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Monthly Archives: November 2017
Aparecida 280: Four Dimensions of Formation
280. Formation encompasses diverse dimensions that must be integrated harmoniously throughout the formation process, namely the human and communal, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral missionary dimensions. Here, the Aparecida bishops outline how mentors address the practical aspect of treating human beings … Continue reading
Aparecida 279: Continuing Formation
Let’s look at some general criteria for the formation of Christian disciples. The bishops describe their intent here as “Comprehensive, kerygmatic , and ongoing.” 279. The primary mission of formation is to help the members of the Church to always … Continue reading
Here I Am, Lord
I missed this posting last month at America. Written for a friend’s diaconate ordination, the story of the song’s genesis makes sense to me now, given the parameters of the commission: His friend wanted the song to include the images … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgical Music, spirituality
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Aparecida 278, Part 5: Forming for Mission
The last of five aspects: e) Mission: As they get to know and love their Lord, disciples experience the need to share with others their joy at being sent, at going to the world to proclaim Jesus Christ, dead and … Continue reading
On My Bookshelf: The Moon And The Other
John Kessel has crafted an enjoyable, thought-provoking read here. The premise: thirteen decades into the future, the moon is peopled by a few dozen colonies. Two feature in this novel. One self-presents as a free Muslim society, but reads a … Continue reading
Posted in On My Bookshelf, science fiction
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Aparecida 278, Part 4: Life in Community
A good subtitle here might be: lone rangers need not apply. d) Communion: There can be no Christian life except in community: in families, parishes, communities of consecrated life, base communities, other small communities, and movements. Like the early Christians … Continue reading
Aparecida 278, Part 3: Discipleship
At some point a progressing Christian takes action in her or his life as a result of that encounter with Jesus and knowing the grace of conversion. Most Catholic communities and their leaders are woefully equipped to work with people … Continue reading
Aparecida 278, Part 2: Conversion
Section 278 of the 2007 document from the Aparecida Conference is one of the more important passages from the Latin American and Caribbean bishops. The five aspects of discipleship are a benchmark not only for the people south of the … Continue reading
Aparecida 278, Part 1: The Encounter With Jesus
Work on forming intentional disciples in the US–efforts from various sources–parallels much of this important description in section 278. I find it fascinating to compare with discipleship materials I’ve read from Evangelical Christians of the 70s, and various Catholic efforts … Continue reading
A Blessed Thanksgiving
I’m not always sure what to make of the “happy” label on holidays. If we are having a “happy” thanksgiving, does it mean our parades, football, and turkey have lulled us into a collective and blissful ignorance of the impoverishment … Continue reading
Posted in Miscellaneous
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Aparecida 276-277: Formation
The process of forming disciples: this will keep our attention through section 285. 6.2 THE PROCESS OF FORMATION OF MISSIONARY DISCIPLES 276. The vocation and commitment to be disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ today in Latin America and the … Continue reading
This Means War
If it’s November, it means we’re on for the War on Christmas Starbucks. Just a disclaimer here: I probably drink one of their coffees about twice a year, making it unlikely I will drink out of a gay or pagan … Continue reading
Aparecida 275: Martyrs
The Lord predicted it. Not as a soothsayer, but as one well-acquainted with human nature, and how often we resist messages uncomfortable to us and threatening to our lifestyle. 275. Our communities bear the stamp of the apostles, and they … Continue reading
Aparecida 273-274: The Apostles and Saint Joseph
The New Testament gives us other examples of discipleship. Most notably, the apostles: those who were among the first followers of the Lord, who heard the Master speak directly of going into the entire world and furthering his mission. 273. … Continue reading
Catholic Sensibility 
Where Will It End?
A better place, hopefully. November has been a very bad month for men. I don’t take joy in seeing the high and mighty topple like Psalm 113 princes. The Project Veritas blunder probably underscores the truthfulness of the vast majority … Continue reading →