December 31, 2012, Volume VI, Number 53 FEAST OF SAINT SYLVESTER I Monday of Octave of Christmas Time Saints Basil and Gregory – January 2, 2012 Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus – January 3, 2013 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton – January 4, 2012 Saint John Neumann – January 5, 2012 YEAR OF FAITH - Oct. 11, 2012, through Nov. 24, 2013 http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html Question of the Week For the Epiphany of the Lord, January 6, 2013 “Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” What else was in their treasures? Do you think there were items in their treasures they were unable to offer him? What about your treasures; what would you describe as your treasures? What would you designate as your gold? To what would you assign the properties of frankincense? What would you choose to serve as your gift of myrrh? How do your responses relate to the words of Catherine de Hueck Doherty, “I even brought gifts to Him; myrrh of my works, frankincense of my prayers, gold of compassion and understanding that He had put in my heart.”? (Donkey Bells: Advent and Christmas) NCCL News NEW NCCL Conference and Exposition Promo Video – Check it out! http://animoto.com/play/li4IY38gnwJqRC1CpEAwnQ Pope’s Intentions for January GENERAL INTENTION That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him. MISSION INTENTION That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance. At the End of the Year Blessing – Reflection At the End of the Year The particular mind of the ocean Filling the coastline's longing With such brief harvest Of elegant, vanishing waves Is like the mind of time Opening us shapes of days. As this year draws to its end, We give thanks for the gifts it brought And how they became inlaid within Where neither time nor tide can touch them. The days when the veil lifted And the soul could see delight; When a quiver caressed the heart In the sheer exuberance of being here. Surprises that came awake In forgotten corners of old fields Where expectation seemed to have quenched. The slow, brooding times When all was awkward And the wave in the mind Pierced every sore with salt. The darkened days that stopped The confidence of the dawn. Days when beloved faces shone brighter With light from beyond themselves; And from the granite of some secret sorrow A stream of buried tears loosened. We bless this year for all we learned, For all we loved and lost And for the quiet way it brought us Nearer to our invisible destination. This is a prayer written by John O’Donohue and can be found in his book, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings . NCCL Computers To Be Shut Down During the Move The NCCL Office computers will be shut down on Wednesday, January 2. All equipment will be moved and we are promised that we will be up and running with new phone numbers (yet to be determined) no later than Tuesday, January 8, 2013. For emergencies contact Lee Nagel at (202)538-0292 or [email protected]. USCCB Year of Faith American Saints, Blesseds & Venerables -JANUARY St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, S.C. Founder of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. Considered founder of the Catholic School system in the US. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the charming "belle of the ball" as a young woman in New York City, linked to all the first families. At the age of 19, she fell in love and married the wealthy, handsome William Magee Seton. The two had a very happy marriage, raising five children. Ten years after they were married, William's business and health both failed, and Elizabeth was left a poor widow with five children to raise alone. Her love for the Eucharist led her to convert to Catholicism and founded the first order of religious women in America, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, a religious community based on the Rule of St. Vincent De Paul. She was able to still raise her children, as well as live the life of a sister and found several schools. She became the cofounder of the first free Catholic School in America. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. . . (http://tiny.cc/si1tpw) Canonization homily by Pope Paul VI. . . (http://tiny.cc/om1tpw) Prayer by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (http://tiny.cc/ko1tpw) More information on American saints and holy men and women for the Year of Faith is available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-offaith/saints-for-the-year-of-faith.cfm Annual Appeal: Moving Milieu – LAST WEEK TO DONATE! NCCL is moving. All tenants where we are currently located have been informed that their current leases will no longer be in effect at the end of this calendar year. NCCL will be relocating to the main building in which the offices were located prior to this move and my arrival as Executive Director. The building is within St. Paul’s College and connected to the Paulist Evangelization Ministries offices. Actual moving started on Thursday, Saint Dominic of Silos, and will end on Wednesday, January 2, Feast of Saints Basil and Gregory. Then the unpacking will commence and finally the technological aspects on Monday, January 7 will be completed. Thanks to all those who have contributed to our annual appeal. This expenses associated with this move were not in the 2012 budget. Therefore, the Board of Directors has approved that the monies for the 2012 Annual Campaign be designated Moving Milieu with all donations being earmarked for Moving Expenses. Your contribution to our goal of $5000 is greatly appreciated. Don’t hesitate. Go to the NCCL website www.NCCL.org and make your contribution to our Annual Appeal. What’s important is not what you give but that you give. Our new address effective January 1, 2013 is NCCL, 3031 Fourth Street NE, Suite B, Washington, DC 20017. The following individuals provided financial contributions to bring our total to $2485 towards our goal of $5,000. Thank you. Please join the ranks of this year’s Annual Appeal contributors. We still need $2515 to reach our goal. We are almost half way there and less than ONE week to go. Every dollar helps. Caroline Cerveny, TOSF Jim Kemna USCCB committees call for action in response to Newtown tragedy The chairmen of three committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a joint statement Dec. 21 stressing the need for gun control, improved services for the mentally ill and a critical examination of the violence in today's movies, videos and television shows. The bishops said they joined New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, president of the USCCB, who in a Dec. 14 statement expressed his "profound solidarity with and prayers for the families, friends, neighbors, and communities whose hearts have been rent by the loss of a child or loved one." "Understandably this tragedy has given rise to discussions about national policies and steps that can be taken to foster a culture that protects the innocent and those most vulnerable among us. It is time for our nation to renew a culture of life in our society," said the committee chairmen. They are Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, Committee on Communications; and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. The bishops called on all Americans and elected leaders in particular to have "faith-filled courage to address the challenges our nation faces, both in our homes and in our national policies." They noted that "guns are too easily accessible" and cited a 2006 document by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace that stressed the importance of enacting concrete controls on handguns and noted that "limiting the purchase of such arms would certainly not infringe on the rights of anyone." They also reiterated some of what the U.S. bishops said in a 2000 statement on "Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice." In responding to the Newtown tragedy, the bishops also urged entertainers, particularly film producers and video game creators, to recognize the extent of violence in movies, television programs and video games, which they said have "desensitized all of us." "We need to admit that the viewing and use of these products has negative emotional, psychological and spiritual effects on people," they added, stressing that parents, guardians and youths need resources to "evaluate entertainment products intelligently." The bishops said the tragic shooting also points to the need for society to "provide health services and support to those who have mental illnesses and to their families and caregivers." "Burdensome health care policies must be adjusted so people can get help for themselves or others in need. Just as we properly reach out to those with physical challenges we need to approach mental health concerns with equal sensitivity," they continued. "There is no shame in seeking help for oneself or others; the only shame is in refusing to provide care and support." "This is also a time to restore civility to our world and work to change the pervasive culture of violence found throughout this nation, and especially in the entertainment industry." Nominate Young Adults To Be Conference Participants Fostering new professionals into the catechetical ministry is a priority around the nation. The National Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) seeks to encourage young people to consider this ministry through its Young Adult Initiative and its Young Adult Professional Catechetical Minister Scholarship. The purpose of this Young Adult Initiative is to: - raise awareness about professional catechetical ministry among young adults who might be discerning ecclesial professional roles foster arch/diocesan involvement in bringing forth strong candidates for professional catechetical ministry among young adults create an awareness in young adults of the benefits of gathering with NCCL, the professional organization for catechetical leaders which includes parish and diocesan leaders, academic members, and publishers The purpose of the Young Adult Professional Catechetical Minister Scholarship is to: - raise awareness about a career as a professional catechetical ministry among young adults who are currently employed in an ecclesial professional catechetical role foster arch/diocesan involvement in affirming professional catechetical ministry among young adults employed in the catechetical field create an awareness in young adults of the benefits of gathering with NCCL, the professional organization for catechetical leaders which includes parish and diocesan leaders, academic members, and publishers To nominate candidates, the person’s immediate supervisor should e-mail Mark Buckley ([email protected]) or Michelle Tomshack ([email protected]), NCCL Membership Committee co-chairs. NCCL’s Membership Committee will determine the awardees and notify them via e-mail no later than March 15, 2013. For specific requirements and application procures, please go to NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events tab. National Migration Week 2013: January 6-12 National Migration Week 2013 will be held from January 6-12 with a primary theme of “We are Strangers No Longer: Our Journey of Hope Continues.” This year's National Migration Week observance and theme commemorate the 10th anniversary of the historic joint pastoral letter of the United States and Mexico bishops conferences, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope. This theme reminds us of our responsibility as Catholics to help newcomers integrate in ways that are respectful, culturally sensitive and responsive to social needs, and of the ongoing need for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform. To purchase National Migration Week materials, please visit the USCCB Bookstore on-line. To order each of the 2013 National Migration Week materials, go to http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/nationalmigration-week/. Additionally, you are encouraged to visit the Justice for Immigrants website, where you can find a wide range of educational resources on immigration and Catholic Social Teaching. In coordination with National Migration Week and this special anniversary, the USCCB is also in the process of publishing a book of edited essays that focuses on many of the issues and themes that arise in light of the pastoral statement Strangers No Longer. We aim to have the book released in the spring of 2013 and are confident that it will provide an important resource for those interested in this important issue. Year of Faith postings on the NCCL Website – Check it out! NEW Postings It’s up on the NCCL website and there are NEW postings every week. You can find the information under Resources on the Home page or by simply clicking YEAR of FAITH Resources. There is a wide variety of ideas from which you can choose. NCCL will be posting Year of Faith plans from parishes and dioceses on the NCCL website. If your committee or Forum has discussed the Year of Faith from an NCCL perspective, or if someone on your committee has plans for the Year of Faith, please email the information to NCCL Board member Joanie McKeown at [email protected]. We'll post links to websites, outlines of plans, introductory articles, worksheets, etc., along with a byline crediting you (or your parish, diocese, committee, etc.) for the materials you are sharing. By allowing others to see your plans you'll be helping other parish and diocesan catechetical leaders as they develop their local plans so that across the country, in parishes large and small, we'll have vibrant celebrations of the Year of Faith. National Vocation Awareness Week Set For January 13-19 The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) January 13-19. The annual event earmarks a time for parishes to consider their role in promoting the role of priests, deacons and religious order brothers and sisters to Catholics deciding on their future. "National Vocation Awareness Week gives dioceses and parishes across the country a chance to promote vocations through prayer and education," said Archbishop Robert Carlson, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. "This is especially important in this Year of Faith and as the Church continues to focus on the New Evangelization. Vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life are essential in the Church's mission of spreading the joy and love of Jesus Christ. Our world and culture needs the Good News of Christ more than ever." Father Shawn McKnight, executive director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV), said research shows more youth consider a lifetime of service to the Church than family and friends realize. "A recent study found significant interest among never-married Catholics ages 14-35 in priesthood and the consecrated life," he said. "We estimate that over 600,000 youth and young adults have seriously considered a religious vocation in the Church. This is good news. The challenge is to pray for them and encourage them to take the next step as they discern God's call." The study, "Consideration of Priesthood and Religious Life Among Never-Married U.S. Catholics," was conducted by the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and commissioned by the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. It is available at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-andteachings/vocations/survey-of-youth-and-young-adults-on-vocations.cfm. Vocation Awareness Week reminds Catholics that they have responsibility to pray for vocations and to invite young people to consider a call to ordained ministry and consecrated life, said Father John Guthrie, CCLV associate director. "When someone is encouraged by three or more people to consider a religious vocation in the Church, they are more than five times more likely to seriously consider it, the CARA study showed. We need to be less shy about encouraging someone with the right qualities for religious life to think about it," Father Guthrie said. The CCLV office will provide dioceses web resources such as prayer cards, suggested prayers of the faithful and bulletin-ready quotes. Materials can be downloaded from the USCCB Vocations page, www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/national-vocation-awarenessweek.cfm. Quick Fire 2013: Rapid Resources Interested in presenting a Rapid Resources session? Have you developed an effective program, resource, or other information for your diocese or parish? Have a book or a piece of research you would like to share with your peers? Have an innovative response to a catechetical need? Then NCCL wants you to present a Rapid Resource session at our 2013 Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Quick Fire 2013 is a great way for conference participants to learn new ideas and network with peers. This Rapid Resource gathering consists of four 10 minute sessions. Presenters will give a fast 7 minute presentation to a small group (up to ten people) followed by 3 minutes for discussion. At the end of the ten minutes, presenters will give the group a one-page handout that includes their contact information. People will then move to another Rapid Resource session. NCCL Committees will also present Rapid Resource sessions so that participants can learn about NCCL's activities and how they can become involved. To nominate yourself as a Rapid Resource presenter, please complete the Rapid Resource nomination form available on the Home Page of the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) or you can download and complete the APPLICATION FORM. The Conference Committee will review your submission based on the following criteria: • clarity of description of the content and presentation methods • relevance/audience interest, importance, focus • presenter's experience, qualifications and expertise (The review process does not apply to sessions by NCCL committees.) Nominate Individuals, Parishes, Dioceses for AWARDS ╬ Distinguished Service Award The award is intended to recognize and applaud the good works of someone who has spent many years in catechesis helping individuals and communities encounter the Good News of Jesus. The award recipient is not revealed until the time of the presentation and is someone who is attending the annual meeting. Nominations are due by January 14, 2013. Nomination Forms are available on the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events tab. The criteria are that the recipient: • has worked in catechetical ministry a good number of years • has labored in the field with dedication and enthusiasm • has made a substantial contribution to the ministry and to the people they serve • has labored tirelessly, willingly and effectively for the sake of the Gospel without any thought of recognition-an “unsung catechetical hero” • has a current membership in NCCL or is a former member who has retired within the past 5 years ╬ New Wineskins Award - Parish/Cluster Level This new award offered by the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership is designed to: • Highlight and celebrate extraordinary achievement occurring in parishes (or parish clusters) in the ministries of evangelization and catechesis. • Share successful initiatives that may benefit other parishes. • Encourage continued creative innovation in parish catechetical and evangelization efforts. • Reflect the spirit of the "new evangelization" promulgated by Pope John Paul II and the General/National Directories for Catechesis. Nominations are due by January 14, 2013. Nomination Forms are available on the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events tab. The awarded entry will be notified by February 15th.. Award Criteria The parish ministry initiative must exhibit 1. a strong catechetical and/or evangelization dimension; 2. innovative qualities; 3. a history or track record of at least three years; 4. a demonstrated record of effectiveness; 5. fidelity to Scripture and Church teaching. ╬ New Wineskins Award - Diocesan/Multi-Diocesan Level This new award offered by the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership is designed to: • Highlight and celebrate extraordinary achievement occurring in a diocese (or a cooperative effort in more than one diocese) in the ministries of evangelization and catechesis. • Share successful initiatives that may benefit other dioceses. • Encourage continued creative innovation in parish/diocesan catechetical and evangelization efforts. • Reflect the spirit of the "new evangelization" promulgated by Pope John Paul II and the General and /National Directories for Catechesis. Nominations are due by January 14, 2013. Nomination Forms are available on the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) under the News and Events tab. The awarded entry will be notified by February 15th. Award Criteria The ministry of the diocese(s) initiative must exhibit 1. a strong catechetical and/or evangelization dimension; 2. innovative qualities; 3. a history or track record of at least three years; 4. a demonstrated record of effectiveness; 5. fidelity to Scripture and Church teaching. Carl & Janaan Scholarship for Couples in Ministry Any NCCL member whose spouse is also involved in church ministry is eligible to apply for this scholarship. This is a scholarship that is based both on the couple’s catechetical ministry and their collaborative commitment to serve the church. The scholarship provides free registration for one NCCL member and spouse to attend the NCCL national conference and meeting. Applicants are requested to share how they creatively help their catechists address the six tasks of catechesis and what working together has done for them and their faith life. For more information and an application go to the News and Events tab on the NCCL homepage (www.NCCL.org) and click on Scholarships. 4th Annual NCCL Conference Scholarship in memory of the life and ministry of Sister Maria de la Cruz Aymes, SH for Diocesan Leaders serving Catechesis with Hispanics Through the Generosity of Information about the Scholarship process along with an application can be found on the NCCL website. Go to the News & Events tab on the NCCL homepage (www.NCCL.org) and click on Scholarships. Application deadline, including all support documentation, must be received no later than midnight, Thursday, January 31, 2013. Encourage Participation in the 2013 Multi-Media Youth Contest Calling all religious educators! Materials are now available for the 2013 Multi-Media Youth Contest, sponsored by the USCCB Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) with support from RCL Benziger. This year's theme is "Be a Disciple! Put Two Feet of Love in Action." Educators lead participants through 5 easy steps to learn about U.S. poverty, the Church’s response, and the Two Feet of Love in Action. Youth then create multi-media work of any type (e.g. painting, video, poetry, dance, etc.) and work to educate their peers before submitting their work to the contest. The contest can be facilitated by any diocesan office – for example, the Religious Education, Catholic Schools, Youth Ministry, Social Concerns, or Hispanic Ministry office. The annual national contest deadline is March 31. Visit the contest materials now in English and Spanish FREE Professional Development Webinar – Tuesday, January 15 Ave Maria Press, in partnership with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, the National Association for Lay Ministry, and National Federation of Priests' Councils presents a series of free, online workshops on professional development for parish ministers. This webinar Living the Gospel: From Ash to Living Flame offered on Tuesday, January 15 at 3:00 pm EST. You can register at PDW01.15.2013 (http://tiny.cc/cmanpw). For a complete listing of professional development webinars in this series, please visit www.avemariapress.com/webinars. Living the Gospel: From Ash to Living Flame—Presented by Fr. Scott Hurd Lent can be a blessed season of renewal if kept in a meaningful and realistic way. Doing so can be a challenge in our overscheduled, secularized world, but it is far from impossible! Join Fr. Scott Hurd for this webinar to explore how to encourage and lead those you serve to have a "good" Lent this year. Parishes Called to Welcome, Support People With Mental Illness When Deacon Tom Lambert's wife was hospitalized for open heart surgery, friends brought unsolicited meals to the family's door. "For three or four weeks, every day at 6 o'clock, the bell would ring and a different family would bring us dinner," he said. Those neighbors and fellow parishioners were responding to a need. But a different illness in his family some years later garnered no response. "When our daughter was diagnosed with mental illness, no one came to the door," he said. That was 25 years ago, and Deacon Lambert, who co-chairs the National Catholic Partnership on Disability's Council on Mental Illness, said awareness is essential in overcoming the stigma associated with a disease of the mind. In the United States, severe or persistent mental illness affects 1 in 17 Americans. The mental illness disability rate has more than doubled since the 1980s and increased six-fold since the 1950s. Some clinicians and researchers believe the increase has been influenced by external factors, including environmental and social causes. Other experts theorize that a widening set of criteria for diagnosing mental illness -- which was once thought to be a result of chronic or irreversible conditions -- has led to a rise in the number of people living with such a disability. Practitioners in the mental health field consider the requirement for a diagnosis before pharmaceutical and insurance companies will dispense treatment as a factor as well. Unfortunately, treatment plans have long ignored a patient's spiritual needs, said Sacred Heart Sister Nancy Kehoe, a clinical psychologist. She authored the book "Wrestling with Our Inner Angels: Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey to Wholeness." When she began working with people with mental illness 30 years ago, faith issues were ignored. Because mental health professionals were not trained to adequately respond when a patient spoke about spirituality, she said. "It was really unheard of in 1981 to have anyone suggest that it would be worthwhile to have a conversation with people with serious mental illness about religion because up until then, it was really just seen as part of their symptoms or a defense," she said. "Either people pathologized it or they ignored it." Contrary to the prevailing belief that faith was a part of a patient's mental illness, Sister Nancy soon discovered that it was often part of an individual's inner strength. She then organized a group for people who wanted to talk about mental illness and religion. The group meets monthly at St. Paul Parish in Cambridge, Mass. When someone struggles with a severe mental illness, they often feel isolated. Their behaviors may put others at a distance, and they may have difficulty holding a job, keeping relationships and living on their own. Deacon Lambert said that many people at Sunday Mass privately struggle with mental illness and the vast majority are managing their illness well. "Nobody's going to come up and say, 'Well, I have schizophrenia, but I go to work every day, I hold a job, I have a marriage.' But I guarantee there's a lot of people who are in that situation," he said. As "people of compassion and justice," Deacon Lambert said, Catholics can help by creating safe havens for people to talk about their mental illness and allow their faith to be part of their healing. Even a prayer intention at Mass may spark hope, he added. In reaction to his daughter's diagnosis, faith played a significant role, the deacon said. "(Our faith) was crucial in getting us through that," he explained. "Through prayer and turning things over to the Lord, saying we're going to deal with this situation with the strength and hope that comes from God and our faith. That's really what got us through, quite honestly. It's as simple as that." Father Rodney Thibault, director of the Diocese of Fall River's Pastoral Care of the Sick program, said his work in hospital ministry has brought him in frequent contact with people whose mental illness has led to their admittance to the psychiatric ward, often because they are battling suicidal thoughts. "I have found that people really do reach out, and they seek the presence of God in their lives in a moment like that," he said. "Usually, it's to find that inner peace. They know that Jesus is the one who is the king of peace." Information about various ways that parishes can reach out to its members struggling with mental illness can be found on the website of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability at http://ncpd.org/. Is It Time to Forgive? These are some good thoughts at the end of the year. It may inspire you to be reconciled with someone. It may encourage you to promote the sacrament of penance. Regardless, it reinforces the sense of peace and joy that is associated with the Christmas season. Forgiveness holds the possibility for expanding our capacity to love. There is only one reason to forgive. If we want to be free, if we want to live as the full and unlimited expression of ourselves, if we want our hearts to open, then we are being invited to put an end to all stories that keep us closed and contracted. What exactly is forgiveness? When we are in the state of unforgiving, we are holding on to a grudge. A grudge is a story of hurt and resentment that we believe to be true and repeat over and over in our thoughts. It lodges in our body and mind like a freeloading visitor who won’t leave. It keeps our hearts clamped shut, depletes our energy, and hijacks our creativity. When we make the choice to forgive, we let go of the power the grudge has over us. We are released, liberated, and free to return to our natural state of open-heartedness and clarity. Did you notice that I didn’t mention the other person who wronged you? Forgiveness is not about the other – it is an inner letting go that finally allows us to be at peace. It is an acceptance of what happened along with a choice to stop dragging the unhappy past into the present. It is the experience of moving through blockages that keep us from being alive right now. It is for you way more than anyone else. Let’s clear up two misconceptions about forgiveness. 1. When you release your attention from your grievance story, you are not condoning the other’s behavior. 2. You can be completely released without receiving an apology. Forgiveness happens in its own time. It is never too early, or too late, to let go. When the time is right for you, adopt an attitude of tough love: be tender and compassionate, but don’t let yourself off the hook. Stay committed and on track, even if it’s challenging, until you feel at peace. 1. First, identify your experience of the grudge. Crack open to the possibility of discovering something new about it that has the potential to release you from suffering. 2. Experience the feelings directly. 3. You might notice a part of you that shouts a resounding, “No!” to this process. 4. Now consider the impact that holding on to this story has on you. 5. Acknowledge the core belief that keeps the story running 6. Bring your attention inside, and ask yourself what you need, then be creative so that your need is fulfilled. Do whatever it takes so that you can let go of the ball and chain you are dragging around. What are you holding on to? What has your experience been with letting go? What challenges are you aware of? If you care to read the complete article, Is It Time to Forgive, you can find it on Gail Brenner’s blog at A Flourishing Life at http://aflourishinglife.com/2009/11/how-to-forgive/. Pope Personally Delivers Pre-Christmas Pardon to Butler Pope Benedict XVI visited his former butler, Paolo Gabriele, in his cell in the Vatican police barracks, personally telling the butler he was forgiven and was being pardoned. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the pope had wanted “to confirm his forgiveness and to inform him personally of his acceptance of Mr. Gabriele’s request for pardon.” The Vatican described the pope’s visit and the pardon as “a paternal gesture toward a person with whom the pope shared a relationship of daily familiarity for many years.” The 46-yearold Gabriele, who worked in the papal apartments from 2006 until his arrest in May, has been barred from further employment at the Vatican. He, his wife and three young children have been living in a Vatican apartment, but will have to move now that he is no longer employed by the Vatican, Father Lombardi said. Gabriele’s lawyer had told an Italian newspaper in July that Gabriele had written “a confidential letter to the pope,” asking for his forgiveness and telling the pope he had acted alone. Gabriele had told investigators that he had acted out of concern for the pope, who he believed was not being fully informed about the corruption and careerism in the Vatican. He had repeated the claim at his trial. Father Lombardi also told reporters that Claudio Sciarpelletti, a computer technician in the Vatican Secretariat of State who was found guilty of obstructing the Gabriele investigation and given a suspended sentence, has returned to work in the Secretariat of State. A full pardon also is expected for him, Father Lombardi said. 3 New Year’s Resolutions that Will Make You Happier These thoughts are from Christine Carter on the Greater Good site. If interested, you can read the complete article at http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness/. You want to lose weight. Get out of debt. Stop smoking. Eat more kale. Call your grandma more often. I do understand why people don’t like New Year’s resolutions: They can be a source of failure, year after year. Folks often pick resolutions that are inherently unrewarding, that necessitate relentless hard work, or that remind them of their mortality in a way that makes them feel small instead of grateful. …Over the years I’ve learned a lot of tricks for successfully keeping my resolutions. And in the last three years, the science around willpower and habits has made great advancements, which helps a lot. The first and most important factor in keeping your resolutions is to make the right resolution. Make the wrong one and you won’t keep it; you’ll just add another habit to the “fail” list. This year, pick just one resolution that research shows will make you happier. Here are three of my favorites: 1. Spend more time with friends. 2. Everyday, find a way to give something to somebody. My favorite happiness booster is to give thanks…. In a world that is more focused on getting than giving, a New Year’s resolution to do one kind thing each day, or to give thanks in one small way, is a pretty radical act. 3. Get more sleep and exercise. Try increasing your sleep 10 minutes a night for a week, and then another 10 the next week, and so on until you are regularly getting your eight hours. It is miraculous to me that people can change themselves simply because they want to. New Year’s resolutions are an amazing act of creation, an art form where the canvas is the self. Cheers to making 2013 your happiest year yet! With a Child's Trust: a Christmas letter Here are the closing paragraphs from the Christmas letter of Brother David Steindl-Rast O.S.B. If you are interested in reading his complete letter, please go to http://www.gratefulness.org/readings/dsr_christmas_child.htm. No wonder, then, that violence, arrogance, and greed disfigure our fearful society. No wonder we long for the world of the fearless child, the world of non-violence, mutual respect, and joyful sharing. To let the child-in-you guide you – by the ears, if necessary – toward building this new world, this is what i wish you most of all for 2013. It will take courage, strength, and wisdom, but – ”fear not!” – together we can do it. Let us run with grateful joy toward the opportunities a new year holds out to us. Adore Him / Christmas Eve / Kari Jobe You can WATCH AND LISTEN to this 4:18 minute video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUCD-GXObac. It makes you want to sing Christ the Lord rather than wait for the very end. Christmas Offering This is a song from Casting Crowns. Listen and watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcXSNJNHmoc. You can buy the song at Christmas Offering or you can order the album at Peace on Earth. Here are the lyrics: Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star While angels sang to lowly shepherds Three Wiseman seeking truth they traveled from afar Hoping to find the child from heaven Falling on their knees they bow before the humble Prince of Peace We bring an offering of worship to our King No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing Jesus may you receive the honor that you're due O Lord I bring an offering to you The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love There is no shadow in your presence No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne Before the Holy One of heaven It's only by Your blood It's only through Your mercy Lord, I come I bring an offering of worship to my King No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due O Lord, I bring an offering to you We bring an offering to you We are an offering to you We are an offering to you, Jesus We are an offering of worship to our King No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due O Lord, we bring an offering to you O Lord, we bring an offering to you We bring an offering to you We are an offering to you We are an offering to you Bells Are Ringing I had not heard this song until Christmas Day but I was moved so that I wanted to share it with you in hopes that it will become a part of your Christmas tradition. You can listen to Mary Chapin Carpenter sing it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp9nPuGkqs. No presents, no candy, no trees, no stockings hung by the fire. No parties, no family to greet, no angel's heavenly choirs. Bells are ringing, all over the world. Bells are ringing, calling the light Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world tonight. No doorways, no windows, no walls, No shelter here on the ground. No standing, no safe place to fall, Just the promise of this distant sound Bells are ringing, all over the world. Bells are ringing, calling the light Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world tonight. Wherever you're walking tonight, whoever you're waiting for Somehow, by the stable's faint light, Peace in your heart is restored. 'Cause Bells are ringing, all over the world. Bells are ringing, calling the light Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world Bells are ringing, all over the world. Bells are ringing, calling the light Bells are ringing, all over the world, all over the world tonight. Earth from Above As 2012 comes to an end, this is a series of photographs that will help you give thanks to God for all that He has given us. "Earth From Above" is the result of the aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand's five-year airborne odyssey across six continents. It's a spectacular presentation of large scale photographs of astonishing natural landscapes. Every stunning aerial photograph tells a story about our changing planet. Go to http://justpaste.it/3ky. A Story For Tomorrow A visually beautiful and inspiring video of a "journey" ending with two poignant questions: • • “Is it possible to be happy with this life?” and “Did you enjoy your story?” (Did you?) God Bless America – Kate Smith I just read the piece below on the song God Bless America and it occurred to me that many people are frustrated with our legislature who can’t seem to either compromise or work together. Perhaps many of us need to be reminded that we can still celebrate our faith freely and go to whatever church we choose so maybe this will be a good reminder of how blessed we are and offer some hope as we are only a few days from 2013. The link below will take you to a video showing the very first public singing of " GOD BLESS AMERICA.” But before you watch, you should also know the story of the song. The time was 1940. America was still in a terrible economic depression. Hitler was taking over Europe and Americans were afraid we'd have to go to war. It was a time of hardship and worry for most Americans. This was the era just before TV, when radio shows were HUGE, and American families sat around their radios in the evenings, listening to their favorite entertainers, and no entertainer of that era was bigger than Kate Smith. Kate was also large in size, and the popular phrase still used today is in deference to her, "Ain't over till the fat lady sings". Kate Smith might not have made it big in the age of TV, but with her voice coming over the radio, she was the biggest star of her time. Kate was also very patriotic. It hurt her to see Americans so depressed and afraid of what the next day would bring. She had hope for America , and faith in her fellow Americans. She wanted to do something to cheer them up, so she went to the famous American songwriter, Irving Berlin (also wrote "White Christmas") and asked him to write a song that would make Americans feel good again about their country. When she described what she was looking for, he said he had just the song for her. He went to his files and found a song that he had written, but never published, 22 years before - way back in 1917. He gave it to Kate Smith and she worked on it with her studio orchestra. She and Irving Berlin were not sure how the song would be received by the public, but both agreed they would not take any profits from God Bless America . Any profits would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, the Boy Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties from this song. This video starts out with Kate Smith coming into the radio studio with the orchestra and an audience. She introduces the new song for the very first time, and starts singing. After the first couple verses, with her voice in the background still singing, scenes are shown from the 1940 movie, "You're In The Army Now." At the 4:20 mark of the video you see a young actor in the movie, sitting in an office, reading a paper; it's Ronald Reagan. Frank Sinatra considered Kate Smith the best singer of her time, and said when he and a million other guys first heard her sing "God Bless America " on the radio, they all pretended to have dust in their eyes as they wiped away a tear or two. To this day, God Bless America stirs our patriotic feelings and pride in our country. Back in 1940, when Kate Smith went looking for a song to raise the spirits of her fellow Americans, I doubt she realized just how successful the results would be for her fellow Americans during those years of hardship and worry, and for many generations of Americans to follow. Now that you know the story of the song, I hope you will enjoy it and treasure it even more. Now here is "GOD BLESS AMERICA" http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=TnQDWNMaRs#! HooplaHa Heroes of 2012 What better way to kick off the new HooplaList series than with a rundown of some of the most memorable heroes and heroic acts of the year? From brave dogs to a Batman, 2012 has been packed to the gills with heroes of all kinds. Watch as they present some of their favorites at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilxHn1RdV4 The Third Gift We all play a part in history, and most often, our role remains unknown until long after we've moved on. "The Third Gift" celebrates one of those unknown roles in the Nativity story. There are no bells and whistles, elves or sparkling lights in Linda's book. Yet it tells more of what the holiday season is about than many of its contemporaries. It is an engaging story of ordinary people involved in an extraordinary event. Most of the book takes place away from the city, and the quietness of the landscape contributes to the reverence of the book. You can order The Third Gift. The Miracle of Myrrh This is a beautifully written, gentle story about something most people have wondered about: what became of the gifts the Magi brought to Bethlehem? The Miracle of the Myrrh is a sensitive tale showing us the blessings we receive when we generously offer our gifts to meet another's need. Awardwinning French artist Herve Blondon richly illustrates Alborghetti's original, entertaining, and highly recommended picturebook story of a grown-up Drummer Boy, his son, and the fate of the frankincense, gold and myrrh. You can order The Miracle of the Myrrh (Christmas & Advent). The Sphinx at Dawn: Two Stories This is another answer to about the gifts but this time, they are in a special place in the home of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Madeline L’Engle weaves a tale for 9-10 year olds. This is a plausible story about what Jesus was like as a young boy. I have always found it inspiring and appreciate the way Jesus chooses to solve the problem, helps his friend save face and offers an insight in the importance of relationships and forgiveness. Like most boys, it is done without fanfare and then not spoken about again. It’s a fascinating story and one you might be interested in adding to your collection. You can order The Sphinx at Dawn: Two Stories. Knowing Jesus and His Message – Conociendo a Jesus y su Mensaje This is an excellent resource. Immediately following the Learning Session on this resource at the NCCL Conference and Exposition in San Diego, the NCCL Bookstore sold over twenty (20) copies of the book in English and Spanish. Based on the protocol used to evaluate elementary religion series, the book used fifteen standards for Pre-K and K through Grades 7 & 8. Included with the binder is a CD with all the materials available for duplication. This is an ideal help for any elementary catechist regardless of the series you might be using. Check out the following and use the Order Form. • PREFACE - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/nysql) • • • • EXPLANATION - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/xuvw8) Standards - Explained (http://tiny.cc/65wmc) Normas y Fundamentos (http://tiny.cc/zfrg2) ORDER FORM - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/9j0mb) Looking For A Good Book? Stop by the NCCL Bookstore. Purchasing books, CDs, DVDs, and other products on Amazon through the NCCL Bookstore (http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20) helps support this valuable online ministry. If you are an on-line shopper and you frequent Amazon.com, please enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore as the organization benefits from every purchase you make. It’s an ideal way to support our ministry. Just go to our Home page (www.NCCL.org) and click on the Store tab or click on http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20 and it will take you directly to our bookstore. It doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as you enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore, we get a percentage of your purchases. We are just building our bookstore and adding titles every day, so if you have any suggestions for books you believe should be available through our bookstore, please drop NCCL a note. All books mentioned in CL Weekly are available at the NCCL Bookstore. Quote for the New Year If this is to be a Happy New Year, a year of usefulness, a year in which we shall live to make this earth better, it is because God will direct our pathway. How important then, to feel our dependence upon Him! - Matthew Simpson Happy New Year – A Blessing for YOU May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work You do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those Who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in the bland absences. May the day never burden you. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, Possibilities and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected. May your soul calm, console and renew you. This is a prayer written by John O’Donohue and can be found in his book, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom. Closing Image for 2012: Stickworks: Lean on Me I came across this in my Winter issue of the Abbey Banner. It might just be that I am a plains boy or then again it might be that I love community projects or it could be that I love what happens when a university or any school for that matter or even a church brings in an Artist-in-Residence. Environmental artist Patrick Dougherty was in residence at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University from September 3-21, building a large-scale outdoor sculpture with saplings harvested sustainably from the Saint John’s Arboretum. You can see more pictures including a time lapse at http://www.stickwork-csbsju.org/. Patrick weaves tree saplings into enormous, whirling, animated shapes that resemble tumbleweeds or gusts of wind, and over the course of his career he has created some 230 of them all around the world. Check out his website: http://www.stickwork.net. Feedback/Comments should be addressed to: [email protected]
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