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Monthly Archives: November 2019
Christus Vivit 209-210: Main Courses Of Action
We continue our long look at Youth Ministry with Pope Francis. (Remember, his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation can be found on this link at the Vatican site.) Two main courses of action present themselves in these paragraphs and those that follow. Let’s … Continue reading
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Scripture for the Sick or Dying: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
There is overlap in readings chosen for funerals and for the pastoral care rites. In looking to Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, we know the apostle is struggling. He has his own doubts and deep feelings. In conflict … Continue reading
Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, Scripture
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Christus Vivit 207-208: Attracting Young People, Looking To Proposals
207. In this way, by learning from one another, we can better reflect that wonderful multifaceted reality that Christ’s Church is meant to be. She will be able to attract young people, for her unity is not monolithic, but rather … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 206: Synodal Ministry
When Pope Francis speaks of “synod,” what does he mean? Some thoughts from the youth synod’s final doc: 206. Youth ministry has to be synodal; it should involve a “journeying together” that values “the charisms that the Spirit bestows in … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 204-205: Flexible Ministry
Let’s delve into one of the longest chapters of the Holy Father’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation (which can be found on this link at the Vatican site). 204. The young make us see the need for new styles and new strategies. … Continue reading
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Racism As A Perversion
I think it is dangerous to label people as racists. More preferable is to identify racism in behavior and culture, and label things and actions as such. Of course, some people over-identify with their possessions, acts, and culture. When this … Continue reading
Christus Vivit 203: A Pastoral Care That Is Synodal
What does he mean by “A pastoral care that is synodal”? In the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation (which can be found on this link at the Vatican site) we’ll get the viewpoint of Pope Francis. We might as well begin reading: … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 202: Youth Ministry
What comes to mind when you see or hear the term, “Youth Ministry?” In one of the longest chapters of the Holy Father’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation (which can be found on this link at the Vatican site) we’ll get the … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 200-201: The Last Of Roots
In Chapter Six, Pope Francis delves into the theme, Young people with roots. We’ve reached the end of this theme. His Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. 200. Roots are not anchors chaining us to past … Continue reading
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Is Penance Working?
An interesting thread disappeared at PrayTell in which the blog author asked a direct and challenging question: Is the Sacrament of Penance working for Catholics? I would say yes–for a small minority of us. I would say that there’s no … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Rite of Penance
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Christus Vivit 198-199: Taking Risks Together
We’re getting to the end of the sixth chapter Six, and Pope Francis looks at a final theme involving roots. His Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. Let’s look at “Taking risks together.” 198. A love … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 196-197: Keepers Of Memories
The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. Pope Francis shares his expectations of himself: 196. In the book Sharing the Wisdom of Time,[Cf. Pope Francis and Friends, Sharing the Wisdom of Time, Chicago, Loyola Press, … Continue reading
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A Fickle Root Of Genocide
In preparing parish Bible studies, I get to revisit portions of Scripture that I haven’t visited in a long time. For the book of Esther, it’s been decades. It’s easy to see the same kinds of events play out today … Continue reading
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Catholic Sensibility 
War? What War?
A fb friend poked some at former Wisconsin guv Scott Walker on his attempt to resuscitate the War on Christmas. Commercial radio has begun to broadcast seasonal fare in my area. I heard bits to most of five songs in … Continue reading →