A Catholic Ministry ® to Prisoners Let’s A Service of Paulist Evangelization Ministries PAULIST PO Box 29121 Washington, DC 20017 Talk!EVANGELIZATION • MINISTRIES Vol. 28, No. 3 – July/August/September 2021 Our hearts are restless e know this when our lives feel But really, it has always been hard for and opening our lives Wempty and we hope there is some- people to accept we need God and that to him. But we can’t thing more. The truth is that there is something more. This is because God certainly in our time, it has often been a at every turn. gives meaning to our lives. strugglewe find our for peacepeople in to him. “let Ingo all and times, let God.” and fightAs himwe and open deny ourhim- How can that be? St. Augustine wrote, selves to God, little by “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, whoever comes to me will never hunger, little we will sense his and our heart is restless until it rests whoeverJesus tells believes us this: in “I me am will the never bread thirst”of life; presence and his love in you.” Augustine, who lived long ago (John 6:35). He is not talking about physi- (354 – 430), knew we are made for God. cal hunger and thirst. He is talking about something more we He didn’t always know that. At one time the restlessness in us. He is talking about arefor us.looking We will for. findWe willthe he was as restless as we are. This famous meaning in our lives. see for ourselves that quote is from his “Confessions” (1.1.1), Listen with an open heart and mind. when we rest in Jesus, the story of his life, and much more, - where we learn about his emptiness and nize God. Sometimes we don’t. But one his search for meaning. thingIn our is life for journey, sure, if we sometimes want to experience we recog inour our hearts lives. find Even peace in But then he found God. And he came to God’s presence and his peace, he will theand worst we find of situations. meaning know that God made us for himself. Then Even in prison. everything made sense and Augustine For our part, it takes humbling our hearts began to live a new life. give us that gift. It is ours for the asking. A new life? We are made for God. Q&A Try it and let us know what you find. This is not a popular belief in our time. What a friend we have in Jesus Dear Brothers and Sisters What is this about a “personal relationship with Jesus”? in Christ, Q. We all know that funny and painful A. This is a life-giving and heart-felt relationship with Jesus. Some call it “a living feeling when something is missing in our lives. This happens when our relationship with Jesus consists of praying to him and maybe going to church on Sunday. hearts are empty and are searching for Forand someintimate it is relationship”a one-time experience. with Jesus. But It thereis. For is somemore. Christians, however, a personal something more. That something more Catholics in particular call it an “encounter with Christ” which is ongoing, not simply is Jesus, whether we know it or not. a one-time Whether we admit it or not. lead through the ups and downs of daily life. They accept the call and challenge to fol- For many people, that’s not popular low Jesus and experience. try their hardestIt is a journey to live throughas he did. life, When walking, we have talking this typeand following of relationship Jesus’ in our world today. Perhaps that is the with Jesus, it is no wonder that we come to realize what a friend we have in Jesus. case with you. But as you invite Jesus An encounter with Christ requires consistency. This includes: • We seek to talk with him in prayer each day, and throughout the day. • We read Scripture and attend the into your life and heart, you will find Mass. • We live in community with other followers of Jesus. • We care for and help Talkmeaning with and him fulfillment, and walk with even him while each you are in prison or jail. Invite Jesus in. what he teaches us. have a friend in Jesus. others, especially those in need. In all this, our hope is that we followus , Jesusand others and live in Writeday. You to willus and find let the us truth know that what you you discover. changeEncountering through ourJesus friendship is not a “Jesus with God. and Godme” callsthing. us It and is about wants Jesus, to use us. We follow as fellowship with him. It is not a one-time thing, but every day and life-long. We need to Let us pray for one another. Father Frank DeSiano, CSP (Johnbest we 15:16). can, and the Holy Spirit guides us. Remember, Jesus said: “It was not you who President chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain” Paulist Evangelization Ministries We have our marching orders. Let’s say yes to Jesus, follow him, and receive “life to continued on page 2 ®

CHURCH CALENDAR Q&A What a friend we have in Jesus continued from page 1 JULY 2021 the full” (John 10:10) as Jesus promises. President Biden’s 3 St. Thomas, apostle We will bear much fruit in our lives. Prison Reform Goals 4 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time President Joe Biden has extensive pro- 11 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time A real-life example of a 14 St. , transformed prisoner posals for prison reform. At the heart of 15 St. , bishop and doctor the plan are several core principles. We Thomas A. Tarrants spent 10 years 18 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time will look at four principles now and come in Mississippi State Penitentiary 22 St. back to them in future issues. 25 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time in the 1960’s. He had been (See: ) 26 Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary convicted of serious crimes 29 Sts. Martha, Mary, Lazarus, holy women that stemmed from his - and men joebiden.com/justice/ commitment to the ciple is to “reduce the number ofPresident people incarcerated Biden’s first in printhis AUGUST31 St. Ignatius 2021 of Loyola, priest 1 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time was racism and hatred county while also reducing 4 St. John Vianney, priest “Cause.”of Jewish In people his caseand Afri it - crime.” Focusing on the high 6 The Transfiguration of the Lord can Americans. His heart number of people incarcerated 8 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for drug use, Biden believes that “they 10 St. Lawrence, deacon and was hardened in hate and violence. should be diverted to drug courts and 11 St. Clare, virgin His is a life-long story of conversion treatment.” Federal spending on drug- 14 St. , priest and martyr to Christ, and the development of a per- 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary related incarceration would decline under sonal relationship and commitment to 20 St. Bernard, abbot and doctor this proposal. The funds saved “should 21 St. Pius X, Christ that continues to this day. After be reinvested in the communities im- 22 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time his conversion and release from prison, pacted by mass incarceration.” 24 St. Bartholomew, apostle Tarrants has spent the last 50 years in 27 St. Monica, mother Secondly, President Biden proposes 28 St. Augustine, bishop and doctor service to Christ in Christian ministry. He 29 Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary did not lose his faith after he left prison Time because it was deeply rooted in him and the racial, gender, and income-based dis- SEPTEMBER 2021 a community of believers supported him paritiesthat the criminalin the system.” justice Citizenssystem “root of color out 3 St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor daily in his faith. should feel safe on the streets of our 5 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time neighborhoods. At the same time, law en- 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9 St. , priest Thomas Tarrants helpful: “When we em- on duty. Both sides must be considered, 12 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time braceYou God’s might purposes find these and plans words with from the 13 St. , bishop and doctor whichforcement will take officers much should thought be and safe review. while 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Third, Biden believes that the crimi- 15 Our Lady of Sorrows 16 Sts. Cornelius, pope and , bishop, weobedience suffer loss. of . faith, .. But God he isis not glorified a demand and- blessed. When we ignore or reject them,- redemption and rehabilitation.” Those 19 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time whonal justice are incarcerated system “must should be focused have the on 20 Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, priest, and Paul cious Father who forgives and restores Chong Hasang and companions, martyrs ingthose taskmaster; who repent he and is return a loving to andhim. graHe opportunities to develop skills and 21 St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist also gives us new chances to embrace his opportunities for improvement, which 23 St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest purposes and plans for our lives” (p. 185). will help individuals and the economy. 26 Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 27 St. Vincent de Paul, priest For more about Tarrants’ life, you can Finally, President Biden believes that 29 Sts. , , , read his autobiography “Consumed by 30 St. , priest and doctor Hate. Redeemed by Love” published in 2019 by Nelson Books. Perhaps a friend “No one should be profiteering off of our or family member can order it for you, or criminalto eliminate justice them system.” for federal This crimes. proposal The focuses on for-profit prisons and looks- PEM President: Rev. Frank DeSiano, CSP profit motive reduces quality prison pro Editor: Mr. Anthony Bosnick your chaplain may help you find a copy. It continued on page 4 grams in the desire to increase profits. Layout Editor: Mrs. Joann Sullivan is just 200 pages and is easy reading. Art: Steve Erspamer, SM Prisoner PAVisitULIS usT at www.pemdc.org The Scillitan Martyrs (died AD 180) + During a time of Roman persecution, these EVANGELIZATION MINIS©PaulistTRIES Evangelization Ministries their faith in Christ. The gives this account: “Speratus . . . All Scripture quotations are taken from Acts of the Scillitan Martyrs the New American Bible. Used with permission. claimedholy Black for Christians himself and from his Northcompanions Africa—seven that they men, had fivelived women—refused a quiet and moral to life, renounce paying Change of Address: Please help us keep our their dues and doing no wrong to their neighbors. But when called upon to swear by the mailing list accurate. Send all changes in your - reconsidername of the their emperor, decision he replied and were ‘I recognize then put notto death the empire by the of sword. this world; but rather do byname email and/or to: [email protected]. address to: Paulist Prison Minis I serve that God whom no man hath seen, nor with these eyes can see.’” They refused to Thanktries; PO you Box for 29121;your help. Washington, PMLTH2103DC 20017; or Feast Day: July 17

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Black Catholics, Part 3 By Deacon Dennis Dolan ’ Prayer Requests for July/August/ Holiness has no color Me: By the way, speaking of Black Catholics . . . Me: Well, great and holy people all of them. September 2021 Did you know that there are currently six Many of them having to overcome being Each month the Pope black American Catholics up for sainthood? enslaved and all had to overcome racism entrusts prayer intentions Peaches: Really?!! Seems like a lot! in and out of the Church. to the Apostleship of Prayer, Peaches: his Worldwide Prayer Net- Me: work. His monthly prayer on the current list of all Americans up for Me: In the Church?! intention is a global call to sainthood, I’m not but sure six of black how Americans many there would are total be members . . . Well, not officially. But with over a billion transform our prayer into “punching above their weight” numerically, Peaches: Ya got some of everything, even “concrete gestures” of service. that’s for sure!! racists! Peaches: Well there are what? 70 million Me: These are the six black American Catholics in the U.S.? toIt isbuild a monthly a more action human plan and Catholics for sainthood: caringmobilizing world. us to join together Me: Yeah, about that . . . Fr. Augustine Tolton, born a slave and Peaches: And 2 million of that number are requests below, the Pope at black? the United States. He studied in Rome. theIn addition beginning to theof the monthly month of- ordained 1889 as the first black priest in fers a second prayer intention Me: Correct. Mother Mary Lange and Mother Henriette for his immediate concerns, a Peaches: Then six is a very good number! Delille both founded black orders of sisters “last minute” intention to get who nursed plague victims. They also found- Me: us out of the “globalization of people have been part of the Church since the and old age homes and they did this in slave indifference.” Your chaplain It is, but don’t be so surprised! Black or volunteer may be able to statesed the duringfirst schools slavery! for black girls, orphanages get this request for you. St. Philip the deacon baptizes the treasurer ofbeginning. Ethiopia! In Remember? Acts of the Apostles (8:26-40), Then there are two laypeople: Pierre Tous- of NYC and of Denver, both JULY Peaches: Right! He would be black great workers of charity to the poor often Universal: Social friend- wouldn’t he?! using their own money. Blessed Pierre was ship: We pray that, in Me: Yup. And of course there are many black the “hairdresser to the stars” and the elites in social, economic and politi- saints already! Ever hear of St. Augustine? early 1800s New York City. Julia was a nanny. They are both the only laypeople buried in the we may be courageous and Peaches: “The” St. Augustine? cathedrals of New York and Denver. passionatecal situations architects of conflict, of Me: Yup. , and arguably dialogue and friendship. the greatest theologian in the history of the Sr. Church. who was an educator, anti-racist activist, and a AUGUST missionaryAnd finally, in my Mississippi. favorite isShe only died in 1990 Evangelization: The Peaches: Again, didn’t ever cross my mind. so you can still see her in video! She was beauti- Church: Let us pray for Me: He was an African, after all. And so was the Church, that She his mother. may receive from the Peaches: Cool. St. Monica! The of ful inside and out! I still remember her smile! Holy Spirit the grace and Peaches: Me: Saints are models for us to imitate and strength to reform herself mothers! these people were extraordinary. You should in the light of the Gospel. Me: That’s right. read their stories. SEPTEMBER Peaches: Wow! Name some more, Deke. Peaches: You are always telling us to read the Universal: An environ- Me: St. Martin de Porres, you know him. St. mentally sustainable lifestyle: Anthony the Great, father of all Christian monks. Me: A good place to start is always with the lives of the saints but I just might in this case! We pray that we all will Peaches: saints that we identify with: the ones who are make courageous choices monk, right? like us. for a simple and environ- He was like the first Christian Peaches: Well, Deke, Black Lives Matter and mentally sustainable life- Me: Correct! There’s a whole bunch going back to the early church. Ever hear the names apparently Black Souls Matter too! people who are resolutely Felicity and Perpetua? Me: True, that. That’s another reason that committedstyle, rejoicing to this. in our young Peaches: Sounds familiar, but . . . racism is a sin because holiness has no color. Pope Francis invites you to Me: Deacon Dennis Dolan is a retired chaplain from York join him in praying for these Correctional Institution in Connecticut. He continues Prayers! his ministry with and for prisoners through his writing. intentions. Your prayer is It’s in the Mass! In one of the Eucharistic needed and can help change Peaches: So tell me about these Americans To read more about these six candidates for sainthood, that are now up for sainthood, Deke. see “Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood” (Ed., the world. Michael R. Heinlein, Our Sunday Visitor Press, 2019).

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Open Wide Our Hearts, Part 4 Walk humbly with God e are called to “press forward without fear” as we daily “Enemies” have become friends by coming W“walk humbly with God.” We need to act in ways to rebuild to know others. relationships, to heal our communities and “shape policies and 3. Resolving to work for justice. “Open Wide Our Hearts” institutions toward the good of all” (U.S. Bishops, “Open Wide calls us to act on what we are coming to understand and see. Our Hearts”, p. 16). Some action comes from our own personal decisions to treat This is the fourth article in our series on racism. We are fol- lowing the guidance given to us by the United States Conference - of Catholic Bishops in their 2018 pastoral letter against racism people with respect and dignity (pp. 19-20). In addition, when called “Open Wide Our Hearts. The Enduring Call to Love.” possible, we are called to work for just laws that overcome dis As we wrote in earlier articles in this series, racism is a burn- criminationhas restrictions at all on levels this. of public life. In the age of the internet ing issue because of the racial strife in the U.S. last summer and and email, this is not difficult, unless your level of incarceration previous years. Also, the year 2019 marked the four hundredth fostering organizations that are built on racist ideology . . . is anniversary of the introduction of slavery in English-speaking alsoThe sinful—they Bishops also corrupt teach: individuals “We affirm and that corrode participating communities” in or America in the Virginia colony. Slavery is part of our heritage, (p. 20). Think about what this means in your situation. and so too is racism. 4. Educating ourselves. Rather than being passive regarding Walk humbly with God. The Bishops see racism as “a moral racism, we need to be active and learn of ways racism corrodes problem that requires a moral remedy—a transformation of the our lives and the public square. Through our encounters with human heart—that impels us to act.” They give us eight areas others and through our own personal study, we can become more aware of the issues involved and how we can make an impact (pp. 21-22). to focus on: the first four are below, which we will focus on in One place to start is by reading the Bishops’ 2018 pastoral ofthis all, article. 8) our (Incommitment our next article to life.) we will take up the last four – letter “Open Wide Our Hearts.” (Search “USCCB Open Wide Our 5) working in our churches; 6) changing structures, 7) conversion 1. Acknowledging sin. Racism is a sin. The Church teaches Hearts” to download a copy.) that (Catechism of the , para. 1935), although Now we are called to “press forward without fear” as we daily “walk humbly with God.” Let us pray together.

nota failure always. to In acknowledge “Open Wide theOur humanHearts,” dignitythe U.S. ofBishops the persons wrote: A Prayer for Repentance and Conversion of Heart “Racistoffended, acts to are recognize sinful because them as they the neighborsviolate justice. Christ They calls reveal us to Mary, friend and mother to all, through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, And so, we are called to recognize the sin of racism in ourselves, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other. love” (p. 1; see also pp. 17-18). in the Church, and in our communities. We need to look at our We ask for your help in calling on your Son, lives, examine our consciences and ask the Holy Spirit to show Seeking forgiveness for the times when us racist attitudes or practices we embrace. Repent of these and We have failed to love and respect one another. seek the sacrament of confession. And we need to look beyond We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son, ourselves to be vigilant when it comes to racism. The grace we need to overcome the evil of racism 2. Being open to encounter and new relationships. As we encounter Jesus—for racism can best be recognized and dealt We ask for your help in following your Son, with through spiritual means—we need to ask him to change And to build a just society. our hearts. And we need to let our hearts grow to embrace Will no longer infect our minds or hearts people of other races and ethnic groups. There is nothing bet- But willSo be that replaced prejudice with and a love animosity that respects ter to overcoming racism than through friendships with people. The dignity of each person. The Bishops teach: “[W]e need to engage the world and en- Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus counter others.” We need to talk with and be with “those we warms our hearts: pray for us. From: “Open Wide Our Hearts” to know other people can do to change our hearts and minds. ~ Anthony Bosnick would not ordinarily seek out” (p. 19). It is amazing what getting

What a friend we have in Jesus continued from page 2 Pray for our benefactors Let’s Talk! and its Spanish translation ¡Hablemos! are supported by donations. They These four goals for reform will take much work and commitment. are given free of charge to prison chaplains for distribution We will cover more on these goals as they reach legislative action. to inmates by Paulist Prison Ministries. Please pray for our Let’s Talk! responds to prisoners’ questions. Write to us at the address on page benefactors. To help support this ministry, please send your 2 of this newsletter. We like hearing from our readers. donation to the address on page 2 of this newsletter.

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