artists made her solo debut just recently, and has had a firm grip on my attention ever since. Her name is Audrey Assad, a pianist/singer/songwriter hailing from the Phoenix area. Her music is incredibly simplistic, rarely more than piano and rhythm underneath her airy yet powerful soprano vocals.
In every sense of the word, her music is a form of prayer as she touches on subjects that many of her genre shy away from: doubt, suffering, apathy among them.
"Fear is a current we all get caught in
and in its motion, faith can be so hard to find.
And we all falter, 'cause we're all broken
we're just trying to turn the shadows into light ...
You say I am blessed because of this
so I choose to believe
That if I carry this cross,
You'll carry me."
This is just one example of how Assad speaks candidly to both the worries Christians face, and the hope that we can be sure of in Christ.
Random trivia: She's a Catholic convert, the only one in her family, and got her start singing backup vocals for her best friend, Matt Maher. I wrote about Matt (who is also Catholic) on this blog last year.
Check out this video of Audrey Assad performing "For Love of You," the first track off her debut album, "The House You're Building." Then, do yourself a favor and buy the CD.
Not a woman in the mix.
This sad fact has only recently been pointed out in Christian media outlets; a particularly good read is this feature from Christianity Today on Addison Road's frontwoman, Jenny Simmons.
While I have nothing against male artists, because of the lack of females in the industry, I'm much more likely to gravitate toward them.
One of my favorite Christian artists made her solo debut just recently, and has had a firm grip on my attention ever since. Her name is Audrey Assad, a pianist/singer/songwriter hailing from the Phoenix area. Her music is incredibly simplistic, rarely more than piano and rhythm underneath her airy yet powerful soprano vocals.
In every sense of the word, her music is a form of prayer as she touches on subjects that many of her genre shy away from: doubt, suffering, apathy among them.
"Fear is a current we all get caught in
and in its motion, faith can be so hard to find.
And we all falter, 'cause we're all broken
we're just trying to turn the shadows into light ...
You say I am blessed because of this
so I choose to believe
That if I carry this cross,
You'll carry me."
This is just one example of how Assad speaks candidly to both the worries Christians face, and the hope that we can be sure of in Christ.
Random trivia: She's a Catholic convert, the only one in her family, and got her start singing backup vocals for her best friend, Matt Maher. I wrote about Matt (who is also Catholic) on this blog last year.
Check out this video of Audrey Assad performing "For Love of You," the first track off her debut album, "The House You're Building." Then, do yourself a favor and buy the CD.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Off Beat: Writers beat the clock in November
A lot of writers, whether professional or amateur, have big dreams. Many of them long for the day that their name graces the front cover of the New Releases section at Barnes & Noble, or even better, the New York Times' Best Seller list.
Every year, some of these people set out on the journey to write that great American novel. But the majority of them aren't crazy enough to try it in a month.
That's exactly what hundreds of thousands do each year during November, though. Armed with nothing but a flash of plotted brilliance and gallons of caffeine, they tackle the fiction beast that is National Novel Writing Month.
The event, which began on a whim in 1999 with freelance writer Chris Baty, offers hopeful novelists a quick and dirty opportunity to get their ideas down on paper. Beginning at midnight local time on Nov. 1, they have just 30 days to write a 50,000-word work of fiction.
In its first year, NaNoWriMo had just 21 participants, mostly Baty's friends from the San Francisco Bay Area; only a third of these met the goal. Eleven years later, 197,000 adults and young people from all over the globe have signed up for the challenge.
A popular component of the experience is the write-in, a meeting of local participants (called "wrimos") in venues throughout a specific region. Most of these people meet via the website's forum system, which includes regional chapters. According to the NaNo website, there are currently 164 people from South Jersey who have written at least a word this year (including me!).
The task of writing at least 1,667 words every day to hit the big 50K by the month's end may seem daunting, but it ends up not being so bad. If a person types as little as 30 words a minute, it will take just under an hour to get the day's quota done. With careful examination of our daily schedules and a little trimming here are there, it's a piece of cake.
The hardest part for a lot of participants is turning off their "inner editor," that voice of criticism that threatens to beat the hopeful writer into the dirt with every sentence. That's why the month-long deadline is in place. You have to write quickly, not worrying about being critical; in this way, you end up writing for the love of it.
To learn more about National Novel Writing Month, its sister program Script Frenzy, or the Young Writers Program, visit their website: The Office of Letters & Light.
A popular component of the experience is the write-in, a meeting of local participants (called "wrimos") in venues throughout a specific region. Most of these people meet via the website's forum system, which includes regional chapters. According to the NaNo website, there are currently 164 people from South Jersey who have written at least a word this year (including me!).
The task of writing at least 1,667 words every day to hit the big 50K by the month's end may seem daunting, but it ends up not being so bad. If a person types as little as 30 words a minute, it will take just under an hour to get the day's quota done. With careful examination of our daily schedules and a little trimming here are there, it's a piece of cake.
The hardest part for a lot of participants is turning off their "inner editor," that voice of criticism that threatens to beat the hopeful writer into the dirt with every sentence. That's why the month-long deadline is in place. You have to write quickly, not worrying about being critical; in this way, you end up writing for the love of it.
To learn more about National Novel Writing Month, its sister program Script Frenzy, or the Young Writers Program, visit their website: The Office of Letters & Light.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Losing Christ in Christmas
I was really hoping that I would be able to save this post for another week or two, but it looks like the time has come sooner than I expected.
Or I guess what I should say is that "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."
Today, I went to spend some of the birthday money that's been burning a hole in my pocket at a mall about 30 miles south of Rowan. Signs were up all over the place advertising the upcoming arrival of Santa Claus for photos and eager wish lists on ... Nov. 13! How about that. Don't you think it would be easier to, you know, put the Halloween decorations away first? Goodness, we still have a solid three weeks to go before Thanksgiving, even.
Now in the spirit of full disclosure and integrity I have to confess that I'm probably more excited than my baby cousins (seven of them ages 2 to 6, one on the way) when it comes to the holiday season. I'm guilty of blasting Christmas music in my apartment on campus by the second week of classes, have had ideas for gifts since the third, and was very close to buying my outfit for the family party today. I'm really terrible about it.
In my own defense, however, the reason I'm so crazy is because my family has taught me to appreciate the joy and simplicity of this time of year, despite the rushing and preparations. It's an opportunity to slow down with my family and be thankful that we've gotten through another year. For me personally, the coming of Christmas has given me so much more to celebrate now that I actually celebrate it for its purpose -- Christ. (So that's what Christmas is about? Jesus? Go figure!)
The stores were full to overflowing today with trees, candy canes, snowmen and enough reindeer to fill a barn...yet, ironically, the only time I saw anything to do with spirituality was in a gift card envelope. Even that reference was one use of the word "holy" in a ridiculous and cheesy rhyming couplet. I read it, groaned, and put it back.
Where, I kept asking myself, did they hide the Christ child under all of those snowmen???
Keep the faith, friends. ;)
(I'm thinking of turning this into a column for The Whit...Cuddy, when you see this, do you think it's got a shot if I clean it up some?)
Or I guess what I should say is that "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."
Today, I went to spend some of the birthday money that's been burning a hole in my pocket at a mall about 30 miles south of Rowan. Signs were up all over the place advertising the upcoming arrival of Santa Claus for photos and eager wish lists on ... Nov. 13! How about that. Don't you think it would be easier to, you know, put the Halloween decorations away first? Goodness, we still have a solid three weeks to go before Thanksgiving, even.
Now in the spirit of full disclosure and integrity I have to confess that I'm probably more excited than my baby cousins (seven of them ages 2 to 6, one on the way) when it comes to the holiday season. I'm guilty of blasting Christmas music in my apartment on campus by the second week of classes, have had ideas for gifts since the third, and was very close to buying my outfit for the family party today. I'm really terrible about it.
In my own defense, however, the reason I'm so crazy is because my family has taught me to appreciate the joy and simplicity of this time of year, despite the rushing and preparations. It's an opportunity to slow down with my family and be thankful that we've gotten through another year. For me personally, the coming of Christmas has given me so much more to celebrate now that I actually celebrate it for its purpose -- Christ. (So that's what Christmas is about? Jesus? Go figure!)
The stores were full to overflowing today with trees, candy canes, snowmen and enough reindeer to fill a barn...yet, ironically, the only time I saw anything to do with spirituality was in a gift card envelope. Even that reference was one use of the word "holy" in a ridiculous and cheesy rhyming couplet. I read it, groaned, and put it back.
Where, I kept asking myself, did they hide the Christ child under all of those snowmen???
Keep the faith, friends. ;)
(I'm thinking of turning this into a column for The Whit...Cuddy, when you see this, do you think it's got a shot if I clean it up some?)
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
The Hallowed Three
Hi. My apologies for the lack of updates -- I came down with a bad cold early Monday morning and have spent the better part of this week in bed. :( Fun stuff. I'm still not better, but I'm definitely getting there.
I had wanted to write this week about a series of holy days that the Church observed this week that are all interconnected -- All Saints Day on Nov. 1, All Souls Day on Nov. 2, and believe it or not, Halloween.
I know, that seems a little crazy. But the spookiest day of the year has more ties to Christianity than most people realize. As a matter of fact, I only learned this last week myself. I got most of my information from a homily by priest acquaintance of mine, Fr. Brian Ditullio, the Vocations Director in the Diocese of Paterson.
Most people know that Halloween traces its roots to two different cultures -- the Mexican Dia de los Muerte (Day of the Dead), and the ancient Celtic feast of Samhain, still celebrated today by Pagans and Druids worldwide. But as Catholicism began to spread around the world, the blending of these different cultures both eased the conversion process while creating a unique day of remembrance.
Of course, in many religions that believe in an afterlife, the deceased play various roles in faith even though they are no longer present. The Church has always honored its martyrs in the spring, but that feast was eventually moved to coincide with All Saints (this is where dressing up in spooky costumes comes from). The name Halloween comes from the phrase "all hallows eve," meaning the night before a sacred (hallowed) day. It was always the first day in a series of three to honor the dead -- one for the martyrs, one for those who are in heaven with God, and the last for those being purified before heaven in purgatory.
While it's true that Samhain has ties to occultism, especially in those faiths that contact the dead through witchcraft, it's got practically nothing to do with Satan.
So go on -- indulge in some of that super cheap post-Halloween candy and remember all of your loved ones who have passed on.
I had wanted to write this week about a series of holy days that the Church observed this week that are all interconnected -- All Saints Day on Nov. 1, All Souls Day on Nov. 2, and believe it or not, Halloween.
I know, that seems a little crazy. But the spookiest day of the year has more ties to Christianity than most people realize. As a matter of fact, I only learned this last week myself. I got most of my information from a homily by priest acquaintance of mine, Fr. Brian Ditullio, the Vocations Director in the Diocese of Paterson.
Most people know that Halloween traces its roots to two different cultures -- the Mexican Dia de los Muerte (Day of the Dead), and the ancient Celtic feast of Samhain, still celebrated today by Pagans and Druids worldwide. But as Catholicism began to spread around the world, the blending of these different cultures both eased the conversion process while creating a unique day of remembrance.
Of course, in many religions that believe in an afterlife, the deceased play various roles in faith even though they are no longer present. The Church has always honored its martyrs in the spring, but that feast was eventually moved to coincide with All Saints (this is where dressing up in spooky costumes comes from). The name Halloween comes from the phrase "all hallows eve," meaning the night before a sacred (hallowed) day. It was always the first day in a series of three to honor the dead -- one for the martyrs, one for those who are in heaven with God, and the last for those being purified before heaven in purgatory.
While it's true that Samhain has ties to occultism, especially in those faiths that contact the dead through witchcraft, it's got practically nothing to do with Satan.
So go on -- indulge in some of that super cheap post-Halloween candy and remember all of your loved ones who have passed on.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Health in Body and Spirit at TOT
Last night (Wednesday) was the second session of South Jersey Theology on Tap. There have only been four scheduled so far as a trial process; in 2011, the youth ministry staff at the diocese will decide how to proceed.
Tonight, our speaker was Patrick Donovan, the Executive Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Wilmington. I have to confess that I stuck my nose up when I heard about the theme for the night, "Body, Mind and Spirit: Total Fitness in the 21st Century" and almost considered sitting this one out.
In retrospect, I'm really glad I went. It was nothing like the discussion on exercise and eating my veggies like I thought it would be.
Donovan, who is slightly dejected over recently hitting the big 4-0 and no longer being classified as a young adult (the threshold is usually 18-39 these days), was full of humor and sarcasm. With a wife and four children spaced each a year apart, I guess you have to be!
"I used to be a runner," he told us, gesturing to his growing belly, "but now I only run when someone's chasing me with a weapon. Or to save my 2-year-old son, who thinks that playing in traffic is a good idea."
He then moved on to discussing the end scene of the 1988 movie Field of Dreams, where the main character realizes at long last that he's found his father. For Catholics, Donovan said, that should be our life's goal: to reach the end and realize that we are finally home with our Father.
"But how are you going to get there?" he asked us, referring to yesterday's Gospel reading about those turned away at the narrow gate of heaven. "You can't do it knowing about God. You need to know Him -- and be able to recognize Him."
Tonight, our speaker was Patrick Donovan, the Executive Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Wilmington. I have to confess that I stuck my nose up when I heard about the theme for the night, "Body, Mind and Spirit: Total Fitness in the 21st Century" and almost considered sitting this one out.
In retrospect, I'm really glad I went. It was nothing like the discussion on exercise and eating my veggies like I thought it would be.
Donovan, who is slightly dejected over recently hitting the big 4-0 and no longer being classified as a young adult (the threshold is usually 18-39 these days), was full of humor and sarcasm. With a wife and four children spaced each a year apart, I guess you have to be!
"I used to be a runner," he told us, gesturing to his growing belly, "but now I only run when someone's chasing me with a weapon. Or to save my 2-year-old son, who thinks that playing in traffic is a good idea."
He then moved on to discussing the end scene of the 1988 movie Field of Dreams, where the main character realizes at long last that he's found his father. For Catholics, Donovan said, that should be our life's goal: to reach the end and realize that we are finally home with our Father.
"But how are you going to get there?" he asked us, referring to yesterday's Gospel reading about those turned away at the narrow gate of heaven. "You can't do it knowing about God. You need to know Him -- and be able to recognize Him."
Sunday, October 24, 2010
A part of something bigger
Tonight, something pretty momentous happened in the relationship between Rowan and the Glassboro community, at least in the Catholic world.
After several years of talks, studies and careful planning, the Catholic Campus Ministry at the university has been incorporated as a part of St. Bridget's Parish, Glassboro.
The church has been part of the borough for over a century now, and not only serves local residents, but is also designated the "personal parish" of Latino Catholics in the county and elsewhere. Now, they've also become the personal parish for Catholic students, faculty and staff at Rowan.
There is no formal relationship between the school and the church, of course. The Newman House where CCM has its headquarters is considered, to use the words of Fr. Matthew Weber, pastor of the church, a bridge between Rowan's Catholic population and that of the greater community. CCM is a club chartered by the Student Government Association, but our worship and other financial resources are overseen by the Diocese of Camden. (I hope that makes sense!)
One of the changes to come from this partnership is the addition of a Sunday evening Mass at St. Bridget's that is open to anyone, but set aside to minister to the college population in particular. Everything is done under the leadership of Rowan's Catholic chaplain, Fr. Phillip Johnson, and all of the leadership roles during Mass are held by students.
The Sunday evening Mass was held originally in the basement chapel at Newman, but we've now been blessed with a beautiful church home. Daily Masses will still be held at 12:30 p.m. at Newman.
As for my part, I've been serving as the pianist for Sunday Masses since March. Someone from the church has graciously volunteered her time to play for the student Mass, however, and that has freed me up for my original role as a singer. I'm thrilled to be doing what I love again. (Not to mention relieved of the stress involved with playing piano in public!)
Tonight was beautiful. and I can't wait to see what the future brings for this partnership. :)
After several years of talks, studies and careful planning, the Catholic Campus Ministry at the university has been incorporated as a part of St. Bridget's Parish, Glassboro.
The church has been part of the borough for over a century now, and not only serves local residents, but is also designated the "personal parish" of Latino Catholics in the county and elsewhere. Now, they've also become the personal parish for Catholic students, faculty and staff at Rowan.
There is no formal relationship between the school and the church, of course. The Newman House where CCM has its headquarters is considered, to use the words of Fr. Matthew Weber, pastor of the church, a bridge between Rowan's Catholic population and that of the greater community. CCM is a club chartered by the Student Government Association, but our worship and other financial resources are overseen by the Diocese of Camden. (I hope that makes sense!)
One of the changes to come from this partnership is the addition of a Sunday evening Mass at St. Bridget's that is open to anyone, but set aside to minister to the college population in particular. Everything is done under the leadership of Rowan's Catholic chaplain, Fr. Phillip Johnson, and all of the leadership roles during Mass are held by students.
The Sunday evening Mass was held originally in the basement chapel at Newman, but we've now been blessed with a beautiful church home. Daily Masses will still be held at 12:30 p.m. at Newman.
As for my part, I've been serving as the pianist for Sunday Masses since March. Someone from the church has graciously volunteered her time to play for the student Mass, however, and that has freed me up for my original role as a singer. I'm thrilled to be doing what I love again. (Not to mention relieved of the stress involved with playing piano in public!)
Tonight was beautiful. and I can't wait to see what the future brings for this partnership. :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you..."
Take a minute to really absorb this photo. Like streaks of paint, the crosses get smaller and smaller until they disappear into the horizon line.
4100 abortions...every day.
That's almost 29,000 in a week. 115,000 each month.
And the most staggering figure of all? If my math is right, there are 1,496,500 abortions performed in one year.
But what can we say about this? Is it a grand achievement that stems from a woman's right to choose that 1.5 million human lives never got a chance to blossom?
This is not a religious issue -- I can comfortably write this post without a single mention of faith. The taking of an innocent human life is never acceptable.
Make no mistake, I write with my efforts focused on objectivity. But I feel that there are some issues on which just about everyone can agree, and at the same time, some on which it is impossible to be silent -- one of them being that we shouldn't kill people.
Of course, the issue in the Supreme Court that is still hotly debated today does not concern when life begins, or even if the woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy (that was established in 1973 with Roe v. Wade). The issue is whether or not a fetus is a human being.
I'll leave it up for you to decide if this is a baby.
What I can say definitively as a person who has looked in the eyes of post-abortive women is that there is so much unnecessary hurt, fear and pain in the world. We need to do everything we can to give troubled parents and their children the support they need.
That's why I'm a proud supporter of Good Counsel Homes, a non-profit that meets the needs of single, homeless and post-abortive mothers. Plus, the organization was founded by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who are just awesome.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Over the past several days, the above phrase and variants of it began to pop up like wildfire on the Facebook pages of Rowan Catholics.
Just tonight, one of my younger friends who frequently finds herself overwhelmed by engineering homework wrote this: "I'm not going to worry, because God has everything under control."
And as we pass each other on the way to class or crossing 322, we share wide grins. Suddenly, life isn't as crazy as we thought it was.
For me, it seems like myself and the others that attended the CCM retreat this weekend are sharing in a collective sigh of relief. This week, we go about our business in the present moment; for some, the future has been put out of mind for the very first time. And you can see tangible evidence of that if you ask how our weekend was.
This was the first retreat I've been on with a concrete theme, and "pray instead of worry" speaks directly to so many of us who are looking toward the future and biting our fingernails. Through various talks led by our chaplain, periods of silent and group reflection, and worship, we got the opportunity to not only face our fears, but learn that God has overcome them.
"Who among you by worrying can add an instant to your life?" Out of all of the Scripture passages about anxiousness and trust we studied, this one question from Jesus in Matthew's Gospel struck me the most. It would follow me for the next three days, until my "quiet hour" on Saturday afternoon.
It was then that I finally dared to pray aloud about all the worries that I internalize so often. And as I did, I came to realize that I have no need to worry. God, after all, is in charge. I'm in good hands, and if I trust Him, I'll be taken care of.
Each one of us reached this point in different ways, but the end result was striking. There were a lot of tears on Saturday as a lot of people let go of their burdens and gave them to God, but on Sunday, everyone was smiling.
It's witnessing changes like these in myself and my friends that always makes the retreat experience worthwhile.
Just tonight, one of my younger friends who frequently finds herself overwhelmed by engineering homework wrote this: "I'm not going to worry, because God has everything under control."
And as we pass each other on the way to class or crossing 322, we share wide grins. Suddenly, life isn't as crazy as we thought it was.
For me, it seems like myself and the others that attended the CCM retreat this weekend are sharing in a collective sigh of relief. This week, we go about our business in the present moment; for some, the future has been put out of mind for the very first time. And you can see tangible evidence of that if you ask how our weekend was.
This was the first retreat I've been on with a concrete theme, and "pray instead of worry" speaks directly to so many of us who are looking toward the future and biting our fingernails. Through various talks led by our chaplain, periods of silent and group reflection, and worship, we got the opportunity to not only face our fears, but learn that God has overcome them.
"Who among you by worrying can add an instant to your life?" Out of all of the Scripture passages about anxiousness and trust we studied, this one question from Jesus in Matthew's Gospel struck me the most. It would follow me for the next three days, until my "quiet hour" on Saturday afternoon.
It was then that I finally dared to pray aloud about all the worries that I internalize so often. And as I did, I came to realize that I have no need to worry. God, after all, is in charge. I'm in good hands, and if I trust Him, I'll be taken care of.
Each one of us reached this point in different ways, but the end result was striking. There were a lot of tears on Saturday as a lot of people let go of their burdens and gave them to God, but on Sunday, everyone was smiling.
It's witnessing changes like these in myself and my friends that always makes the retreat experience worthwhile.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Turning Outward
Tonight I just want to share a song that just recently made its debut in the Christian music scene.
Over the past month, both in this blog and in the news, we've heard a lot of stories about people who reach out to those who are most in need, and what happens sometimes when those same people are ignored and literally left to die.
We need to look outside of ourselves -- to be a bit crude, get our heads out of our asses -- and realize that life isn't all about our desires and dreams. It's not even about being comfortable. A lot of people consider it a blessing just to wake up every day. But sometimes, we're so consumed in our worries, busyness and technology to notice. If we do notice, how many people are really going to act like it?
These are the questions that Matthew West asks in his newest single, "My Own Little World."
I confess that I have a soft spot for him and his story: a few years ago, he badly damaged his vocal cords to the point where doctors weren't sure he would ever speak again. After undergoing surgery, he had to go three months without saying a word. Not to his wife, and not to his infant son who was just beginning to recognize his daddy. As you can imagine, the experience had a profound impact on him both spiritually and musically.
One last thing: I mentioned above that we are often so preoccupied with worry that we push God out. This weekend, about 25 Catholics from Rowan and Stockton will be going on our semester retreat at St. Mary's of Providence in Elverson, Pa. This semester, the theme is "Pray Instead of Worry." As a typical hyperstressed college student, I'm looking forward to seeing what I gain.
If you feel so inclined, please pray for our success. I'll be back on Sunday night! :)
Over the past month, both in this blog and in the news, we've heard a lot of stories about people who reach out to those who are most in need, and what happens sometimes when those same people are ignored and literally left to die.
We need to look outside of ourselves -- to be a bit crude, get our heads out of our asses -- and realize that life isn't all about our desires and dreams. It's not even about being comfortable. A lot of people consider it a blessing just to wake up every day. But sometimes, we're so consumed in our worries, busyness and technology to notice. If we do notice, how many people are really going to act like it?
These are the questions that Matthew West asks in his newest single, "My Own Little World."
I confess that I have a soft spot for him and his story: a few years ago, he badly damaged his vocal cords to the point where doctors weren't sure he would ever speak again. After undergoing surgery, he had to go three months without saying a word. Not to his wife, and not to his infant son who was just beginning to recognize his daddy. As you can imagine, the experience had a profound impact on him both spiritually and musically.
One last thing: I mentioned above that we are often so preoccupied with worry that we push God out. This weekend, about 25 Catholics from Rowan and Stockton will be going on our semester retreat at St. Mary's of Providence in Elverson, Pa. This semester, the theme is "Pray Instead of Worry." As a typical hyperstressed college student, I'm looking forward to seeing what I gain.
If you feel so inclined, please pray for our success. I'll be back on Sunday night! :)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Media and faith alive in Chile
It's been in the minds and hearts of a lot of people today, but for the families of miners trapped in a Chilean desert, the heartache is finally over. Sometimes, I feel like America only tunes in at the end of these stories to be a part of the drama and emotion.
Here at Rowan, we offered Mass today in thanksgiving for the rescue that at this point has gone off without a hitch. A nationally syndicated and non-profit Christian radio station, K-LOVE, has had listeners calling in adding special donations for each miner pulled out.
And all around the world, people are glued to various live feeds from news organizations at the site, waiting to see another father, another sign emerge from the earth.
Okay, maybe that's a bit like overkill, but it's true. In times of crisis, people and nations all rally together despite their differences to reach out to the world. Look at 9/11, Katrina or the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year.
We start to notice each other, and notice God, more than ever before. The first miner to come from the mines dropped to his knees when he reached the surface, and the crowd burst into an unplanned hymn. Another miner was quoted saying that there weren't just 33 miners trapped, but 34 -- God was with them the entire time, and the majority credit Him for their incredible survival.
It's nice to see that credit is given where credit is due, both in faith and the media.
Here at Rowan, we offered Mass today in thanksgiving for the rescue that at this point has gone off without a hitch. A nationally syndicated and non-profit Christian radio station, K-LOVE, has had listeners calling in adding special donations for each miner pulled out.
And all around the world, people are glued to various live feeds from news organizations at the site, waiting to see another father, another sign emerge from the earth.
Okay, maybe that's a bit like overkill, but it's true. In times of crisis, people and nations all rally together despite their differences to reach out to the world. Look at 9/11, Katrina or the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year.
We start to notice each other, and notice God, more than ever before. The first miner to come from the mines dropped to his knees when he reached the surface, and the crowd burst into an unplanned hymn. Another miner was quoted saying that there weren't just 33 miners trapped, but 34 -- God was with them the entire time, and the majority credit Him for their incredible survival.
It's nice to see that credit is given where credit is due, both in faith and the media.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Vocation, Vocation, Vocation...
For seniors about to step off the edge of academia and into the "grown up" world, a little hesitation is natural and to be expected. We've been safely cocooned in school for at least 16 years; for me it's been 18. There's often a sense of confusion as graduation approaches and we start to ask ourselves, "What am I supposed to do with my life? What next?"
For Catholics, the answers to these questions come in two parts; both of them have to do with our choice of vocation. But the difference here is that there are two different vocations that a Catholic will take on in life. Sometimes, you'll hear them referred to as the "little V" and "big v" vocation.
Our "little v" vocation is the career path that we choose or have happened to fall into. It's the answer you give when someone asks what you do for a living: I'm a writer. That's my vocation.
Then, there is something a lot deeper and more personal than our occupation: our spiritual calling. This is our "big v" vocation, and unlike a career, it's not something we choose, but rather what God has called us to be.
For both genders, this can be either marriage or singlehood. Women can also join a religious order as a sister or nun (there is a difference), or become a consecrated virgin that works and lives in "the world" (not in a convent). Similarly, men can become priests or brothers in a monastic order.
The process of figuring out to which we're called is a tricky one that sometimes takes our whole lives. It takes an honest assessment of our strengths, weaknesses, desires and a lot of prayer. It can be scary, and it's not uncommon to hear people sharing that they ran for years before accepting their call, whatever it may be. That's why we pray at every Mass: "Thy will be done."
For now, I'm mostly certain I'm called to marriage; my confessor has agreed with my assumptions. At the very least, I know I'm not supposed to be a sister...but we need good wives and mothers just as much as we need good sisters. :) Nothing left to do but wait and see.
For Catholics, the answers to these questions come in two parts; both of them have to do with our choice of vocation. But the difference here is that there are two different vocations that a Catholic will take on in life. Sometimes, you'll hear them referred to as the "little V" and "big v" vocation.
Our "little v" vocation is the career path that we choose or have happened to fall into. It's the answer you give when someone asks what you do for a living: I'm a writer. That's my vocation.
Then, there is something a lot deeper and more personal than our occupation: our spiritual calling. This is our "big v" vocation, and unlike a career, it's not something we choose, but rather what God has called us to be.
For both genders, this can be either marriage or singlehood. Women can also join a religious order as a sister or nun (there is a difference), or become a consecrated virgin that works and lives in "the world" (not in a convent). Similarly, men can become priests or brothers in a monastic order.
The process of figuring out to which we're called is a tricky one that sometimes takes our whole lives. It takes an honest assessment of our strengths, weaknesses, desires and a lot of prayer. It can be scary, and it's not uncommon to hear people sharing that they ran for years before accepting their call, whatever it may be. That's why we pray at every Mass: "Thy will be done."
For now, I'm mostly certain I'm called to marriage; my confessor has agreed with my assumptions. At the very least, I know I'm not supposed to be a sister...but we need good wives and mothers just as much as we need good sisters. :) Nothing left to do but wait and see.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Promoting Chastity to Young People, Between Rounds
This week, I was honored to write an article for the Catholic Star Herald, the official newspaper for the Diocese of Camden, about Theology on Tap. I really enjoy being able to make contributions to the world of Catholic media. :)
Here is my story in its entirety.
Not too shabby, if you ask me. ;)
Here is my story in its entirety.
When it comes to talking about God, most people probably envision a church setting full of older adults. The atmosphere is polite, orderly and low-key.
But on Sept. 29 the Landmark Americana Tap & Grill in Glassboro was the setting for sacred talk among young adults. The patrons were more than 80 young adults from across the Diocese of Camden.
The event was the first meet-up for South Jersey Theology on Tap, part of a movement reaching young people with the Gospel on their own turf.
Organizers say the relaxed atmosphere of a bar or café is a great opportunity to discuss Catholic issues with those who are hesitant about attending a church event.
It’s also a chance for those in their late teens, 20s and 30s to connect with Catholics their age over drinks and good food.
“We were very excited to see so many people there,” said Andres Arango, director of evangelization, young adult and campus ministry for the diocese. “Dawn really spoke to the hearts of the young people on an issue they could relate to.”
On Sept. 29, the South Jersey TOT featured music journalist and chastity speaker Dawn Eden.Eden’s divorced Jewish parents taught her that there was nothing sacred about sex or marriage. She grew up feeling emotionally isolated and tried to fill the void with men as a young adult.
Her life-changing breakthrough came during a 1995 interview with a musician who mentioned he was reading a book by the English Christian apologist G.K. Chesterton. Eden didn’t know anything about the famous Catholic writer, but curiosity led her to buy one of his books.
That decision would bring the fulfillment she was searching for. Eden quickly moved from Chesterton to the Bible, later going on to accept Christ as her Savior in a Protestant church. After years of reading and prayer, she converted to Catholicism in 2006.
Now, Eden travels the country, encouraging young adults to build intimate relationships while staying sexually pure. Her book, “The Thrill of the Chaste: Finding Fulfillment While Keeping Your Clothes On,” was published in 2007 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
“Not always having been pure, I wanted to write a book for adults who might have missed the memo on practicing chastity,” Eden told the group. (She begins the introduction of her book with the line, “Chastity, like me, has long suffered from a bad reputation — only in chastity’s case, it’s undeserved.”)
Eden said that chaste relationships are about giving love selflessly, instead of abusing the gift through sex outside of marriage. “God wants you to have great sex,” Eden joked, “just not until the person you’re called to marry shows up.”
Heather Price, a 25-year-old Rowan graduate from Stratford, can’t wait for the next Theology on Tap. “The atmosphere and speaker were both very uplifting,” Price said. “Actually getting to talk to (Eden) and seek advice was awesome. She was so down to earth and full of energy.”
The next Theology on Tap will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Not too shabby, if you ask me. ;)
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Lessons from Francis
On Monday, the Church celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, one of our more "popular" saints. He's well-known as a symbol of simplicity in a world of excess through his commitment to the poorest of the poor.
The interesting thing about him is that he came from a background that was the complete opposite of the one that he would take on for the rest of his life. Really, that is why we declare people saints -- there is nothing terribly out of the ordinary about any of them. They all had jobs and families and ordinary responsibilities as all of us do, but what has set them apart is the degree to which they chose to follow God. That's it.
Ironically, Francis was a party boy. He came from a very well-respected and wealthy family. He was always a bit disillusioned with the "good life," however, and when he realized that everything that he had gained in the world wasn't going with him after death, he literally shed it all. In the presence of his parents and friends at one of the family's parties, Francis stripped naked and declared that he was going to follow Christ. And, true to the Gospel, he gave up everything he had in order to do so.
Growing up, I'll admit that I knew very little about St. Francis. One thing that does stick out to me is his particular love for animals; this compassion would lead him to be known as the patron saint of animals. At my church, it's been a long-standing tradition to bring our pets out to receive a blessing each year on his feast day, Oct. 4.
A lot of paintings and other images of Francis depict him with some sort of woodland creature, so it can almost be difficult to remember him as more than a sensitive Snow White-esque figure. His legacy is one that is still growing in the present day, though, as he became the founder and spiritual father for the monastic order named after him, the Franciscans.
These priests, religious brothers and sisters all work with a particular focus on service to the poor. They are perhaps best known for their brown habits (a habit is more or less a uniform for religious orders) and their simple way of living. There's a lot of wisdom in living just like the people you want to reach most.
There is so much in this world that we concern ourselves with -- money, food, work, love, success -- but what we can learn most from St. Francis is that the greatest things in life are faith and charity, or as their motto says, "pax et bonum," peace and goodness.
You may recognize this prayer, one that is attributed to Francis himself:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Why?
I have to wonder, in light of the recent suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi, where his right to privacy was. Where his right to live in peace was, for that matter.
Clementi, 18, was secretly videotaped by his roommate while having sex with another man. The video was streamed live over the internet, forcing Clementi to admit his once private sexuality.
The fallout and bullying he faced immediately following those events were enough to drive him to end his life. After posting a brief goodbye message via Facebook, he jumped from the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River on Sept. 28. His body was found several days later, and the roommate is now facing a police investigation.
As if that wasn't horrible enough on its own, Clementi's suicide is one of over a half dozen by young gay men and boys this past month. The age range varied and they all came from different backgrounds, but for the most part, the cause was the same: bullying.
There is a huge ethical can of worms opened especially in the Clementi incident, but the second question I have to ask is where was the respect for this kid? Where was compassion?
Whether you support their sexual decisions or not, there is absolutely no reason for belittlement and humiliation in a society that supposedly prides itself in its diversity.
You won't find me talking about the orientations of these boys, or even the morality of their deaths; neither is the real issue. Religion or not, gay or straight, we all have the right to be treated with respect and common decency by those around us. That really moves well beyond social barriers.
And if by chance there is a GLBTQ individual reading this who is hurting, beaten, afraid, or on the verge of giving up: please don't. Reach out to those who you know are there for you, whether that person is a family member, friend, counselor, church member, anyone.
Just don't give up. We all suffer at the hands of other people, some of us bitterly. Be strong and have faith. Even the hardest times don't last forever. =) It gets better. We promise. (The It Gets Better campaign has gone viral in a matter of days online, as both GLBTQ people and their straight allies share encouragement to those who are in situations like Tyler's. It's beautiful, check it out.)
Here's Ellen DeGeneres, one of my favorite comedians who just so happens to be gay, speaking out on these tragedies.
Clementi, 18, was secretly videotaped by his roommate while having sex with another man. The video was streamed live over the internet, forcing Clementi to admit his once private sexuality.
The fallout and bullying he faced immediately following those events were enough to drive him to end his life. After posting a brief goodbye message via Facebook, he jumped from the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River on Sept. 28. His body was found several days later, and the roommate is now facing a police investigation.
As if that wasn't horrible enough on its own, Clementi's suicide is one of over a half dozen by young gay men and boys this past month. The age range varied and they all came from different backgrounds, but for the most part, the cause was the same: bullying.
There is a huge ethical can of worms opened especially in the Clementi incident, but the second question I have to ask is where was the respect for this kid? Where was compassion?
Whether you support their sexual decisions or not, there is absolutely no reason for belittlement and humiliation in a society that supposedly prides itself in its diversity.
You won't find me talking about the orientations of these boys, or even the morality of their deaths; neither is the real issue. Religion or not, gay or straight, we all have the right to be treated with respect and common decency by those around us. That really moves well beyond social barriers.
And if by chance there is a GLBTQ individual reading this who is hurting, beaten, afraid, or on the verge of giving up: please don't. Reach out to those who you know are there for you, whether that person is a family member, friend, counselor, church member, anyone.
Just don't give up. We all suffer at the hands of other people, some of us bitterly. Be strong and have faith. Even the hardest times don't last forever. =) It gets better. We promise. (The It Gets Better campaign has gone viral in a matter of days online, as both GLBTQ people and their straight allies share encouragement to those who are in situations like Tyler's. It's beautiful, check it out.)
Here's Ellen DeGeneres, one of my favorite comedians who just so happens to be gay, speaking out on these tragedies.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sex, booze and ... Jesus?
The other day, a reporter from the Gloucester County Times interviewed rock music critic and Catholic journalist Dawn Eden about her upcoming trip to Glassboro. While relaying their exchange to over 50 young adults at the Landmark Americana Bar & Grill tonight, she couldn't help but laugh recalling the reporter's words: "You guys are going to be talking about Jesus ... in a *bar*?"
We all laughed appreciatively at this, because just about all of us has had to deal with the same question in the weeks leading up to tonight.
The event at Landmark was the first official gathering of the South Jersey chapter of Theology on Tap, a national movement that brings discussions about faith and culture to unlikely places. Landmark was a perfect choice for our group because of its location in the center of the Camden Diocese, plus there's the bonus of it being right down the block from a major state university.
The goal of ToT is to engage young people who might not feel comfortable in church on "their own turf" -- bars, cafes, clubs, you name it. It's a chance to bond over food, booze, and our faith. I mean, how much more could you want out of life?
Tonight, Dawn Eden shared with us her experiences growing up in a liberal family that said sex and marriage weren't sacred. Her parents' divorce left her to spend most of her life feeling unwanted and alone, and following her family's advice, she sought to fill the void with men.
To make a long story short, she discovered the writings of Catholic writer G.K. Chesterton, and it was through him that she began to read Scripture, accept Christ, and finally convert to Catholicism in 2006. Since then, she's been traveling all over the country to speak not necessarily to pious virgins only, but also to those of us who are so stuck in this oversexed generation that we honestly don't know any other way to live.
The idea behind chastity, she said, was not to treat sexual things as some evil we have to fight so hard that it actually makes things worse. Instead, we focus on making communication, strong emotional affection, and quality time the priorities of our relationships. As Catholics, we ask, "How can I show this person the love of God?"
The answer is through mutual respect and dignity, not cheap sex. As Eden said, "God made sex. He WANTS you to have great sex. He just wants you to do it the right way." And for us, that means sharing ourselves completely with only one person: our (future) spouses.
Here's a video of Dawn talking about the chaste life on the Today Show:
We all laughed appreciatively at this, because just about all of us has had to deal with the same question in the weeks leading up to tonight.
The event at Landmark was the first official gathering of the South Jersey chapter of Theology on Tap, a national movement that brings discussions about faith and culture to unlikely places. Landmark was a perfect choice for our group because of its location in the center of the Camden Diocese, plus there's the bonus of it being right down the block from a major state university.
The goal of ToT is to engage young people who might not feel comfortable in church on "their own turf" -- bars, cafes, clubs, you name it. It's a chance to bond over food, booze, and our faith. I mean, how much more could you want out of life?
Tonight, Dawn Eden shared with us her experiences growing up in a liberal family that said sex and marriage weren't sacred. Her parents' divorce left her to spend most of her life feeling unwanted and alone, and following her family's advice, she sought to fill the void with men.
To make a long story short, she discovered the writings of Catholic writer G.K. Chesterton, and it was through him that she began to read Scripture, accept Christ, and finally convert to Catholicism in 2006. Since then, she's been traveling all over the country to speak not necessarily to pious virgins only, but also to those of us who are so stuck in this oversexed generation that we honestly don't know any other way to live.
The idea behind chastity, she said, was not to treat sexual things as some evil we have to fight so hard that it actually makes things worse. Instead, we focus on making communication, strong emotional affection, and quality time the priorities of our relationships. As Catholics, we ask, "How can I show this person the love of God?"
The answer is through mutual respect and dignity, not cheap sex. As Eden said, "God made sex. He WANTS you to have great sex. He just wants you to do it the right way." And for us, that means sharing ourselves completely with only one person: our (future) spouses.
Here's a video of Dawn talking about the chaste life on the Today Show:
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Pulling Over
We're all human.
It's a fact of life that on some days we can be messy, emotional and unfair. As hard as we might try to stick close to the straight and narrow path, sometimes we drift. And then there are times where we stick a certain finger in the air and run off of it. ;)
Have you ever noticed that the harder you try to stay at the top of your game, the harder it becomes to focus and the easier it is to fall? Our heads become so clouded with all of that pressure that eventually we stop fighting, if only for a chance to catch our breaths again.
And it's funny -- when you do stop pressing onward, when you do give up, for a while things feel better ... that is, until you remember that it only came about because you lowered your standards for yourself.
The good news is that no matter the circumstance, mercy is so easy to find and never refused as long as we really want to change. I once joked in confession that it was like hitting the reset button, but I was corrected there: it's not a reset, it's moving forward knowing what our strengths and weaknesses are, but not allowing them to pull us off the road again so easily. We're not expected to never fail ... only to get up again, and keep getting up, when we do.
Confessing it all is letting go of those bonds of secrecy, fear and shame, and celebrating the fact that although we did fall short, we can always come back again. :) It's a beautiful thing.
It's a fact of life that on some days we can be messy, emotional and unfair. As hard as we might try to stick close to the straight and narrow path, sometimes we drift. And then there are times where we stick a certain finger in the air and run off of it. ;)
Have you ever noticed that the harder you try to stay at the top of your game, the harder it becomes to focus and the easier it is to fall? Our heads become so clouded with all of that pressure that eventually we stop fighting, if only for a chance to catch our breaths again.
And it's funny -- when you do stop pressing onward, when you do give up, for a while things feel better ... that is, until you remember that it only came about because you lowered your standards for yourself.
The good news is that no matter the circumstance, mercy is so easy to find and never refused as long as we really want to change. I once joked in confession that it was like hitting the reset button, but I was corrected there: it's not a reset, it's moving forward knowing what our strengths and weaknesses are, but not allowing them to pull us off the road again so easily. We're not expected to never fail ... only to get up again, and keep getting up, when we do.
Confessing it all is letting go of those bonds of secrecy, fear and shame, and celebrating the fact that although we did fall short, we can always come back again. :) It's a beautiful thing.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Pope and the Media
Pope Benedict has been spent the weekend over in England, a historically anti-Catholic country. Despite the murky history, his presence has invigorated Catholics in that country, criticizing the overwhelming secular atmosphere while encouraging a renewal of faith. (It's refreshing to hear him actually speak in a language I can understand, too.)
Of course, the Church being in the state it's in, anything the pope says is going to be met with fierce opposition, which to some extent is fair and justified.
However, I have to admit tonight that as a member of the media, watching the coverage of this trip is torturous. That is, when it's even being covered at all. The prayer vigil with Benediction from Hyde Park earlier this evening wasn't broadcast in English secular media.
The visit been a huge talking point on most of the major news programs on this side of the pond, but they almost completely miss the point.
"Pope speaks to victims of sexual abuse," a headline reads on my AOL homepage. Brian Williams said yesterday that this trip comes as the Church is still reeling from the most recent scandal, but little else. And 6ABC showed plenty of b-roll featuring angry protesters. Never mind the incredible joy and love so obvious in the cheers of thousands at the vigil.
"But tell me what ELSE happened!" I complained at the TV. Part of me can guess what the response in the media would be to that: Nobody cares what else happened. Priests molest little kids. And we're supposed to be the world's watchdogs. Anything else Benedict has to say is unimportant.
Sigh. Wrong.
Both the Catholic and the reporter in me are frustrated tonight. I know it, the Pope knows it, we all know it...the Vatican screwed up big time. They've apologized over and over again, making both spiritual and financial reparation for the sins of that alleged in the clergy that have shamed us. (According to Newsweek, the percentage of abusers in the priesthood is the same as the general population's.) Will the media ever let the Church move forward?
The pack mentality drives me insane. Could we not actually suspend our judgments long enough to do our jobs and cover all sides with fairness? Charity, even?
I guess not.
Of course, the Church being in the state it's in, anything the pope says is going to be met with fierce opposition, which to some extent is fair and justified.
However, I have to admit tonight that as a member of the media, watching the coverage of this trip is torturous. That is, when it's even being covered at all. The prayer vigil with Benediction from Hyde Park earlier this evening wasn't broadcast in English secular media.
The visit been a huge talking point on most of the major news programs on this side of the pond, but they almost completely miss the point.
"Pope speaks to victims of sexual abuse," a headline reads on my AOL homepage. Brian Williams said yesterday that this trip comes as the Church is still reeling from the most recent scandal, but little else. And 6ABC showed plenty of b-roll featuring angry protesters. Never mind the incredible joy and love so obvious in the cheers of thousands at the vigil.
"But tell me what ELSE happened!" I complained at the TV. Part of me can guess what the response in the media would be to that: Nobody cares what else happened. Priests molest little kids. And we're supposed to be the world's watchdogs. Anything else Benedict has to say is unimportant.
Sigh. Wrong.
Both the Catholic and the reporter in me are frustrated tonight. I know it, the Pope knows it, we all know it...the Vatican screwed up big time. They've apologized over and over again, making both spiritual and financial reparation for the sins of that alleged in the clergy that have shamed us. (According to Newsweek, the percentage of abusers in the priesthood is the same as the general population's.) Will the media ever let the Church move forward?
The pack mentality drives me insane. Could we not actually suspend our judgments long enough to do our jobs and cover all sides with fairness? Charity, even?
I guess not.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Plugged In
Over the Labor Day weekend, I went home to spend time with my extended family at my aunt's barbecue. While I was there, my cousin's husband started firing off criticisms each time I glanced at my cell phone or iPod.
Time for a confession: Hi. My name is Melissa, and I'm addicted to my iPod touch.
Like all of my cousins, Pat is like a brother to me and this banter is normal between us. That night, we spawned a fierce debate surrounding the value of social media in today's society. As it turns out, his recent train of thought has been inspired by a book called "The Dumbest Generation," which analyzes the moral and social erosion common in my age group. Mark Bauerlein notes that more often than not, we are motivated and involved with others not on a personal level as our parents are, but a technological one.
Let's face it: it's virtually impossible to walk down Route 322 in Glassboro and not notice someone either talking on the phone, sending a text, or listening to music. Try to catch their eye, and they probably won't notice you (or the oncoming traffic!) at all. In early July when I was interning with a local paper, our supervisor held an informal meeting with all the interns to see how we were adjusting. Two interns had their phones vibrate in the process -- one glanced to see who texted him, and the other picked up her phone to text back as if we weren't even there. Our supervisor pointed it out to the rest of us, and the offending interns looked sheepish. "It's just a habit," she told him honestly.
Tuning out the real world is no longer something we have to work at. It's now a lifestyle. My mother calls it the "tech bubble." We are starving for community, connections and relationships, but it's shallow at best when done through a screen.
We have grown up in a society that is so connected and instantly gratifying, yet what do we have to show for it? The cousin I mentioned above is a manager at a well-known car insurance company, and the current crop of 20-somethings he oversees are often too obsessed with their gadgets to get work done. In noticeable ways, the productivity in that office suffers.
I'm not going to lie; I'm just as guilty of this as a lot of my peers. I do turn off my techie gear when I'm sleeping or at Mass, and make it a point to fast entirely from those things on retreats. In so many ways, we can become distracted by all of these bells and whistles that threaten to pull us out of the here are now. While they're definitely useful, they can also be a great detriment both socially and spiritually. How often do I blow off praying or just taking some me time because I've procrastinated homework in favor of Facebook?
My generation is famous for multitasking. But it's amazing how much more grounded I become when I take even 15 minutes of my day to shut it all off and just be still.
Time for a confession: Hi. My name is Melissa, and I'm addicted to my iPod touch.
Like all of my cousins, Pat is like a brother to me and this banter is normal between us. That night, we spawned a fierce debate surrounding the value of social media in today's society. As it turns out, his recent train of thought has been inspired by a book called "The Dumbest Generation," which analyzes the moral and social erosion common in my age group. Mark Bauerlein notes that more often than not, we are motivated and involved with others not on a personal level as our parents are, but a technological one.
Let's face it: it's virtually impossible to walk down Route 322 in Glassboro and not notice someone either talking on the phone, sending a text, or listening to music. Try to catch their eye, and they probably won't notice you (or the oncoming traffic!) at all. In early July when I was interning with a local paper, our supervisor held an informal meeting with all the interns to see how we were adjusting. Two interns had their phones vibrate in the process -- one glanced to see who texted him, and the other picked up her phone to text back as if we weren't even there. Our supervisor pointed it out to the rest of us, and the offending interns looked sheepish. "It's just a habit," she told him honestly.
Tuning out the real world is no longer something we have to work at. It's now a lifestyle. My mother calls it the "tech bubble." We are starving for community, connections and relationships, but it's shallow at best when done through a screen.
We have grown up in a society that is so connected and instantly gratifying, yet what do we have to show for it? The cousin I mentioned above is a manager at a well-known car insurance company, and the current crop of 20-somethings he oversees are often too obsessed with their gadgets to get work done. In noticeable ways, the productivity in that office suffers.
I'm not going to lie; I'm just as guilty of this as a lot of my peers. I do turn off my techie gear when I'm sleeping or at Mass, and make it a point to fast entirely from those things on retreats. In so many ways, we can become distracted by all of these bells and whistles that threaten to pull us out of the here are now. While they're definitely useful, they can also be a great detriment both socially and spiritually. How often do I blow off praying or just taking some me time because I've procrastinated homework in favor of Facebook?
My generation is famous for multitasking. But it's amazing how much more grounded I become when I take even 15 minutes of my day to shut it all off and just be still.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Peace and Swords
"I come not to bring peace, but a sword," Jesus said to His disciples.
This verse is perhaps more relevant than it has ever been before. This past weekend we marked a devastating milestone in our nation's history. Nine years ago on Sept. 11, our lives changed forever.
With the passing of time, the images that we see on TV and the Web of that cloudless morning are more scarce. Public ceremonies were have become less elaborate in recent years. For some Americans, it's gone back to being just another day. My baby cousins will grow up hearing about 9/11, likely feeling detached and unmoved by something that came before their time, as WWII or Vietnam did for me.
There is a serious danger in treating it like just another holiday on the calendar, in my opinion. My Rowan planner that I bought from the bookstore tells me in an almost cheery way that the 11th is "Patriot Day." How quaint.
Personally, it will be impossible to forget even a minute of that day in 7th grade. My uncle is a retired civil engineer who spent much of his career working on the 97th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower. That morning, as I watched the tower crumble on live television during my third period class, I believed that I had just watched him die along with so many others. My uncle is the most punctual person in the world. He is never, ever late.
Through God's great mercy, he was helping my cousin move into her classroom on 9/11 as she began her teaching career in Newark. He watched his tower fall from on board a later train. Had he been on time that day...well.
What did we learn from it all, nine years later? If you turned on the news for 30 seconds over the last few weeks, you'll know: a proposed Muslim community center in the area has drawn intense emotions from all sides. It's now been dubbed the "Gronud Zero mosque" (though in reality it's a few blocks away) and represents to some a sort of blasphemy toward what for many Americans has become holy ground.
We see that reflected in other places, too, like the quiet Tennessee town that told Muslims building a mosque in the community that they were unwelcome by burning the place down.
And of course, there is Pastor Terry Jones, who tells his small congregation that the Christian answer to the growing influence of Islam is simple: burn the Koran, and do it on 9/11. It took a slew of global religious and political superstars to talk him out of it, and only at the last minute.
In 2001, America banded together as it never had before, because we were all wounded. Yet today, it seems like we've forgotten. Our cries for justice and peace have now become slurs and division.
And that's just shameful.
This verse is perhaps more relevant than it has ever been before. This past weekend we marked a devastating milestone in our nation's history. Nine years ago on Sept. 11, our lives changed forever.
With the passing of time, the images that we see on TV and the Web of that cloudless morning are more scarce. Public ceremonies were have become less elaborate in recent years. For some Americans, it's gone back to being just another day. My baby cousins will grow up hearing about 9/11, likely feeling detached and unmoved by something that came before their time, as WWII or Vietnam did for me.
There is a serious danger in treating it like just another holiday on the calendar, in my opinion. My Rowan planner that I bought from the bookstore tells me in an almost cheery way that the 11th is "Patriot Day." How quaint.
Personally, it will be impossible to forget even a minute of that day in 7th grade. My uncle is a retired civil engineer who spent much of his career working on the 97th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower. That morning, as I watched the tower crumble on live television during my third period class, I believed that I had just watched him die along with so many others. My uncle is the most punctual person in the world. He is never, ever late.
Through God's great mercy, he was helping my cousin move into her classroom on 9/11 as she began her teaching career in Newark. He watched his tower fall from on board a later train. Had he been on time that day...well.
What did we learn from it all, nine years later? If you turned on the news for 30 seconds over the last few weeks, you'll know: a proposed Muslim community center in the area has drawn intense emotions from all sides. It's now been dubbed the "Gronud Zero mosque" (though in reality it's a few blocks away) and represents to some a sort of blasphemy toward what for many Americans has become holy ground.
We see that reflected in other places, too, like the quiet Tennessee town that told Muslims building a mosque in the community that they were unwelcome by burning the place down.
And of course, there is Pastor Terry Jones, who tells his small congregation that the Christian answer to the growing influence of Islam is simple: burn the Koran, and do it on 9/11. It took a slew of global religious and political superstars to talk him out of it, and only at the last minute.
In 2001, America banded together as it never had before, because we were all wounded. Yet today, it seems like we've forgotten. Our cries for justice and peace have now become slurs and division.
And that's just shameful.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Revival!
I'm back!
The last post did say farewell for now, didn't it? I hope you missed me, because I missed this blog. In fact, I missed it so much that I actually enrolled in an independent study to get the chance to write for you guys again.
For those of you that are new here, welcome. I'm Melissa, a freelance reporter and Catholic revert. You can catch up on my story thus far by checking out this post.
I'm now a college senior, and there are only eight months standing between me and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. It's often hard to believe that the finish line is this close; in so many ways, I just got here.
For now, though, it's good to be back in business. This time, I'm writing to complete a journalism practicum for my fantastic adviser, Claudia Cuddy. You can thank her for the next four months of posting I'll be doing.
While Abide With Us was originally created as an exercise in beat reporting and online multimedia, I now have a lot more freedom with the direction we travel from here. Considering that this is still a journalism course, I'd like to write more about the media and its dealings -- many of them embarrassing -- with religion.
With any luck, I'll also return to sharing the adventures of Rowan's Catholic Campus Ministry, along with my own personal reflections.
Put simply, the new Abide With Us is a whole mess of neat stuff about faith and journalism. And it's going to be fabulous! I hope you (and your friends!) will come along again for the ride. I'll be back soon. :)
The last post did say farewell for now, didn't it? I hope you missed me, because I missed this blog. In fact, I missed it so much that I actually enrolled in an independent study to get the chance to write for you guys again.
For those of you that are new here, welcome. I'm Melissa, a freelance reporter and Catholic revert. You can catch up on my story thus far by checking out this post.
I'm now a college senior, and there are only eight months standing between me and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. It's often hard to believe that the finish line is this close; in so many ways, I just got here.
For now, though, it's good to be back in business. This time, I'm writing to complete a journalism practicum for my fantastic adviser, Claudia Cuddy. You can thank her for the next four months of posting I'll be doing.
While Abide With Us was originally created as an exercise in beat reporting and online multimedia, I now have a lot more freedom with the direction we travel from here. Considering that this is still a journalism course, I'd like to write more about the media and its dealings -- many of them embarrassing -- with religion.
With any luck, I'll also return to sharing the adventures of Rowan's Catholic Campus Ministry, along with my own personal reflections.
Put simply, the new Abide With Us is a whole mess of neat stuff about faith and journalism. And it's going to be fabulous! I hope you (and your friends!) will come along again for the ride. I'll be back soon. :)
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