Catholic Women's Network Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 877 Spinosa Drive PAID Sunnyvale CA 94087 Permit No. 553 408. 245.8663 FAX 408.738.2767

Issue No. 75 A non-profit educational publication since 1988 June/July/August 2001

Come with us as we explore images of the Inside Great Mystery of Life, beyond father and son, Comments from the Editor beyond the year 2000, News notes around the world in inner space as well as outer space, Spring Grace program beyond beliefs of religion. Healing: Power of Forgiveness Prayer/Ritual: Praying with Scripture, Celebrate the Sun, Journal God is more than humans can possibly imagine with collage but each of us is invited to try. 7 Reel Spirituality, Just Concerns New contributors include Diane Dreher, PhD, Sandra Sherman, OSU, 8 Stations of the Cosmos Mary Ellen Robertson, Regina Cassidy, Charlotte Attebery, and Betty Feature: pages 9-14 Michelozzi. Regular columnists write on movies, scripture, law, and 9 History of God justice concerns. We're just full of grace and wisdom! 10-11 God beyond personhood and shamrocks 12 Names of God, Images in Church need life not death 13 God Sightings, In My Life 14 Beyond God and the Parole Board, God in the Heavens Karline, dying of despair; Lawmakers ax parole budget Coming programs in Santa Clara County 15. Justice Issues: Building and finding homes 16. Health: Reflections on bi-polar, Food combinations confuse Take Good Care of Yourself Comfort the Dying digestion Sat. June 30 Healing Ways to Care 17. Gardening: Inner Gardening, Food of the Gods 9 am -3:30 pm Fri. Oct. 19 8:45 am - 4:00 pm 18. On the Shelf in Cupertino in Cupertino, CA 19. Readers' Photo Reflection, Calendar, Involvements Uplifting opening ceremony c 20. CWN Programs, Registration and Subscription forms Biofocusing with A day for professional staff Marietta McGannon, RSM^f, and family caregivers Plus insights from our Wisdom Woman's Words from Wisdom Body Praise with Topics of dignity, grief, depression, and new antics by Amazin' Grace. Joann Heinritz, CSJ spiritual legacies, cultural beliefs, and See page 20 to register touching and anointing Wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth from our advertisers. Wonderful presenters (No women's gathering this year but come June 30 for summer refreshment instead.) Seepage 20 for more details ___. e 2 Qfetwotic for Women's Spirituality tfune/gufy/sjugust 2001

Before our current God, there were gods inside %twork and goddesses with many names, "God," it seems, is not a trademark name.

"Ethyl is a trademark name." Or is if been some Catholics who panicked over Before Christianity and Judaism and "Ethel is a trademark name?" our use of the word, Catholic, and com­ Islam and Buddhism, the unknown, intan­ of a people may yet prove to be the most I remember the line from radio ads plained to the local bishop about it. Well, gible designer or First Cause of the uni­ binding of all forces that hold humans when I was a child, but the spelling eludes I learned many things during my four years verse existed. Before images of our current together, writes Edward Hall. Humans - me. The meaning is fuzzy also (something of working in the diocesan office, one of God, there were gods and goddesses with live in a sea of rhythm with the vibrations to do with gas and oU as I recall) except it which is that Catholic, although it appears many names. "God," it seems, is not a of God moving through them. made an impression on me that one's name to be a trademark name, is not copyrighted. trademark name either. I think, often, ofthe First Cause as a is unique and important Many organizations not started by the offi­ In her book The History of God, vibration in our lives helping us to With a name like Arlene, I have never cial church use the word British scholar Karen Armstrong writes climb the high notes, to slide down with had to share my first name with anyone else Catholic to designate that the statement, "I believe in God", has the low notes, and to fill our being with the in my high school of 350 girls or college of their religious affili- no objective meaning butonly means sound and rhythm of divine life. God as a few thousand. Even now, there are only a t i o n something in context, when harmonious Musician truly fills the air! two others called Arlene (Arline) in our wih- proclaimed by a particu­ database of 6,000 names. When I search lar community. Arlene Goetze the web for persons with my maiden or present last name, no Arlene comes up. A name my mother chose with great care. Prison project So does our new banner on the front Catholic Women's Network received a page mean we are changing our name? We grant of $1,200 in April from the Greater are incorporated in the state of California Bay Bancorp Foundation to fund programs as "Catholic Women's Network in Santa out permission from the Vatican. (Actu­ She points out that there is no one un­ on grief and loss in the Santa Clara County Clara County," and we have used this same ally, it is the state of California which changing idea contained in the word "God;" women's jail in Milpitas. This adds to the name on our publication for 12 years. approves the names of non-profit corpora­ instead the word contains a whole spec­ $4,000 grant from the Wakerly Family tions.) But now as we are rearranging the trum of meanings, some of which are con­ Foundation for programs on sexual abuse, But mosdy, phone callers often ask if furniture in our publication—adding new tradictory or even mutually exclusive. stress, and spirituality during the year 2001. departments and a new type font for head­ they have to be Catholic to attend one of our If the notion of God had not been this Because of reader donations, CWN re­ ings—we also decided to rearrange the words programs... or to write for the publication. flexible, it would not have survived to ceived over $ 1200 toward the cost ofa bus in the title of our paper. "Of course not," I tell them. "Our focus is become one of the great human ideas. to take children from the Oakland/San Jose Our-new banner is simply "Network," 'spirituality more than religion.** (Reli­ When one conception of God becomes area to visit their mothers in the California with a second line, "For Women's Spiritu­ gion is a set of beliefs, rituals, and rules meaningless or irrelevant to people, it has state prison at Chowchilla on May 11 for a ality." This is a slight change in the banner people follow to aid in the development of been quietly discarded and replaced by a Mother's Day visit. Many children are for our newspaper, but no change in the their spirituality which is a quality defined new theology. Each generation creates a never able to visit their moms in prison. name or purpose of our organization. more as a move toward authenticity and new meaning of God that works for it. This was part of a project sponsored by the About 18 months ago, one ofthe big wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. Ev­ In this issue we take a gentle poke at the Detention Ministry of the Archdiocese of chain book stores refused to put our publi­ eryone has a spirituality; not everyone has unlimited field of images of God—some Los Angeles under Suzanne Steffen, CSJ, cation on its free racks. When I finally a religion.) images comes from history and scripture, and San Jose coordinator Elaine Coutu, connected with the manager after three Our mission is to write and share spiri­ while others come from our wonderful CSJ. tries, she confessed that if we did not have tual experiences of women which often are readers. Other funds donated to CWN prison min­ the word "Catholic" in our tide, the paper not heard in religions which evolve out of In our 75 issues, we have written about istry have purchased bibles and blank would be acceptable. Since the store did male-dominated cultures. Our hope is to God in many shapes and forms...I latched tapes for women inmates reading books for away with free distribution racks soon af­ share wisdom that unites us in a divine way onto one image we noted back in our issue blind children. CWN donated close to 250 ter, I let that discrimination pass. common to all humanity, while respecting on Time in November 1994. spiritual books, collected from readers and Ever since our founding, there have the religious beliefs of all. Before the Renaissance, God was con­ book publishers, to the prison in Chowchilla ceived of as sound or vibration. The rhythm this current year. ^etworfc for Women's Spirituality Published in March, June, September, and December by the Catholic Women's Network of Santa Clara County, 877 Spinosa Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, 408.245.8663, FAX 408.738.2767. e-mail [email protected] Welcome to r www.catholicwomensnet.org JMrX*Oi s*a_ Amazin' Grace CWN is a non-profit educational organization and tax-exempt charity. Net­ >_J.^O- *_ work is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission from the «"fc publisher. Views expressed or reported by writers or lecturers are not necessarily £**&& the views of the publisher. .__c^ Editor/Photographer: Arlene Goetze Artists: Jeri Becker, Carrie McClish, Charlotte Attebery, JoAnne Arnold &&&:•&' Amazin' Grace is coming in cartoon Proofreader: Rosalee Clarke

Advertising is available at the rate of $12 per column inch (23 inches wide) $10.50 per inch discount for 3 or more ads per year. "Hsffi: Sample sizes: 1 col x 2 in — $24 2 col x 2 in = $48 2 col x 3 in = $72 2 col x 4 in = $96 Or perhaps you can Copy Deadline: May 5th for June; August 5 for Sept., etc. find Grace among Enclosed is check for $ for my ad: columns by inches this charming group? Please run each issue and bill me Enclosed is business card or ad copy (we will typeset)

Name Phone Business/Group. Address Chy Zip Signed Title Just be on your toes... Grace may show up in many e-mail forms in these pages in many new shapes created by Mail to Catholic Women's Network, 877 Spinosa Dr., Sunnyvale CA 94087 Charlotte Attebery of Santa Maria, CA. Questions? CaU 408.245.8663.

Religious organizations have shown little inter­ est in the 1996 "charitable choice"legislation that Outside C^etworfc invited them to compete for government welfare funds... Nuns raped Liberal Europeans Young nuns in Africa, a continent rav­ Religion more diverse * Congregational growth is strongest in the A block of 32 million Catholics, spread aged by HIV and AIDS, are subjected to Candles and incense are on the wane West. The fastest growing congregations over Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, rape and sexual abuse by priests since they and guitar and drums are becoming popu­ are those that place the strictest demands is considered the most liberal zone of be­ are seen as safe targets of sexual activities. lar in America's houses of worship. Hart­ on members' time and lifestyles. Half of lievers in the Catholic world. A 1996 poll In some cases, nuns have become pregnant ford Seminary studied 41 religious de­ the megachurches (1000 members or more) showed that 85 percent of Germans ques­ and then encouraged by the guilty priests to nominations and found that those embrac­ have changed to new worship styles with tion the doctrine" of papal infallibility and get abortions. In one case,-a nun became ing contemporary worship styles are the instruments but at the expense of older' 75 percent consider the church to be "anti- pregnant and was taken to an abortionist by most likely to increase their membership, members who feel at odds with younger sex." the offending priest. After she died during but not without a struggle. The report ones. Rural churches have the hardest time the procedure, the priest officiated at her All nine German cardinals were re­ found recruiting clergy and paying bills. funeral. cently given a letter from the Pope indicat­ * Half of all congregations have fewer than ing his displeasure with them over their These horrors of sexual abuse were 100 regular participants and 88 percent Excerpted and reprinted with permission from made public in an extensive newspaper liberal approach to doctrine, ecumenism, have fewer than 350. family issues, and collaboration between the March and April issues of National Catho­ report March 16 in National Catholic * Some 52 percent are in rural areas and a lic Reporter, PO Box 419281, Kansas City, priests and laity. Sharing communion with Reporter and subsequently reported in the quarter in urban areas. MO 64141. 1-800-333-7373 secular press. Basis ofthe report were five Protestants is a violation of canon law, but reports, written by senior members of it is becoming a common practice in Ger­ women's religious orders and by an Ameri­ many. can priest which affirm the sexual abuse of New Celebrations for Magdala and Other Women nuns by priests is occurring in Africa and Charitable choice Religious organizations have shown 23 other countries ofthe developing world. Last year more than 280 groups in the U.S. and other countries held little interest in the 1996 "charitable choice" In many cases the young nuns are too naive celebrations of St. Mary of Magdala on July 22 resulting in widespread media legislation that invited them to compete for or have been socially conditioned to obey coverage in both secular and diocesan papers. Grassroots planners are hoping to government welfare funds, according to authority. In some cases riuns had to increase the number of prayer services this July. Chris Schenk, CSJ, Director of the Associate Press. Five states have used submit to priests in order to gain certifica­ Future Church, had a Vatican Radio inter­ the 1996 welfare law provision, which tion for work. view which played twice on the feast day president George W. Bush wishes to ex­ Sr. Marie McDonald ofthe Missionaries itself. tend to other governmental programs. of Our Lady of Africa was the author of one The Mary ofMagdala celebrations are Thirty-one states report they gave no report made in Nov. 1998 to a Council of an outgrowth ofthe Women in Church Lead­ funds to church groups that were not previ­ religious men's and women's organiza­ ership project which was developed by ously eligible. In a public interest poll, US tions and representatives of the Conse­ FutureChurch in partnership with Call to adults were asked if it was a good idea to crated Life office in the Vatican. The first Action. Last year July celebrations were held give money to religious organizations to report was made in 1994 by a Medical in parishes, religious communities, schools provide social services, 66 percent said yes Missionary Sr. Maura O'Donohue, a phy­ and private homes. and 30 percent said no. When asked about sician. The reports have been discussed Many parishes expected to attract only during the past five years but not made giving money to the Church of Scientology, the Nation of Islam, and the Hare Krishnas, 10 or 12 people and were pleasantly sur­ public, a fact verified by the Vatican. prised when 40 or 50 came even in mid­ The nuns are targeted along with young 29 percent said it was a good idea and 64 percent said it was not. summer. Optimally, the celebration includes school girls who are considered to be free of a presentation by a local biblical expert showing that nothing in Scripture says that HIV or AIDS. When a sister gets pregnant, Mary of Magdala was a prostitute. Instead all four gospels name her as the first Vatican radio pollutes she is dismissed from her order, while the witness to the Resurrection. The Vatican radio transmission anten­ priest is only moved to another parish or Since the feast falls on a Sunday this year, the service also features prayers nae violate Italy's strict radiation stan­ sent to study. which could be used for the Saturday evening Mass, as well as a Sunday prayer or dards, and the Vatican was surprised when After the story broke, a former African vesper service. it received notice that Italy's environmen­ nun, now studying in the US, called Na­ New Resources Now Available tal Minister threatened to cut off electricity tional Catholic Reporter to tell of her New resources for celebrating the feast are available in the form of videos, to the radio over alleged electromagnetic experience. She left her community in audio tapes, a script for a ten-minute reflective piece, and a prayer service featuring pollution. Charges have been filed against order to get emotional help to handle the Jesus' Women Disciples. Included are scripture readings, music suggestions, and three top Vatican Radio officials, protests rape which occurred when she was 27. . opportunities for women to preach. This has been used in numerous parish settings from environmental groups persist, and a The Catholic church in Africa has during Holy Week and Lent, email: [email protected] diplomatic rift between Italy and the Vatican experienced rapid growth in the last 25 For a free St. Mary Magdala prayer service, email [email protected]. has occurred. When the radio station was years with priestly vocations up more than Also available is a prayer service focusing on Women Witnesses, 12 women built 50 years ago it was in open country­ 300 percent. The development there does who were scholars and women of faith. These women include Teresa of Avila, Thea side, but now residents near the transmis­ not favor celibacy, and many priests and Bowman, Prisca, Clare of Assisi, and Dorothy Day. sion site say radiation levels interfere with religious do not honor this vow. Current Contact Future Church, 15800 Montrose Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111. household appliances and may be respon­ candidates for priesthood often come with 1-773.604.0400. e-mail: [email protected]. bad habits of sexual misconduct. Docu­ sible for an increase in childhood leuke­ ; ments related to this story can be found on mia. L.-K; www.natcath.com. June 29 - Understanding Our Dreams July 1 "Letting In The light" • Jeremy Taylor July 6-8 Recovery Retreat "The Big Book Comes Alive" Write Sr. Breigeen Moore, OSC(Sr. "B") Readers July 13-15 A Contemplative Retreat "Behold Your Life" Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB To the Editor: July 27 Shame, Self-esteem & Spirituality RETREATS & CONFERENCES (6 MFT or RN Contact Hours) I was reading the Network of May/June about how a $200 more model would work Offering: 1999, specifically page 14, with the Photo Peter Coster, M.Div., MFCC 5 Conference Rooms so much better ... 78 guest rooms with private bath Reflection of the woman talking at the Now, my husband is a good guy, but he July 29 - 5 Day Silent Contemplative Retreat Hiking paths / Meditation gardens tombstone ofher husband which said "God, can be a wimp. And suddenly I knew why Aug. 3 "Experiencing The Presence of God" Larry Gosselin, OFM & Victoria Dendinger give him a hug for me." It brought me to my mother was in my mind! My mother's Celebrating September 21-23,2001 tears. It also brought my mother immedi­ voice, firm chin, and determination to get Aug. 3-5 Meditation Retreat 40TH ANNIVERSARY ately to mind. Now, let me tell you why this exactly the brand she wanted, stood me in "Vehicles ofthe Mystic Heart" SAN DAMIANO RETREAT was odd ... good stead. I stood up for our purchase and Wayne Teasdale, & Asha & Russill Paul Because my husband and I were about to I got just what we came in for ! Aug. 11 A Day For Single Parents go shopping for a dishwasher. My mother And all because ofa Photo Reflection in Victoria S. MacDonald, MA & hated those things and would never use Barry Brunsman, OFM PO BOX 767 CWN! Thank you! DANVILLE one! I probed. Surely, of all the people I P.S. We love our new dishwasher ... Aug. 12 A Day Of Dialogue For Lesbians, buried, I would rather think about... nope. CALIFORNIA Jeannee Shoobridge Gays, Their Families & Friends 94526-0767 that picture and reflection, and my mother, Harrisonburg, Virginia Aug. 17-19 Women's Retreat kept coming to my mind. & "Women In Search Of Simplicity" So we set off to the store. We had "done 925-837»9141 Aug. 24-26 Ursula Caspary Frankel Fax 925-837-0522 our homework" and knew the brand model We love your thoughts and letters. Send Sept. 14-16 Meditation Retreat www.iandamiano.org we wanted. Yes! They had it! However, to CWN with comments or perspectives "A Simple life" Wendell, the salesman, started talking on issues ofthe day! Laurence Freeman, OSB SAN DAMIANO RETREAT fpage 4 Q/etwon£for Women's Spirituality, tfune/tfufy/s^ugust 2001 QWffi programs

Spring Grace came to 32 women and one man in the form of a two-part CWN Body Blessing program on Saturday, April 21 in suggested by Suzanne Young Cupertino, CA. Diane Dreher, PhD., author, English Presence professor, and spiritual counselor, helped Be centered and grounded, accept and participants till and weed their inner gar­ love the person to be blessed. Hear her dens in the morning, and Suzanne Young, story. Learn what needs healing, how MA, spiritual director, led them in a pro­ the person feels about illness and if gram of touch and body blessing in the God is a part of that. Learn what afternoon. words, music, actions will bring com­ Here are some highlights of die day. fort and feel like a blessing for the Diane, author of the newly-published person. Inner Gardening, said that what we culti­ Confidence in a Divine Power vate outside ourselves, we cultivate within. Call upon the Divine Mystery in words In gardens, we concelebrate the mystery of that speak to the person, express trust life and participate in its mystery. that there is a great power seeking to Composting is part ofthe natural cycle love and heal us, rely on your own faith of life where nothing is wasted; everything and be aware of what will comfort this goes through a process of transformation to person. Acknowledge God's desire become something new. and power to affect healing. Just as it takes time for dead leaves to Appreciation and Gratitude become something new, so it takes time for Karen Cabral anoints Karen Burford. Verbalize a sense of gratitude for life, us to weed out old habits and start new its various aspects and expriences that ones. Weeds are simply growth in the have been important in the person's life wrong place. Bless this body... (family, nature, work, etc.). Invite the Participants went through activities of person to reflect if s/he is able. meditating on weeds in their lives, and a Reflect on what part ofyour body you like most! Actions process of planting new seeds of renewal. This was one ofthe meditation and discussion questions Suzanne Use oils, gestures, prayers (spontane­ Diane begins to write a column on Inner Young posed to the participants in the body blessing part ofthe April 21 ous or formal), and invite the Divine to Gardening for CWN in this issue. See program. bring healing to the person. Think page 17. "We need to learn to love our bodies, even when they are in pain," about what reflects this person's likes Now in print is Inner Gardening, Four said Suzanne to an audience, one-third of whom had chronic painful condi­ and personality. Acknowledge that Seasons of Cultivating the Soil and the tions. "We often don't pay attention to our bodies until they are sick." this is a partnership of healing with Spirit, William Morrow, 2001. $25. Suzanne presented a method for paying attention and reverence to God, the person, and the community. the body. Music Use humming a simple melody or play a favorite CD to reach the person.

Center for Gerontology, Spirituality, and Faith and Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley invite you to June 25 - 29 Monday—Friday A Woman's Book Beyond 8:30 am-12:30 pm of Money & at Sunny View the Bio-Medical Paradigm Retirement Community Spiritual Vision Envisioning a Spiritual Dimension of Aging 22445 Cupertino Rd, Putting Your Financial Values Cupertino, CA Examine an approach to aging that moves beyond into Spiritual Perspective the bio-medical model to an understanding of BY ROSEMARY WILLIAMS, personhood that includes a person's capacity to To Register DIRECTOR OF WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVE find meaning in life, including aging, suffering, 1. Seminary students: Call and dying. GTU at 1.800.999.0528 2. All Others; Call Sunny Money is never neutral It triggers powerful emotions and conflicting MelvmKimble,PhD,ThM View 408.253.4300, Ex 67 email Gerry @sunny4care.com messages—especially for women. The money messages we were taught can is Professor Emeritus of Pas­ toral Care and Director ofthe For housing info near Sunny pop up at any moment, in decisions large and small. Centerfor Aging, Religion, and View, call 253.4300, Ex 67 Ifyou want to look at your finances in new and freeing ways, A Woman's Book of Spirituality (CARS) atLuther For clergy, professionals, nurses, social workers, gerontologists Money & Spiritual Vision is a complete "workshop in a book" that will help you: Seminary. He studied with Dr. VictorFrankl. • recognize the "money messages" you have been taught, CEUs & semester credits given • create a personal money autobiography to understand how you relate to money, • explore your inner attitudes about money, Inspiring leaders for a faith • make choices about how you want to use your money, whether it's that does justice in a culturally $50, $500, or $500,000; diverse and ecumenical context • let your dreams drive your finances, not the other way around; • connect your pocketbook with your soul. • Master of Arts "A Woman's Book ofMoney & Spiritual Vision will help you recover the (GTUGommonMA) spiritual dimension of money with practical exercises and warm-hearted • Master of Divinity wisdom. Great for groups or individual use!*—Dr. Marjory Zoet Bankson, • Master of Tneologjical Studies President of Faith at Work • Special Student 7x9. 224 pp. ISBN 1-880913-44-5. $15.95 Quality Paperback A member school of the Graduate Theological Union. Financial aid and scholarships available.

Available from your favorite bookseller or Jesuit School from Innisfree Press |3lfe%|oSf8240122 ox Tlieologfy 1-800 367 5872 fax 510.841.8536 e-mail: [email protected] at Berkeley www InnkfrppPrpss.rom websij|| www.istb.eau fluneZ/Jufy/Avflust 2001, Network for Women's Spirituality ____fl£jL (Heating

As long as we don 9t forgive, Forgiveness is a healing process we are not free. We carry it around inside of us. Forgiveness is more than an expres­ What forgiveness is: sion of sorrow or the release of anger. * It is a process that takes time; it is very Forgiveness, also, is not the same as recon­ hard work that takes courage and a con­ * Make a commitment to forgive the of­ * Realize that you yourself have needed ciliation with the offender (or the one you scious choice. fender. forgiveness in the past (and present). offended). Forgiveness is a process of * It begins with a willingness to change C. Work * Know that you are not alone. healing that occurs when one goes through both mind and heart. Here a person gains a cognitive under­ * Realize that the injury may give you a the stages that take one fromange r and hurt * It is a willingness to be free ofthe burden standing ofthe offender and begins to see new purpose in life. to freedom. and not be defined by the event. (Being a the offender in a new light, resulting in * Be aware ofa decreased negative affect Pamela Bjorklund, Ph.D, psychologist, victim is an identity—the raped woman, positive change in affect about the of­ and possibly increased positive one toward spiritual director, and instructor in gradu­ fender, about the self, and the relationship. the offender. Feel an internal emotional the kidnapped Patty Hearst, etc.). w ate spirituality courses at Santa Clara Uni­ * It involves letting go of being vindicated * The key work here is "reframing the release and be at peace. versity, led a group of 52 people through as well as of hatred and desire for revenge. wrongdoer by viewing him/her in con­ You can't forgive ifyou are still being the stages of forgiveness healing at a day­ * It is a willingness to be healed. text. Use role-playing to see the offense injured. long program March 23 at the Sunny View We need to forgive ourselves because from the offender's viewpoint. Stand in Lutheran Community in Cupertino. the truth is that we are not perfect. Humans his/her shoes and see through his/her eyes. Forgiveness is not the same * Develop empathy and compassion to­ Here are some of the insights on for­ make mistakes. That is the reality. God did as reconciliation. giveness that Pamela shared. not create us to be perfect but to be whole. ward the offender. See offender as a Why we resist forgiveness: human being who makes mistakes. Ask if It is very difficult to do because of what you contributed to the offense. Reconciliation must never happen if we have been taught. Popular wisdom tells Remember forgiveness is not * Bear and accept the pain. I didn't like physical danger is involved. In many us to forgive and forget and to do it quickly. the same as seeking justice it, but it happened. It stinks. I will live with cases, reconciliation will occur when the Forgetting is not a part of forgiving. It is it and stop fighting it! two come together for this purpose. not a "should" but a process we grow into Four phases of forgiveness * Give a moral gift to the offender. Say over time. The event invites learning from A. Uncovering a prayer or give a mental blessing to the Resources: The phases of healing can be the experience. In this stage the person gains insight into person. Smile if you see the offender found in Helping Clients Forgive, R. D. It is difficult because we feel that what whether and how the injustice and subse­ (except in cases of dangerous persons you Enright and R. P. Fitzgibbons, American happened to us is wrong and if we forgive quent injury have compromised her/his should never be near ever again.) Psychological Assn, 2000, pp 67-68. it then we dishonor the experience. If I life; it has various levels of pain. D. Deepening This program was sponsored by the Cen­ forgive, then I will be vulnerable to repeti­ 1. Examination ofthe psychological de­ Now a person finds meaning in the suffer­ ter for Gerontology, Spirituality, and Faith tion of the event. fenses one uses and the issues involved: ing, feels more connected with others, and which offers programs for professional Why is it good to forgive? * Denial: it did not happen experiences a decrease in negative feelings and individual caregivers, clergy, church The primary reason is for freedom—as * Repression: One shoves it into the and a renewed purpose in life. Peace ministers, and the general public. To be on long as we don't forgive, we are not free. unconscious comes! their mailing list, contact them at 22445 We carry the offense around inside of us. It * Displacement: Injury is put on some­ * Find meaning for yourself and others in Cupertino Rd., Cupertino CA 95014. is the focus of our attention and we obsess thing else. (Your spouse has an affair but the suffering and in the forgiveness pro­ 408.253.4300, Ext. 67. Gerry about it. We may hate the person who hurt you blame the other women, not your cess. @sunny4care. com. us, and we stay angry, hurt, shamed, full of spouse) grief. * Projection: I am angry so I say you are We forgive, not for the sake of the angry also. It is important to confront your A forgiveness story perpeteatorrbut for our own sake so we anger to release it, not harbor it. Feel the have the freedomt o live as we wish and as A 14-year-old boy shot and killed an innocent teen to prove himself to his feelings, express them so they can dissi­ gang. At his trial, the victim's mother sat silentiy until the end and then she stood God designed us to live. If we need to pate. forgive ourselves, then we can eliminate and stared at the killer and said, "I am going to kill you." The youth went to the 2. Admit the shame if appropriate. juvenile facility. self-hatred that keeps us from developing 3. Be aware of depleted energy. and growing into a whole person. Six months later, the mother went to visit the killer. He had been homeless 4. Deal with cognitive rehearsal of the before and no one ever came to see him.. The mother talked with him and gave him If we don't, then we curl up around the event—going over and over it in your money for cigarettes. She started frequent visits, bringing food and small gifts to wrong, become bitter, and "contract." We mind. the young man. At the end of his three-year sentence she asked what he would do go around with a lot of debris in our wound 5. Gain insight that the injured person when he was released. He was confused and uncertain, so she offered to get him that keeps healing from happening. may be comparing herself with the in- a job at a friend's company. Then since he had nowhere to live, she offered him a What forgiveness is not: jurer. room in her home. It is 5. Recognize that this event can change For eight months he lived and ate there and worked at the job. One evening * not caring about what happened you permanently. she asked him if he remembered what she had said at the trial. The young killer * not pretending it didn't happen 6. Gain insight into a possibly altered said he never forgot that moment. * not seeking justice for what was done "just world" view. "Well, I did," she said. "I did not want the boy who killed my son for no * not a legal pardon B. Decision reason to remain alive on this earth. I wanted him to die. That is why I visited you, * not excusing what was done Here a person gains an understanding of brought you things, got you a j ob and let you live in my house. That is how I set about * not reconciliation (that takes place be­ the nature of forgiveness and makes a changing you. And that old boy is gone. So now since that killer is gone and my tween two parties and involves the restora­ decision to commit to forgive on the basis son is gone, I'd like you to stay here and let me adopt you ifyou let me." tion of a relationship which is not neces­ of this understanding. And the woman became the mother ofher son's killer, the mother he never sary for forgiveness) * Recognize that the way one has been had. From JackKornfield in After the Ecstasy, the Laundry. * not balancing the scales dealing with the problem is not working. * not saying the perpetrator was right * Be willing to consider forgiveness as an * not a sign of weakness option. r, Redondo Retreat Center ANCIENT LANDS RETREAT BENEDICTINE LIVE-IN Jemez Springs, JNM Walk and pray in the sacred ruins of Chaco Canyon and Bandelier, homes of the Ancient Ones, the Anasazi, and !l$e Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel invite single women, lodge in the beautiful Jemez Mts. of NM. ages tfl^fS, considering religious life to come visit. Four Days,$450, includes ground transportation, meals, lodging, and trips, plus options such as Native American led sweats, July 14-21, 2001 drumming, natural hot pools, and introduction to Celtic Spirituality. Extra days are also an option at cost October 12-14, 2001 Call Sharon for dates. November 23-25, 2001 1.505.829.3185 * email: [email protected] February 22-24, 2002 April 26-28, 2002 Come pray, work and play with us! Monastic Experience modem monastic life in a The live^n provides am o^oitAAty to: women's Benedictine monastery. Living "^e^hre utith cM^^^^^anof religious life Expeirienc e If you are a single woman between 18 and 45, "ftjoin ijhg yk^u&^^^^^^$^ in common prayer & Eucharist capable of doing outdoor manual labor, please ^expe&^ W^^s^^gmmunity life at work, meals and leisure July 1-12,2001 consider this volunteer experience. Free room and board. £ ^otj^^jst^tp^^ft^ $^p»;cb0t$ter Marietta Schindler, OSB Monastery of St. Gertrude ^^^t|E|:I^^^E/|^^^[email protected] HC3 Box 121 * Cottonwood, ID 83522 * 208.962.3224 Q^ei^^^^m^^^^i^W^W'^^m Street, Mt. Angel, Oregon 97362 www.StGertrudes.org * Sr. Janet Barnard * [email protected] (page 6

^Pra^er/^t?itita[ Celebrations

Proving with Scripture The Summer Salsti Paying attention Celebrating the _SL-~ - by Sandra Jean Sherman, OSU by Carole Marie Kelly, osf Environment: Vision a space large enough Driving along the Big Sur coastline on a to move about in with ease. In the center, spring day recently, I was almost mesmer­ construct an altar or sacred space—either During the walk, the leader ized by the unfolding beauty! I found Sometimes when I pray a elevated or on the floor. In this space, place describes this breath as re­ myself focusing at times on the panoramic psalm or read aparable it slides view of the smooth bills sloping down to a brightly colored cloth and on it put flow­ lated to summer and the ele­ the vast expanse ofthe ocean. past my conscious mind be­ ers, plants, and a large candle (unlit). Have a tape or CD player with music available. ment of fire. Then my attention would suddenly be cause I've read it so many Suggestions are Merlin's Magic, Light riveted on a scraggly oak tree clinging to times... Reiki Touch or Merlin's Magic, Chakra the hillside and hanging precariously out sharing, sing the chant, Sacred Fire, by Meditation Music (Music for third chakra, over die highway. Jan Novatka from Melodies of the Uni­ Inner Worlds-Music 1-800-444-9678.) verse, Songs and Chants, 1 -504-347-2431 I noticed the mosaic of lavender and associations are unique tome ~ a touch of Breath and Walk: The leader invites yellow wild flowers carpeting the ground, grace. I need to pay attention to them and or other appropriate mantra. women to walk around in the space, and, as or a startling gold cluster of poppies silhou­ let them move me to prayer. Invoking the Gifts of Summer: The leader they do, to be aware ofthe pattern of their etted against the sea. For example, just this morning while I takes the candle, raises it, and asks or breath and to begin to breathe in rhythm thanks the One Who Sends the Summer for In the midst of all of this, as my gaze was praying with scripture I happened with their walking. Ask them to breathe in a gift for herself. She passes the candle to wandered back to the wonder ofthe ever- upon the parable ofthe seed. through their mourns and out of their noses changing landscape framed by blue sky each woman to do the same. A woman may and notice where it is that they feel this and sea, I was trying hard to concentrate on This is what the Kingdom of God is like. speak her prayer out loud or in silence. breath move within them. following die winding highway! A man throws seed on the land. The ritualca n end with a repeat singing During the walk with the breath, the of the mantra, a spontaneous prayer of I could so easily have been lost in my Night and day, while he sleeps, leader describes this breath as that related summation by the leader, drumming (espe­ irritation at the slow driver in front of me while he is awake, to the season of summer and the element of and passed by the natural beauty without a the seed is sprouting and growing; cially if it is at time of sunset), or a simple fire. It is the "fire in the belly," centered in thought, because I have driven that high­ how, he does not know. circle dance. Some suggestions are Zoro­ way enjoying the unique setting ofthe Big Mk 4:26-27 the Third Chakra (energy center). Women astrian Sun, Zoroastrian Elements or Sur coast over five hundred times! I then remembered Jesus' words, "The are asked to place their hands on their Kuwake Lano Lano from the Dances of bellies to feel the "fire" as they breathe out Universal Peace, Vol. 2, Peaceworks, Box As I mused on that thought, it reminded Kingdom of God is within you." The ofthe center of their integrity. 55994, Seattle, WA 98155-0944. me ofthe experience of reading scripture. realization deepened that God's presence is Sometimes when I pray a psalm or read a active within me, just as the seed is active The sacrament which this symbolizes is Other sources for chants are Songs for parable it slides past my conscious mind in the ground, whether I sleep or am awake, Confirmation and its meaning is "Honor Earthlings, Julie F. Middleton, Emerald because I've read it so many times that it is whether I pay attention or do not. Yourself." Women are then asked to com­ Earth Publishing, Box 4326, Philadelphia, easy to pass over the words. The gratuitous gift of God's loving work bine the power of each individual integrity PA 19118. by coming together and breathing the fire When I catch myself doing that I usually in me never ends. I stayed with that For more information about the Chakras, go back and start again, and there are times awareness for a while, and that was enough. breath in unison. see Caroline Myss, Anatomy ofthe Spirit, when even that doesn't seem to help. Praying with the words of Scripture is a Reflection: The leader then lights the and for rituals around them, see The Sev­ candle, inviting the women to sit around it Usually, however, a slow re-reading of never-ending surprise, as fresha s a spring enfold Journey by A. Judith and S. Vega, the passage will capture my attention in landscape. and to reflect on atime when the fire of their Crossing Press, Freedom, CA. someway. At times there is simply a gentle Carole Marie, Kelly, osf, EdD, lives a integrity was smoldering and who or what Sandra Jean Sherman, OSU, is a geron­ sense of comfort in God's reassurance of hermit life in the central coast of Califor­ it was that rekindled it. (Play instrumental tologist, sacred dancer, Reiki practitio­ love, a feeling of gratitude or awe, so I let nia. Her newest book, A Handful of Fire, music during this reflection time.) ner, and leader of Dances of Universal myself rest in that unspoken meaning and Praying Contemplatively with Scripture Sharing: The leader invites each women to Peace in Ohio. Her e-mail is response. has just been published by Twenty-Third share her reflections (if she wishes to do so.) Offer the opportunity to pass. After the sanjea_@yahoo. com. There is no need to put it into words. Publications. See review on page 18. That is similar to my absorbing the pan­ orama of spring beauty as I drove along the coast I didn't think about how to describe On the roadside, I found a it That would only have taken me into my Collage Art.. a way of journaling head and shattered the spacious feeling string of hearts in the dirt. I no that filled me. I didn't even name the by Mary Ellen Robertson longer felt alone. feeling, just savored it. At other times when I go over a scriptural A woman mentor invited me to a new passage a second time, I will notice a way of journaling as a way of listening to my life. The first 15 years was brown phrase or image that has seemed very ordi­ God and todiscove r my hopes and dreams, nary before, but this time it intrigues me, so paper, a time of isolation and fear. by using pictures and words. She invited The next period I chose brown paper I pause and think about it me to make a collage, not worrying about It is somewhat like my noticing the Cali­ with colored cloth to symbolize the won­ how it would look. derful people that came into to my life that fornia poppies along the highway. They roadside, I found a string of hearts in the I gathered magazines and newspapers gave me hope on my journey: my husband, reminded me of poppies I photographed in dirt I no longer felt alone and felt guided tearing out words and pictures that caught children, and friends. Spain against a background of die Mediter­ to find this unique gift. I added hearts to the my eye. Pasting these to colored construc­ A paper with swirling colors of blue, ranean on the Costa Brava. collage. tion paper that I kept in a binder. Pictures gold, and black symbolized the third stage. No one else who saw that cluster of At a White Elephant sale I found a large of flowers, rainbows, waterfalls, a beauti­ This was a time of grace and struggle while poppies that day had the same associations wad of glittery, red thread for a dollar. This ful woman and sunsets adorned yellow, I worked with the painful memories of my and flood of thoughts that I had. They were inspired me to make Christmas cards. I green, pink, and aqua papers. past in counseling. unique to me! So also, when a particular used red paper, wrote a Christmas poem The headlines of newspapers and maga­ The fourth stage that I am presently in phrase in Scripture catches my attention and placed a clump of the red thread be­ zine articles connected to my story. I found was represented with a purple sheen-like and sends a cascade of memories, emo­ tween the poem and the card. Soon, I meaning, a sense of direction, and reassur­ paper, a stage of spiritual growth as a tions, or reflections through my mind, those discovered a whole variety of glittery threads ance. woman artist, chaplain, and spiritual di­ in sewing stores, and found beautiful hand­ The headlines, "Compassionate Friends rector. I placed a pressed Queen Anne's made papers in art stores. Sharing Grief With Others Who Know" Lace flower in the center ofthe collage to Frayed pieces of textured cloth, trinkets, HEAUN6 TOUCH connected with my journey of grieving the represent God. and tiny stones were added to cards. I losses I felt while growing up in an alco­ I wove red glittery thread through the packaged the cards in sets of five, giving DONNA BELL, RN holic family. I was reminded how Adult four stages to symbolize the Holy Spirit these as gifts for new mothers and Christ­ Certified Holistic Nurse Children of Alcoholics and Al-Anon groups that flowed from the beginning through all mas presents. Certified Heal ing Touch Proctioner had provided me with compassionate the stages. Instead of words on a paper to friends who shared my grief and knew the A famous local artist saw my work say­ share my life experience, I freely spoke (408) 267-5580 struggles, helping me find serenity despite ing, "You are a Collage artist!" Another from the experience ofthe collage. artist encouraged me to sell my designs. I 351 5. Bay wood, Son Jose the pain. I felt grateful. A collage journal began many years ago market the collage notes through gift stores, Headlines continued to show up to give became a birthing and a gathering of * Reduce Stress * "Increase Energy* and through the mail. meaning along the way: "Pioneer Spirit**, threads creating a new wonderful way of * Prevent Disease * * Reduce Pain * When asked to present my life story for "Enhance Inner Peace* and "Leadership Is For Grown-Ups Like praying. You." These words encouraged me while a Clinical Pastoral Education Program, I Balance your energy fields used collage to share my story. I managed a 29-unit motel with my family Mary Ellen Robertson of Muskegon, MI Enhance your personal health and served on the County Tourism board. Using a 22x30 heavy board, I repre­ A spiritual development is author of Meditations for Working While visiting a strange town, I took a sented each 15-year segment with a differ­ Women, [email protected]. walk to stir off my loneliness. On the ent colored paper to represent four stages of tfune/tfufy/^ugust 2001, Qfetwotic for Women's Spirituality

Chocolat.. .hidden sweetness by Eloise Rosenblatt, RSM, PhD

by Carole Reber Murphy Several years ago, three women lawyers and I found we had common interests in As a student in grade school, I took Lent as a questions related to the study and practice time for: 1) giving up the pleasure of chocolate, and 2) of law. dropping those pennies I would have exchanged for M Sherry Cassedy was a partner in a family & M's into the cardboard box on the teacher's desk marked "Pagan Babies." law firm in Palo Alto and was reading This column is to assist feminist philosophy and theology. Eileen My childhood practice, a common one in Catholic schools, was only women in becoming active in one ofthe memories evoked by my Easter day viewing of Miramax's latest film, Chamberlain, trained in law, was begin­ Chocolat (Lassie Hallstroni). Set in the '50s, this modern parable stars Juliette ning doctoral studies in feminist ethics at the discussion of legal issues— Binoche as Vianne, a gypsy-like confectionist of cocoa delights, who seemed to the GTU. both civil and ecclesial— blow with the North wind into a puritannical French village, along with her Lisa Pearson, on faculty at Stanford Law free-spirited daughter. pi|| School, was a leader of a biblical study which touch their lives. group for women. As a theologian, I was making a mid-life transition into the field ally protected the rights ofthe weak against Chocolat ... As a parable in the genre of Jesus, of civil law. the might ofthe powerful. Law is the ritual this Academy Award nominee gets a closey but no Oscar, We were all attentive to the way women's that families, neighbors, and strangers rely for Gospel-based reasons. lives are affected by legal culture and the on to live together harmoniously and not profession of law. We shared the view that resort to violence. law poses special challenges for women's Law, though, is not just rules for every­ By opening her candy shop during the great fast of Lent and refusing to values because its culture is alien to women's one in general, like a stop sign. Law in its enter church, Vianne was vilified by the local count (Alfred Molina). Even her experience and style of relating. fullest sense is the individualizing of prin­ chocolate seems tainted by her use of Aztec (pagan) molds and designs to the We all had concerns about the impact of ciples, and their interpretation, applica­ Count, who boasted that his ancestor kicked out the Huguenots from that very patriarchy on our faith, as well as the effect tion, and adaptation to the unique facts of town. of legal culture on our spirituality. We a particular person's situation. Even this early in the story, I had no doubt about where my sympathy proceeded on the assumption that patriar­ Every mother and every teacher has had lay, myself, a descendent from a line of Huguenots. As an emotional tale ofthe chal conditioning controlled theology and much experience in the everyday practice triumph of inclusiveness over exclusiveness, Chocolat gets four stars and a halo law. of individualizing the law. Women already from me. As a parable in the genre of Jesus, this Academy Award nominee gets All of us were reading feminist thought. intuit this doctrine which constantly bal­ a close, but no Oscar, for Gospel-based reasons. %*&& Each of us was a woman of faith trying to ances the common good against the indi­ In the telling of his parables, Jesus does not tip his hand to his hearers think through the intersections between vidual right. about which character is in the right. For example, Jesus would have his hearers our religious tradition and our experience The purpose of this column is to assist ask themselves: what housewife in her right mind would spring clean her whole as women. women of faith in becoming active partici­ house just for a lost penny? The "great one" in the kingdom emerges the least We have met regularly, talking about pants in the discussion of legal issues— likely hero as the parable is told. It is too easy for the audience of Chocolat to law and sharing our scholarly and feminist both civil and ecclesial— which touch sympathize with a struggling mother. resources with each other. Our discussions their lives. Even so, the story, once entered into, as if a slow, sweet dream of See's have had a ripple effect on our professional A major goal is to educate women about candies on Valentine's Day, captured my interest through its layers of meaning. activities. We gave ourselves a name: their rights, affirm their experience about Town authority regarded Vianne, like Jesus, as a threat to the established Women's Experience, Law and Spiritual­ what is fair, and to encourage women to tranquility. The self-denying Count coopted the Church, in the person of a ity—WELS for short. This column reflects stand by one another whenthe rights of any naive fledgling vicar, to side with him in his obsessive campaign to banishJ|^gy some ofthe themes we are exploring. single one are trampled on. pleasure. Women sometimes feel "the law" is alien Knowledge grounds confidence to as­ Vianne continued to offer her chocolate, spiked with the sacred pepper to their interests. In one sense, this is true, sert one's rights, whether within the fam­ ofthe New World, legacy ofher Aztec mother. Like communion, this secret- because we have had so little to say about its ily, the workplace, or the church. Law is recipe cocoa began to strengthen those who partook of it to better their lives. It creation. Women have had very little to say not rules, but a way of envisioning how life became Viaticum, or food for the journey into death that her landlady chose to about the creation of theology, as well, but together is fostered. take. Viannes's offer of rose creams and with them, her friendship, were enough how women name and understand God is Law is a process by which our noblest to revive the battered spirit of a broken wife, allowing her to bloom in new­ vital for the believing community. human values, in dialogue with faith, tested found emancipation. Aspects of law represent concerns women by history and proved by affirmation of In the end, Vianne let go, surrendering as on her own cross. It is then say are important. Law can be said to women's experience, can be made norma­ that the weakest link, her protege, picked up her spirit in a Pentecostal scene: represent "maternal thinking." Law, for tive for society and church. disciples of Vianne's making that pagan Easter feast, a festival ofthe food that example, is the continuum of the human epitomizes love for so many: chocolate. effort to solve conflicts, redress wrongs, Eloise Rosenblatt,Ph.D., is a Sister of Carole Reber Murphy teaches school in San Jose. and preserve peace. Law is a discussion Mercy and former seminary/university about how to preserve agreements and re­ professor of New Testament and spiritu­ solve disputes. ality, as well as associate dean at the Law sets standards for approximating Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. S £1 Retiro San lingo who is innocent and who guilty, how to Presently getting a law degree, she works Jesuit Retreat House discipline offenders and rehabilitate them. at a civil litigation firm. 300 Manresa Way Law gives instructions about the norms You can contact her with ideas you Los Altos, C A 94022-4646 society expects everyone to observe. would like to see explored in this column- Law is the way societies have tradition- -cmail her at [email protected]. Coming Retreats

June 1-3 The Three R's of a Relationship: Responsibility. Customized Editorial Respect, and Religion. Retreat for married couples We shape ideas with words Edward & Peggy Gleason, andFr. Jerry McCourt, S.J. SHAIPM Planning, editing, positioning June 8-10 Healing the Family Tree •MER . nonficton Healing retreat for men/women, Fr. John Hampsch, C.M.F. * Family memoirs A PUCE OF PEACE * Business articles —i&\$ June 15-17 Creating Peace * Spiritual diaries, letters & more A month-long retreat in beautiful Oregon Recovery retreat for men/women, Msgr. Terry Richey, S.J. PRAYER OF THEHEARTeNexy July IedUtmcn.org www.marshasinetar.com •&ttg 10-U With Jesus In Prayer or 707.575.5555 Silent retreat for men, Fr. Bernard Bush, S.J. Design your own SABBATICAL beautiful place- Aug 17-19 Love Is What Matters flexible time - for both men & women Recovery retreat for women, Fr. Gavin Griffith, O.F.M. Support group for women with Aug 31-Sep 2 Recovery Retreat for Men/Women eating disorders Fr. ThomasAllender, S.J. call (503)845-6773 or e-mail [email protected] Explore, share, understand Sep 7-9 Inner Healing Through Jesus in the Eucharist for a complete calendar of programs Healing retreat for menAvomen and find new meanings to www.open.org/shalom internal search for virtue and identity Fr. Lou Cerulli and Fr. Bernard J. Bush, S.J. Prue Delamater, RN, MA Sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel 650.493.6409 To register 650.948.4491 FAX 650.948.0640 Queen of Angels Monastery 840 S. Main Street, Mt. Angel. OR 97362-9527 Meetings at YMCA in Palo Alto E-mail: [email protected] WWW.elretiro.org yafj< Qfetworik for (Women'sSpirituality, tfune/tfufy/^ttgust 2001 ( Women flTocfcip The Stations are part ofthe Maryknoll Ecological Sanc­ tuary, a project that combines Stations of Cosmos tell earth story eco-spirituality with the arts and the new science. by Sharon Abercrombie Maryknoll Missionary Sisters, a commu­ was taking place because of industrializa­ Oakland Correspondent nity of neighborhood artists, former stu­ tion and was encouraging Sisters to volun­ Children in the deaf school are an inte­ dents, and other friends. teer there. i^a gral part of the Sanctuary project. The Deep within a tush, mountainous pine The Stations are part of the Maryknoll Anne Marie arrived in mid-summer children might not be able to hear music, forest in Baguio, northern Philippines, Ecological Sanctuary, a project that in­ shortly after a 7.7 earthquake rocked but they Teel the vibrations, she noted. visitors will see a sign. "All who enter cludes a retreat center combining eco- spiri­ Baguio. Suffering and death were every- Everything they learn about the Universe here, enjoy." It will be difficult for them to tuality with the arts and the new science. do anything else. The half-day's journey Besides the cosmic journey, the sanctuary they are about to embark upon will prob­ also features a bioshelter and a creative arts ably be like nothing else they've ever expe­ school based on the New Story for 15 deaf rienced. children. They will discover a large, white egg, The bioshelter is a prototype of ecologi­ cracked just enough to reveal the baby cal sustainability. Besides using recycled dinosaur inside. As they chuckle, ooo and materials from the ruins of an old convent, ah, their guide will invite them tonam e the the house includes solar heating. not-exactly-delicate but nonetheless engag­ Rainwater running down the skylights ing young'un. and roof is collected and piped out into an area where a future wetland is planned, explained Maryknoll Sister Anne Marie Braudis, one ofthe sanctuary co-founders and its chief inspiration. The convent serves as aprototype-teaching center where people can learn about sustainable archi­ tecture. Her own visit to Thomas Berry's spiri­ tual home, a seminary in Ontario, and seeing first hand the terrible aftermath of Sisters Peg Dillon, Anne Marie Braudis, Dolores Mitch an earthquake in Baguio, were factors lead­ where, she recalls. Her own community's Story is based on their own tribal culture, ing up to the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctu­ 70-year-old convent was destroyed, as was honoring the flowers and animals indig­ Emerging Dinosaur (sculptor: Erdy Laluan) ary, said Anne Marie. one-third ofthe elementary school. enous to the bioregion, she said. Now on a year's sabbatical to study for "One week, they'll recreate the story of Another part of the path will lead the As a newcomer Anne Marie quickly a master's degree at the University of Cre­ the bumble bees, the next week, they'll do visitors straight away into bursts of fuchsia learned that inhabitants ofthe tourist town ation Spirituality/Naropa University in art and dance around the death of the blossoms. They serve as the color-laden suspected that large-scale mining and tim­ Oakland, CA., the Maryknoller traced key rainforest." Tuition ranges from five dol­ frame for another sign, which tells them ber operations by multinational corpora­ elements ofher own journey and how they lars a month to perhaps nothing at all. they have reached the 130 million-years- tions had contributed to the earthquake. played a role in her present ministry as Whatever the family can afford. ago mark, when flowers first spread upon She remembers how her heart turned in center director and chief fundraiser for The children are also an integral part of the earth. agony when she saw examples of open pit sanctuary programs. the regular rituals, which are held.at the They will sit quietly in an ancient cave, gold mining operations, "where whole for­ Anne Marie first discovered the work of Sanctuary. Recently, on the tenth anniver­ fixing their gazes upon a pottery burial jar. ests were reduced to gaping holes in the Thomas and Brian during the 1980s, and sary ofthe earthquake, they helped l&'ctig They will reflect upon the reality of death, ground. "Nothing was left. Even the flies in 1989, she met Thomas personally. At holes for bamboo poles. and its place in the progression ofthe New were gone. The earth was begging for that time, his religious community began "We were doing a healing ritual - acu­ Story. They will create a ritual, which attention." to create visual interpretations ofthe New puncture for the earth," said Anne Marie. honors the gifts of die indigenous Philip­ Anne Marie met with community mem­ Story through the medium of installation Just before her departure to California, the pine tribal people, the Ifugao, who inhabit bers Sisters Peg Dillon and Dolores Mitch. art. children took part hi a going away cer­ the bioregion to this day. What should they do? Rebuild and resume Anne Marie heard about them, and in business as usual? Or was the earth calling emony by releasing white doves in the air. Our travelers are walking die 14 Sta­ 1990 she traveled to Ontario to see them for As she shares her photos, thousands of tions of The Cosmic Journey. Like the for them to do something else? herself. The stations were very simple, but The Sisters posed their question to teach­ miles fromhe r mountain home, it is obvi­ ancient Christian Stations of the Cross the manner in which they put the larger ous where Anne Marie Braudis' heart is. which take people on a prayerful journey ers, parents and to the community. The context ofthe New Story within the context collective decision was: rebuild the school, Readers who would like to make con­ leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, this par­ of that particular Canadian bioregion, called tributions to the deaf school can send ticular adaptation tells the chronological but phase it out grade by grade. Turn it into out to her. an alternative education center, which com­ donations to the Maryknoll Sisters, story of die Universe. The same year, Anne Marie's commu­ Maryknoll. N.Y. 10545. Be sure to specify Inspired by the work of Brian Swimme, bined spirituality, ecology, and the arts. nity offered her an opportunity to work in It was a six-year project, utilizing funds that they go to the school, said Anne mathematical cosmologist, and Thomas the Philippines. The Maryknoll order was Marie. Berry, geologian, their creators were three from the sale of one of the Maryknoll concerned over the ecological crisis that properties. Their convent, the biocenter, This story was originally written and combines the best of sustainable architec­ published in Earthlight, the Magazine of ture. Townspeople and local artists do­ Spiritual Ecology. Fall 2000. Mercy Center Spiritual Growth for All Ages nated their talents. 1.510.451.4926. The school janitor designed and built Salon—Come explore the richeso f the second half of life on informal the firststation , which depicts the big bang flame. "He put three rocks together. It was The 14 Stations ofthe Cosmos Sunday afternoons. Discuss the acts and current issues, and share the perfect," Anne Marie said. * The universe begins - 15 Billion journey. Third Sunday of each month. 6/17-Sacred Sound and Healing. Volunteers got together, and using their years ago 7/15-Fitoess & the Older Adult. 1:00-4:00 p.m Donation. Sandi Peters. creativity, built the burial cave from con­ * Planet Earth emerges - 5 B years Aging and Loss of Control—For caregivers and those undergoing crete. "It looks so much like a real cave, no ago losses of age to explore their emerging spirituality. Saturday, June 9. one would dream it was a construction * The oceans are the birthplace of $55 includes lunch. Robert Grant and Sandi Peters. project," she said. life - 3.5 B years ago Becoming Whom You Contemplate—A silent, directed Ignatian retreat. * Dinosaurs on the scene - 235 Mil­ Prayer, liturgy, and individual direction are essential aspects of this retreat. lion years ago Sunday, 6/17-6/24. $375. Lorita Moffatt, RSM. Words from Wisdom Carrie McClish * The mammals arrive - 220 M years Spiritual Directors Institute—Are you seriously exploring the ministry ago of spiritual direction? Are you firmly grounded in your own faith tradition? * Birds take flight -150 M years ago This first phase of a three year training program begins Saturday, 9/8. * Flowers spread on Earth - 130 M Registration Deadline: August 15. $425. Lorita Moffatt, RSM, coordinator years ago Spiritual Exercises—A thirty week Ignatian retreat for those desiring a * The primates come forth - 65 M deeper experience of God in daily life. $650. Begins Sunday, 9/16. years ago Lorita Moffatt, RSM. * Early humans live in caves - 50,000 Group Spiritual Direction—This program engages people in group years ago spiritual direction and offers instruction in dynamics of group direction. * The hunting and gathering age Meets monthly on second Thurs. Begins 9/13. $275. Lorita Moffatt, RSM * The village period develops -10,000 17 years ago swc* Call for applications and brochures * Earth gives sweet water 650 340-7495 www.mercy-center.org * Emergence of Earth's religious 2300 Adeline Drive Oh my God, what a purrfect traditions Burlingame, CA 94010 Mercy Center mother you are! * The scientific and technological age /June/SJuly/sjufjtsst 2001, Network for Women's Spirituality fome 9 creature

Historical History of God is enlightening Images of God Who is your God? The God of Moses, Mountain)—a God who still asked the "By his loving, the Father became the God of Abraham, the God of the phi­ human sacrifice of Isaac, a practice com­ . . . each generation has to of woman *s nature. The Word (Christ) losophers, the God of the mystics, or the mon in the pagan world. create the image of God that is everything to His little ones, both 18th century deists? Perhaps yours is the The first child was believed to be the father and mother." works for it God ofthe Bible or the Koran! offspring of a god who had impregnated

<£age 10 (tfetwotic for

... all our religious notions are shaped by the limitations ofthe human mind. Our reli­ God gious experiences bear the imprint ofhuman psychology. How To Make Sense of God sonhoocC

AU nations in the world "make gods and goddesses in their OWn image, " Ludwig Feuerbach 1804-72

German philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach believed that human beings observe 3. The concept of God as "a person" implies the outdated dualistic two-world certain qualities in themselves such as reason, will, and love which seem to be view. absolute, and then objectify them in imaginary, outside powers. This, he said, was the God as the supernatural Creator and Maintenance man is dead. The image origin of religion. It is really human nature which is divine, and the whole religious of a two-tiered world of God sitting on a throne in heaven and humans down below on superstructure is an illusion. He thought people needed to be liberated from religion earth no longer fits our modern scientific understanding ofthe universe. to find their true selves. It is not belief in a personal God, but certain ways of expressing that belief Feuerbach claims there is nothing objective in religion—that it is totally that need to be examined. Christians do need to hold that God is personal but not that human. "The beginning, middle, and end of religion is Man." God is a person. Most respected theologians ofthe church, past and present, have no At first glance, it looks as if Feuerbach is right. use for the modern term person in relation to God. God is not called a person in the In early religions, the Sun was worshipped as a god. The Aztecs Bible, not even by Jesus. (who lived in Mexico from 1200-1600 AD), were convinced the world order depended on the well-being ofthe Sun. When the earth plunged in dark­ ness after the collapse of the fourth world order, the Snake God Christians do need to hold that God is personal but not Quetzalcoatl revived the human corpses by sprinkling them with his own that God is a person. God is not called a person in the Bible, blood. Another deity threw himself into afire and became the new Sun, not even by Jesus. John wijngaards but he was so weak he could not move until many other gods sacrificed themselves by offering their blood as food to him, God is not less than a person, but it will be better to call the most real reality, The Aztecs feared the Sun might again collapse, so they were not either personal or nonpersonal, but transpersonal or suprapersonaL anxious to sustain the Sun with gifts of blood. They did penance, piercing The use ofthe word person regarding the Trinity is not the way we use the their tongues, ears, and other organs; and they started wars to capture term today. If there were three persons in God, there would in fact be three Gods. victims of whom they would take out their hearts as sacrifice. Christian doctrine, as laid down in early church councils, firmly holds that Father, This is clearly an example of a religion gone wrong. Human behavior and Son, and Holy Spirit are one God with one intelligence, one will, and one combined weaknesses were projected onto the world ofthe gods, and atrocious practices were the external action. They contain one divine nature. result. The term person was introduced by the Greek Fathers ofthe church as an Author and scripture scholar John Wijngaards tells this story in his book, equivalent of hypostasis, subsistence. Within the one God there are mutual relation­ How To Make Sense of God. He goes on to write that it is wrong to jump from the ships, different faces that reflect one another. human traits of religion to the conclusion that God and religion are no more than an To sum it up, God, Cosmic Mind and Uncreated Love, is so intensely illusion. In his book he endeavors tosho w that the reality of God outside the minil personal that we experience God as caring parent, intimate brother/sister, and inner and independent ofthe mind can be proved beyond doubt spark in us all at the same time. The personal dimensions in God are inexhaustible. But there lies an evident fallacy in denying the reality of God simply because we think of God in human terms. The reasoni s simple. All our knowledge is human, by definition. There is nothing we perceive that From How To Make Sense of God, John Wijngaards, Sheed and Ward, 1995. is not colored by the humanness of our perception. Yet we know that reality exists, Wijngaards is a scripture scholar, journalist, and scriptwriter who regularly writes and we can attain reliableinformatio n about real things. In the same way, knowing for the London Tablet He has written Come and See, God Within Us, and My God in a human way does not mean God is not real. Galilee, My People. Wijngaards points out that all our religious notions are shaped by the limitations ofthe human mind. Our religious experiences bear the imprint of human Words from Wisdom psychology. Even when God reveals Godself to us, we can only relatet o God through The Trinity—a braid human knowledge and human love. All our religiousact s are subject to the rules of Carrie McClish human psychology. Although many of us have grown up gratefully with St. Patrick's Is it logical to call God a person? clover-leaf image of me Trinity— Is God a person? Author Wijngaards writes that the term person carries at three leaves making up one clover least five connotations in ordinary usage: leaf—there is always room for * A person is a thinking, intelligent being. This is a definition favored in the Middle some new imagery as well. Sara Ages. Maitland writes that her favorite * A person is an individual who relates to other individuals. One gives personal model ofthe Trinity is that it is attention. like a child's pigtail. If the Trinity * Person is a character or role. Persona was a mask worn by actors in a drama; an is seen as a plait—three equal actress presents a persona, a character. strands, smoothly interrelated— * A person is an individual with rights and duties. This is legal language. there are some advantages. First * A person is the body ofa human individual. (No gun was found on his person.) you can tear one of the leaves off a clover threesome and leave the other two still related, but ifyou pull one of Wijngaards points out three reasons why we should not refer to God as "a Leave it to a child to lead us! person" the strands out ofa plait, the whole 1. Person includes bodiless thing collapses. We have no understanding of a person without a body, and it is only persons Inasmuch as there is a Trinitarian God, this threefold revelationmake s who can act and do things. If God is Pure Spirit, we cannot understand how such a perfect sense, and obviously the same thing applies: you cannot have any two of being would act; we have no understanding ofa loving but bodiless being. the sources without the third because die whole thing falls apart. At times, when 2. The expression obscures the impersonal features of God. plaiting, it is important to look at the whole pigtail and check that the hair has If God is conceived too rigidly as a person, important qualities within the been reasonably accurately divided into three. overall notion of God are lost God's love is impersonal in that it is directed at the Both the Orthodox Churches ofthe East and the charismatic movement whole of creation and not just at individuals. God does not show partiality. God's have suggested that perhaps the mainstream churches ofthe West have become love is universal in scope and intent; particularistic love is not God transcends the excessively Christocentric—that their emphasis on the second person ofthe limitations that humans experience in finite love. Trinity has made the pigtail somewhat lopsided. In the same way I would suggest that perhaps we have allowed the strand of revelation in creation toge t rather too skinny; that God's role as creator and sustainer of the universe needs some fleshing out some extra weight

From A Big-Enough God, A Feminist's Search for a Joyful Theology, Sara Maitland, Henry Holt and Co., NY 1995. T

ffune/flufy/Awiust 2001, ^eiworit for Women's Spirituality ftafle U (feature

We change when we change our image of beyond God. In every aspect of our lives, we become like the God we adore. Dennis unn, SJ.

I Dear God, Q& Are boys better than girls? I know you are one but please try to shamrocks be fair. Little girl's letter to God Although the Bible and history both reveal that God includes and transcends male and female, many people cannot see the necessity for changing the way we speak of God. For some it is not worth the effort, writes Jann Aldredge Clanton in her book, In Whose Image? God and Gender. For the small girl quoted above, the word God was a synonym for boys. Such an understanding of God raises a fundamental barrier to the self-esteem of The seed of God is in us. J ^^F women, believes Clanton. While the church teachestha t women are created in the Now, the seed of a pear tree image of God, it only uses masculine language to refer to God. Women may wonder if grows into a pear tree; they must minimize their femininity to come closer to the image of God. and a hazel seed Masculine God-language devalues feniininity by ignoring it. Women, as grows into a hazel tree; well as men, receive the message that maleness, since it is used to refert o God, a seed of God deserves more respect than femaleness. In Women and Self-Esteem, Linda Tschirhart Sanford and Mary Ellen grows into God Meister Eckhart Donovan find that patriarchal religions contribute to the low self-esteem of women. Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism have created God in the image of a male. Many women feel a deep-down sense of affirmation when they hear feminine A story: God was like Good Old Uncle George who lives in a formidable references to God. They feel strengthened and empowered. Clanton found research mansion, is bearded, gruff, and threatening. God was a family relative much admired that indicates that women who can accept feminine images of God show traits of by mom and dad in the family. The children were told by Uncle George: "I want to autonomy and dominance, independence, imagination, and leadership skills. see you here once a week and ifyou don't come, I will show you what will happen to Clanton's study reveals that using inclusive God-language has profound you." implications for the Christian church. This language frees and empowers women and Uncle George took the children down into the mansion's basement; it is dark men to exercise their gifts within the church. Women gain the self-confidence and yet very hot, and blazing furnaces can be seen with little demons tending them, autonomy to achieve, create, and lead. Men discover deeper capacities for spirituality, hurling adults and children who don't visit Uncle George into the blaze. On the way intimacy, and change. home, mom and dad asked the children if they didn't love Uncle George with all "your The church gains wholeness and redemptive power through the mutuality of heart and soul, mind and strength." The children said they did, fearful they would be men and women in leadership and ministry. As the church breaks down rigid thrown into the furnace if they said otherwise. hierarchies and roles, it gains the contributions of each unique member. When the Dennis Linn tells this story of his image of God in Good Goats, Healing church values women and men equally, it becomes a model of justice and peace. Our Image of God, which he co-authored with Sheila Fabricant Linn and Matthew From In Whose Image? God and Gender, Jann Aldredge Clanton, Cross­ Linn. Dennis admits that like many of his German ancestors, he was born a self- road, NY, 1990. righteous German, like Good Old Uncle George who throws anyone into a blazing fire who did not act in a way he approved. He noticed that he changed when he changed his image of God. He writes that in every aspect of our lives, we become like the God we adore. More scriptural images of God He reflects on the image of God sending people to hell by pointing out that our church teaches that we cannot use nuclear weapons against our enemies. If God God as Midwife can send someone to hell, then we should be able to send a nuclear inferno on our Isaiah 66 depicts Zion as a woman giving birth to the sons who will defeat enemies. her enemies. God is the midwife at mis rapid, easy birth process. "Am I to open the womb and not bring to birth or I, who bring to birth, Images that need healing: am I to close if?" says God. God then scads flowing peace, tike a river toward God as a Prosecuting Attorney or a Defense Attorney the woman Zion so she may suckle her babies. In dealing with the adulterous woman in scripture and with the self-righteous Galatians 56:22 tells us to "give birth to the fruits ofthe Holy Spirit: St. Paul who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, Jesus took the roll of a defense attor­ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness ney—he stood at their sides as he helped to bring about their healing. He loved them and self-control" -a birth process not possible without the help of God as unconditionally. He did not prosecute or judge them. midwife. God as Father and Mother Dennis admits he was resistant not so much to changing his theology as to God as Bakerwoman changing his personality. He stopped reading scripture so literally and began to The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast a appreciate its images and symbols. He relied less on thinking and more on underde­ woman took and mixed in with three measures veloped feelings . He recognized that just as God is like a father, God is like a mother. of flour till it was leavened all through. Matt 13:33 This simple-to-read book suggests three things to do to change your image of God: Jesus called himself the "living bread, the 1. Get in touch with the love of God in your heart bread of life, the bread from heaven." 2. Put a smile on your face that matches that love. John 6:31. 3. Smile at a person who loves you and allow that person to smile back at If God provided the manna you. Smiling is one ofthe most healing things in life—it lets us know that we are from heaven for Israel in the love and can love. wilderness, then God is being compared to a heavenly baker, From Good Goats, Healing Our Image of God, Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant for women did the baking in Hebrew culture. If Jesus is the bread that Linn, Matthew Linn, Paulist Press, NY 1994. This book explains difficult theological comes down fromheaven , then God is the baker who sent him (and us). concepts of hell, free will, punishment, gender, etc of God in very simple terms. The Linns are prolific authors of many books and tapes, including Healing the Eight God as Dame Wisdom Stages of Life and Healing of Memories. Like a fine mist, she {Wisdom) rises from the power of God. Wisdom 7:25 Just as the mist arose to water the earth before the advent of rain, so Dame Wisdom rises like a mist fromGod' s powerful being in order to enter holy souls and make mem God's friends. Wisdom is synonymous with God in many Old Testament books. She is the designer of everything and the image of God's goodness.

Quotes from The Divine Feminine, Ihe Biblical Imagery of God as Female, Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Crossroad, NY, 1993. * Feature material on these two pages has been compiled by Arlene Goetze. fage 12 Qjetworkfor Women's Spirituality tfwte/tfufy/^ugust 2001

feature Tall in Spirit

Seasonal images of God Names of God Since Scripture and Christian ritualsar e written with almost all references to by Joni Woelfel God in the male gender, many women have authored collections of prayers and translations that refer to God wtih feminine qualities. In his book, Prayers for a Planetary In her book, Seasons of the Feminine Divine, Mary Kathleen Speegle Pilgrim, Edward Hays writes what he calls Naming God, as we discover Schmitt publishes hundreds of prayers based on scripture with new images ofthe a Psalm to Virgin Spring. At 49 years of who God is, is a sacred act of Divine. We quote a few here: age, I understand more fully than I ever the soul. have in my life what that means. In Pentecost we can image the fenunine Divine as the One who brings both This spring feels like a first time, never- Some include: God of Lanterns Within male and female to fruitful participation in die creative process ofthe Universe. before-seen spring to me. I marvel at the Our Breasts, God Who Mothers Starving Suddenly there came from heaven a sound as ofa violent wind which filled unexpected anticipation I am feeling. I Souls, Hovering-Ever Present Mother God, the entire house.. .they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1 never thought I could bear spring again. God of Empty Nests, and Loved Ones Who Womanspirit, Yon come to us on the Four Winds, and by the power When our beloved son died, I named that Have Crossed Over, Sweeping-Swooshing ofthe resurrection, breathe your Self into all flesh and make dry bones first spring Black Spring. The first tulip, God Who Knows No Boundaries, God of to walk and carry the weight ofhuman life. the first warm breeze, the first call of the Flowers That Bloom in the Night, Tender- Create in us hearts of love that empowered as agents of your wild geese all reminded me that even though Hearted God of Fallen Trees, and Bare- transforming purpose, we share the grace ofyour mercy throughout the the earth was being reborn, our son was not Branched People, to name only a few. world. a part of it and nothing would ever bring As I named God "Hope of Virgin Spring," him back. I thought of what Judith Duerk wrote in Hoi v Ground A year later, in looking back at my Circle of Stones, Woman's Journey to Take off your sandals for the place where you are standing is holy ground. image journal I drew at that time, I am Herself: "Perhaps what is asked is that Ex 3:4 surprised to see that I entitled the page each of us come to her own renewed ground­ Womangod, You who make the ground holy, You guided and fed our "Dead Head Woman: Rebirth of Feelings." ing in the Archetypal Feminine... to a ancestors with the flame that neither destroys nor can be extinguished. Beneath a sketch of a woman I had conscious awareness, understanding, and Catch ns up in the vision of your power to make all things new... drawn shrouded in black, holding a single embracing of it in her own being and her shoot of green grass, I had written of my own life." Other feminine images of the Divine rebellion of spring, "How dare it come?" After warning women not to identify Mustard Seed Goddess, like a tiny seed embedded in earth, Yet, I concluded the page with the words, God only as the Feminine Divine, Duerk You plant yourself into the flesh of our hearts. "I am being won over... not to joy... but to concludes, "How might your life have been Shoot forth the dark green branches ofyour love within us.... something secret growing and green within different if there had been a place... a place me that I can't name." where, after the fires were lighted, and the Vineyard of Our Delight, your pungent juiciness entices us, and the fragrance Now, looking back, I know that I was drumming, and the silence, you would of rare plants lures us into the lushness ofyour Being. experiencing the first comforting blade of claim, finally, in your Naming, as you Divine Consolation. Ed Hays writes in a spoke slowly into that silence, that the time Intimate Friend, You call us to journey with You in the redemption of prayer, "O you who are beyond all names, had come, full circle, for you also to reach all humanity. yet whom we call Father and Mother... out..." unfold for me your best kept secret..." I asked myself, what would be a name Woman God, as a mother breastfeeds her child, You have nourished us. Through out his book, he "names" God for God that encompassed all others—that Ofyour own body and blood, You continually sustain us. Pour out for us the milk asrevelations come to him. Some of these embraced God as our father and ourmother, of your flowing Spirit. include: Never-Tiring Miracle Worker, our sister and our brother, beyond gender, Radiant Rain God, Timeless and Ever- time, and space? Hidden Treasure, You nestle within a veil of Youthful God, Wind of Inspiration, Lov­ For me, the answer came in an Eureka mystery, and reserve your riches ing Source of Sacred Cycles, Life Force of moment, when I read a column by Thomas for those who seek until they the Rising and Setting Sun, Holy Womb of C. Fox, who also was wondering the same find You. Life, and Ever-New One. These life-af­ thing. During an enlightening trip to firming names of God speak to me and India, his friend Saldanha provided the Queen of the Universe, in remind me ofthe vastness of God. profound, simple but deep answer: God is Your acts of healing and Naming God, as we discover who God your Best Friend. justice You unite heaven is, is a sacred act ofthe soul. There is an Looking back, I think that name was the and earth and make us one intimacy in the names God discloses or secret, green, unnamed thing that was grow­ with You. confides to each of us in our hearts as we ing in me, reaching out as it does to all of journey through life. In my books, I sud­ us... beyond those seasons when spring in Prayers are condensed denly realize that I have listed over 80 of our hearts feels black. from Seasons of the Femi­ my own names of who God is to me person­ nine Divine, Mary ally. All of these names were wrought out Joni Woelfel's newest book, The Light Kathleen Speegle Schmitt, of life experiences that were very personal Within, A Woman's Book of Solace, has Crossroad, NY, 1993. tome. just been released. Seepage 18 for a book Charlotte Attebery review. New church symbols need touch of life The Stations of Life will replace the Stations ofthe Cross. by Arlene Goetze for some uplifting image of the Divine. The stained glass windows reflect welcome Jordan ing children the biblical stories of God What do the images in our churches colorful bits of cheerful light IV Jesus touching and healing the para­ creating, Jesus living, preaching, and heal­ tell us about God? So I challenged myself, as I daydreamed lyzed man on a stretcher ing, and the Holy Spirit filling all with One of my former parishes displays a through the homily, to create new image- V Jesus letting the woman wash and anoint strength and faith. wall-sized painting of an enormous cruci­ in a church for my descendants. his feet Here is a setting where believers can fix with the dead body of Jesus hanging in * The cross in the sanctuary would disap­ VI Jesus dancing at the wedding feast of gather around the table to enjoy a meal and pain and agony on full display behind the pear. Be gone. A large magnificent sun Cana be nourished by each other without the sign altar. There is no escaping the horrible would be the symbol of new life. It would VII Jesus healing the young girl and the of death hanging over them in the air. death of Jesus, the God. Catholics are radiate warmth, heat love, and light and hemorrhaging woman What other religion has so many images invited to pray, sing, and findjo y under the hang centerfront. omnious dark clouds of death during each VIII Jesus planting a mustard seed focusing on the human death of one's * Wall hangings would feature a smiling and every mass, wedding, or funeral! IX Jesus talking with the woman at the manifestation of God? person... one filled with joy and divinity; A large quilted icon panel decorates well Have you ever seen a smiling statue in another church during Easter-time. . . an X Jesus preaching and feeding the 5,000 church? Are they so solemn because they elaborate red satin robe and gold halo XI Jesus offering bread and wine at the are entombed in stone or plaster? frame the long, narrow face of Jesus.. .a Passover meal * The Stations of Life will replace the DOREEN BROWN, M.A. gaunt image with sunken cheeks, bags XII Jesus dying on the cross (Here is the Stations ofthe Cross. These stations will under the eyes, an expression of pain. Is only cross in the church.) reflect not just a few days in the life of Jesus * licensed Marriage & Family Counselor the face near death or in a drunken stupor? Xm Jesus coming out ofthe tomb but images of the Divine Creator of the * Certified California School Psychologist No, it is a resurrection scene, grabbing full XIV The Holy Spirit in tongues of fire universe as well as the Spirit that continues * Individual, couples, adolescents attention fromth e assembly looking at the reaching out to whoever looks at this sta­ to create within humans. * Hypnotherapy altar. tion. Stone figureso n the wall... 14 stations 2100 Curtner Avenue, Suite J I God the Creator giving us the earth revealing suffering, cruelty, pain, death in Here is a church for children (and adults). San Jose, CA 95124 II God the Creator giving Mary and Joseph almost every Catholic church. .. one in which visitors and members alike 408/559-3694 Lie. MFC 14505 their newborn son Hmmm, these figures would scare my can reflect on the God of this religion.I t is HI John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the grandchildren, I tell myself as I lookaround one where parent can walk die aisles, tell­ flune/flufy/Auflust 2001, (^etwotit for Women's Spifituafity Pane 13

Spirituality and the Arts C n God Sightings ^ £My by Mary Hubbard

Then the Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said: "Who is this that obscures by Carole Frederick divine plans with words of ignorance? "I have no hope of saving Woodside, CA I never imagined that attend­ Where were you when I founded the earth?" ing a "Body blessing9' pro- this baby, the sonogram shows It was a discovery waiting to happen, but ("It would be better ifyou just let go of gram would give me an image Paul. He will probably be dependent for a large parallel tumor," the I didn't know it! I could never have imag­ the rest of his life." We are in a gray room ER doctor tells us. ined that attending a Body Blessing pro­ of God. in a locked hospital ward.) gram would give me an image of God that Today, 22 years later, my son Paul calls. would never have fit my former images! ,r But on a lovely spring Saturday in the swing and sway . . . Swing low, sweet I feel tremendous energy and pride as he chariot. . ." The angels carried our pains Out of whose womb comes the ice, Octave of Easter, something wonderful discusses the problems of his clients, of away on the white wings of Pegasus. And and who gives the frost its birth in the happened. A golden moment in time that budget restrictions and energy depletion, soon, the "blessing in disguise" came, wear­ skies? I shall treasure. Here is the story. of the importance of this job, caring for ing that dark and sacred crown. severely handicapped, abandoned adults. (Our daughter-in-law stopped by, upset My husband has been ailing for many an Our leader asked us to form groups of with her news: another granddaughter, 15, aching moon with what we call "Man in the three with at least one person we didn't was having a baby. What would happen to moon old bones soup." When I read in my And who shut within doors the heart\and know. My don't stare joined us! "What is her?) CWN paper that a Body Blessing program fastened the bar of its door? onepartofyour body your are grateful for?" Six years later my husband's eyes mist as was being offered, I rose to the call! Three (A flash to the past again. "Can someone the leader asked. we watch withjoy this same granddaughter's of us were on our way to Cupertino in our come get me. I'm in L. A., don't really "My curly, hair," said our unknown part­ graduation with honors from college. His "Old Bones Taxi." Our daughter drove and know where,"... the words so slurred I can ner. An electrical jolt went through me! great-granddaughter (that baby!) bounc­ soon blessings would be pouring out that hardly understand.) When we began to talk, this dark and ing on his lap, living out the wedding we had never anticipated. The spirit blows Now, this oldest daughter calls: "Mom, sacred crown said, "I have MS." I couldn't promise of seeing his fourth generation. where she will. I've been made a group leader! I'll be in believe it. The afternoon began with "blessing in charge of a mini-church." I hear a multi­ Having no experience of MS but know­ Who counts the clouds or tilts the water disguise." Arlene, CWN director, upon tude of graced plans. ing it is multiple sclerosis, I had a hard time jars of heaven? hearing ofthe pains of my husband, asked believing this vibrant and healthy-looking (My mother: I'm giving you a list of me to have him sit in the back ofthe room Have you ever walked about in the woman was seriously and tragically ill. In family problems because God hears the where she could do Reiki on him during the depths of the abyss; have you seen the the prime ofher life! prayers of sinners first. We had been program. This unexpected spiritual ges­ gates of darkness? "I have lesions all over my brain," she married "outside the church.") ture separated us, and my daughter and I ("She is very, very ill. She is rejecting her told us. (I gained insight why she loved her The "pagan" son-in-law became her God­ moved to the front ofthe gathering. There own blood. The surgery is extensive." Our curly hair.") child firmly ensconced in the church she were perhaps 30 of us, my husband the only middle daughter.) What a beautiful and new image of God I loved. He had rescued her from isolation man. This same daughter calls collect from found that Saturday ofthe Octave of Easter. and loneliness. Whoever gave her that last "Did your father balk at coming here," a Paraguay. "Mom, I have a terrific farm What a treasure gift this woman was drink of water would be greatly blessed woman asked my daughter? going. The indigenous women are plant­ giving me. I felt so blessed and honored to according to Irish folklore. She sipped "Oh, no," she said. "My dad's a Woman ing fast-growing firewood. They'll have a have met her and to anoint her in our from the spoon in my hand; then beckoned on the Way!" (He wears the T-shirt.!) future for their families!" closing ritual. I shall never forget her or to Cal; she sipped again, then died. Seated up front I noticed the unusual her story of the MS that changed her life Who has enriched the waste and deso­ cross in the chapel/community room ofthe permanently when she was 41. late ground till the desert blooms? Who puts wisdom in the heart? Sunny View Lutheran Home, bordered with (The daughter in Italy had interesting (Then the friend of 35 years: Mary, I just panels of resurrection-colored butterflies My husband has aching bones? My news. I'm pregnant Mom. Can I come don't believe in all that crazy God stuff, like on each side. As I looked around, a woman daughter is entering menopause young? It home?) you do. After all, we were scientists.) in her early 40s caught my eye, for her dark was, of course, the many in that room that Now: "Alexander has a starring role in Something has happened. I feel like I'm curls were so beautiful, reminding me ofa day who were the new and holy images of the play, Mom. He's so handsome, bright, on a journey. I love the centering prayer. sacred crown. I admonished myself. "Don't God, the many "prime of life" saints who and talented." A surge of joy for news of A spiritual awakening? What's that? stare!" are courageously living their daily lives that baby I rocked so often and miss so The program began and we were asked to with no cure for "young age." much. Does the eagle fly at your command? come home again, reacquainting our out- I anointed my newfound and sacred im­ Then Job answered the Lord: " I have dealt of-touch parts ofthe skin we haven't spo­ age, this woman with curly hair, with words Have you ever in your lifetime com­ with great things that I do not understand, ken to in many moons. When we moved for her, for myself, and my new image of manded the morning and shown the dawn things too wonderful for me." about the room, our daughter played an old God. "Open Thou Mine Eyes that I may its place? time spiritual in her head as she bent to behold Wonderous Things out ofThy Law." "I have no hope of saving this baby, the Had heard of you by word of mouth, but Thank you, MS! sonogram shows a large parallel tumor," now my eye has seen you. the ER doctor tells us.) This week: "Gramma, this is Daicia Mary Hubbard is a writer and member of (that child, our granddaughter.) Could you Trinitas which fosters spirituality through God Beyond the Seasons help me with my paper on the 50s?" the arts. by Nancy Battiglia Littleton, CO

God is the withered leaf God is Everywhere SABBATICAL Letting go, making way by Wendy Banks *~ Relax with God and And it is always Autumn. Northridge, CA God is the fragile snowflake drifting I float in my turquoise pool Minister to Yourself! Unique, unrepeatable looking up And it is always Winter. at immense blue. The only sounds the slap slap God is a tiny seed within of cool water like silk over my skin. Integrate theology, spirituality, ministry Life-giving, renewing I feel light and personal development through a And it is always Spring. no muscles or bones sabbatical specifically designed for being mid-life persons. God is the glowing, radiant sun in this moment Deepen your journey wilh God enriched Coaxing beauty from bud in water by men and women from diverse cultures. And it is always Summer. in sky in God. Nurture your heart and soul in a holistic Immutable but ever-changing environment in the San Francisco Bay area. Unreachable but intimately known Within creation but beyond. OPTIONS: GOD SCHOOL OF APPLIED THEOLOGY Four or Nine Month Sabbatical Audit Credit or M.A. Graduate Theological Union Room/board available on site 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley CA 94709 Partial Scholarships E-mail: [email protected] For a Free Brochure, call: Website: http://www.satgtu.org/ 800/831-0555, or Ifyou would like extra copies of this issue to share with friends, 510/652-1651 they are available for cost of postage. Serving religious, clergy and laity since 1960. Fax: 510/420-0542 12 copies $4 * 18 copies $5 *24 copies $6.40 ffafle 14 Network for Women's Spirituality, tfune/tfufy/Aufiust 2001

Columns Window into Prison

From the Inside God's in the heavens

Beyond God by Vonda White by Jeri Becker As a child, I was a grateful soul, often 9 The handcuffs were so tight mindful of my own sense of well-being and I cannot describe how God s I gave up the concept of God as an conscious that "God's in the heavens; all's ancient patriarchal man living in the that I was unable to raise my right with the world," but I was not a presence once more came to clouds, watching and judging my every right hand to be sworn in... satisfied soul. live with me as it did in child­ move, at die time I turned in my Catholic I would impatiently wave my hand at my hood, but it did. school uniform at eighth grade graduation. supporting my release. My prison record teachers, jump up and down in anticipation The God I know todayi s as present and stood in testimonyo f my accomplishments, of expected events, and though I may have just as swiftly slam shut, may elude one. as near as my next breath, as vast as the achievements, and years of service here. appeared to be quiet on long trips with the Living among people even more wounded cosmos, and beyond form or gender. To­ I have lived my life as an atornment for family, the veneer of my endurance was than myself has proved to be very difficult. day, faithful to the 11th of the 12 Steps, I my early mistakes, and my record reflects much thinner than one might have guessed. At first I thought other inmates were a improve my conscious contact with God that The three members of the parole I took for granted all the security and love different breed of people—violent and through daily prayer and meditation, ask­ board were visibly impressed. I remained which surrounded me and stood poised at predatory—and that I was doomed to be ing to know and carry out God's will. confident and hopeful that they would all age 19 to leap into independent life at the unhappy in my incarcerated life. Subse­ Although imperfectly, I have been liv­ find me suitable for parole and grant a first opportunity. quently, I learned that I was not different ing my life for years striving to be in touch release date as I was led from the room to During the next few years, I rushed in and that like everyone else, I had unre­ with God's will through service to my await their decision. Twenty minutes later where angels feared to tread, thinking I solved anger problems. sisters and all creation. For that is where I I was called back, all the time praying was conquering my world all by myself. When I identified the fears beneath my truly meet the God I know and serve today. ferventiy that God's will be done. When things began to crumble under the anger, I began to have forgiveness and This is die image of God which has I couldn't believe it as the chairperson mistakes I was making as a young, un­ compassion for myself and to look for sustained me throughout this excessively read the decision that again I was being learned pre-school teacher and at home solutions that really worked. Just as a long incarceration—a period which has denied parole. I would be reviewed again under emotional abuse of my unhappy young dysfunctional family structure produces spanned two decades, including the loss of in one year. Tears welled up in my eyes, but husband, I began grasping for that sense of dysfunctional people, so the dysfunctional both my parents and which has taken me I could not brush them away due to the "God being in the heavens," because all prison system perpetuates the pain suf­ from my youth through menopause. shackles. I don't accept this as God's will. was not right with my world. fered by its wounded members. What I can only describe as grace has As I walked out ofthe building back into In the situation where I had placed my­ It was in the midst of darkness that transformed this time into a tremendous the smoggy oppressive sunlight, I felt that self, there were not many answers. The sufficient tension for change began to take learning experience, showing me how to prison closing in around me, suffocating most obvious one was to pray hard which I place. At the same time, I learned about change humiliation into humility and dep­ me, and I wondered if indeed there was did, and though there were no quick solu­ miracles and God's true presence. It is a rivation into soul-strengthening-non-at­ ever to be an end to this suffering. I have tions, there was enough peace to quiet me difficult truth that miracles never happen tachment I had every reason to believe that never felt SO cut off from God as I did on briefly when I was desperate enough. when one is watching, that they only come this time was now coming to an end as I that long walk back to the cell, unable to The answers I worked at were not very under conditions ofthe greatest adversity, approached my parole hearing scheduled even pray or cry out, "Why have You wise at all. First I chose to bury myself in and that once they happen, it is difficult to for the day after Easter Sunday. abandoned me?" I have never felt so be­ my work with children and pretend that I speak of them lest their truths be dimin­ : I looked forward to it with happy antici­ yond God's reach and I discovered that was an adult with all the answers. ished in the telling. |y|.;' pation for I had done my part, had support there is no greater pain that that of feeling At home with my dissatisfied husband, I And so I cannot describe exactly how from many good people, and felt mat God beyond the pale of God's comfort. cried a lot and checked out, reading myself God's presence once more came to live was with me. I have heard it said that in our darkest into oblivion. When my husband began with me as it did in childhood, but the fact As I walked into the board room accom­ hour, itisbutthe shadow ofDivine Mother's going down all the wrong paths, I found is that it did. And when it came, it brought panied by my attorneys, the three board hand reaching out to caress us. It's been other imSctirepoOpS anatoj|e_er we found a certain cheerfulness in the midst of great members were seated around the confer­ less than a week since the hearing, and as that black and white solutions gave an difficulty, a deep thankfulness for the love ence table. I was wearing my brand new I write this I still see only darkness. illusion of power and godliness. and kindness of others, and, most ofa all, suit for the first time, which was. now But there is a dim flicker of hope that still The destructive life I chose eventually led a return to simple gratitude for simple wrinkled and askew with the heavy waist glows within. And I am reaching out to me to the completely challenging prison things. chains encircling my body. The handcuffs you, my dear sisters and faithful friends of life that this experience has proven to be. It came with seeking it with my whole were so tight that I was unable torais e my CWN, to be that hand which reaches out to Here in prison, nothing is constant ex­ heart, and with it came the satisfactions right hand to be sworn in, so I did my best hold, caress, and uplift. I need your prayers, cept for ups and downs. To survive these, lacking in childhood. with the left and hid my embarrassment support, and help more than ever. May one must go on daily as though nothing Vonda White writes and teaches art as The highlight of the two-hour hearing God be with us all. will ever change—otherwise the occasional she serves a life sentence in the women *s was the reading of the letters of support doors to progress which swiftly open and state prison, Corona, CA. from my many friends, the trial and sen­ Jeri Becker has served 21 years ofa life tencing judge, the trial attorney and even a sentence. She became eligible for parole state senator, all of whom wrote strongly in 1996. Lawmakers ax parole board budget A California state Senate panel has elimi­ has been under attack from inmates fami­ nated the state parole board's budget for lies, religious leaders, and lawmakers for Karline.. .dying of despair the upcoming fiscal year, a rare tactical releasing only a few eligible inmates. move that reflects some lawmakers' deep The nine-member board evaluates about by Vonda White frustration with how California treats in­ 23,000 prisoners annually with life sen­ mates eligible for release. tences. After inmates serve a minimum Karline Cecil was a friend of mine. It's said that the The panel erased the Board of Prison term, they appear before the board and people we love most, trouble us the most And we are all a Terms $28.4 million in funding on grounds must get a release date unless they remain little bit of trouble. Karline taught me about.tough love. It was tough to love her— that it has done little to fix problems ex­ a danger to society or have committed an even tougher not to. There was no question but that our lives were inextricably linked posed by the Legislation the past two years. offense so serious it requires more time. by a friendship neither of us entirely understood, but which we both acknowledge, " If they are not doing their job, then why Last year a federal judge ruled against accepted, respected and honored. Karline Cecil was a friend of mine, I shall miss are we funding this operation with tens of the board after finding that some inmates her. Jeri Becker at Karline's memorial service millions of taxpayer dollars?" asked Sen. in wheelchairs had to crawl up stairs to Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles), chair­ appear before parole boards and some hear­ In the early spring of this year, Karline died in prison. The waters barely man ofthe Senate subcommittee that wiped ing-impaired prisoners who used sign lan­ rippled as die void quietly closed over her passing. The pity of it all was that she out the board's budget Wednesday. guage had their hands shackled during shouldn't have had to die in prison. Eight years ago, the Parole Board found her Although funding is often sliced, it is hearings. I*? Los Angeles Times, April 23, 2001 suitable to be released and gave her a date with freedom after 16 years of incarceration rare for the budget of an entire board to be Never underestimate the power of the for causing an accidental death. Then as her time to go was near, the date was taken obliterated. Polanco said no money would written Word! You can write ifyou see away, never to be returned—even after seven more parole hearings. The political be restored until lawmakers get ". . .a injustice here: climate for releasewa s simply too forbidding to allow paroles during that period. detailed plan" addressing several concerns. * Robert Presley, Youth and Adult Corrections, Karline, always essentially driven by her anger, raged and fought bringing One is the board's failure to provide timely parole hearings to inmates as re­ 1100 11th St, #400, Sacramento, CA 95814 her meticulous parole plans to Boards year after year, to no avail. Finally, she gave up. * Governor Gray Davis, State Capitol Bldg., It took her fiveyear s to die of despair and grief. Jeri and I watched her slip away; in quired by law. There is a backlog of more than 2,000 cases. Senators want overhaul Sacramento CA 95814 concern, we continually reached out to her, and she would always hold on and claw her * Sharon Davis, First Lady of California, State way frantically to die air once more, heedless that she was dragging us down with her. of a system which leads to reversals on Capitol Bldg, Sacramento, CA 95814 Finally, I toldhe r in one of my more desperate moments with her, "Karline, technicalities, e.g. a parole is canceled * Sen. Richard Polanco, Chair, State Capitol I can't continue to care more about you than you care about yourself." Of course, I didn't because the tape recorder at a parole head­ #2032, Sacramento, CA 95814 leave her entirely, nor did Jeri. The very week she died, we both held her, cried with ing malfunctioned. At second hearings * Dave Hepburn, Board of Prison Terms, 1515 K St., Rm 600, Sacramento, CA 95814. her, and were angry for her sake, at some of die injustices she was suffering at that time. inmates' paroles are denied. The latest action by the Senate budget * John Vasconcellos, State Capitol, Rm 4061, Then she was gone—leaving all of us shocked at the suddenness of her Sacramento, CA 95814 passing. She died a victim of our callous and unjust California prison system. panel is the latest slap at the battered parole board, which along with Gov. Gray Davis, One letter with copies to all is great! tfum/tfufy/^ugust 2001, Qfetwotic for (Women's Spirituality page 15 justice faes Habitat for Humanity

Why not go with a group of Temporary Shelter Noplace like home It's over-crowded, noisy, strangers to a Third World Home for the homeless country having a civil war and smelly—and soon, your young by Betty Michellozzi son would have to be sepa­ a cholera outbreak? by Regina Cassidy In depression-era Chicago, people were rated from you... literally evicted from their homes—furni­ A few summers ago, when my three ture out on the sidewalk. My parents lost a children were little, I remember a particu­ They were just getting settled here. Will much-loved house in the financial frenzy. they be able to concentrate on their home- larly noisy Fourth of July. Gathered in my w Keeping us housed became a struggle. parents' backyard for the traditional barbe­ work? she continued. Years later in counseling Silicon Valley cue, I cringed at each loud explosion. "And are there any programs, you know, employees disaffected with their jobs, I • • As firecrackers and rockets began to land drug treatment programs, there for me? concluded housing is the basic need. On in our yard, I stretched out my hands as if I've been doing so good." As her eyes filled with tears, I closed mine. retiring, I resolved to work with local hous­ To date we have purchased land for about to protect my sons and to usher them ing issues. Habitat for Humanity was inside. Suddenly, I saw myself as a mother There she sat before me~she had been 150 lots and helped to complete about 70 doing so well, things were corning to­ beginning locally. I went to a board meet­ bird, wishing that I had wings wide enough homes. Each November a group of us goes gether, until she received the eviction no­ ing "just to observe." to shelter and protect them. to observe progress and to help families tice for not meeting several rent payments. Soon I was calling 140 local churches, Today I sat with a mother and told her that build their homes. She had juggled reading my carefully-honed speech: "Habi­ her only option was to go to a city shelter "Housing is a basic human need" intones public assistance, tat for Humanity is a housing ministry with with her young family. "This is the way Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta. child care ar­ Christian roots which draws together people that you will get into more permanent "Rosalynn and I work with Habitat because rangements, and of all faiths and backgrounds to build de­ housing—it will take a while, but it's the it awakens consciousness about outpatient treat­ cent, affordable homes in partnership with first, necessary step." She looked at me homelessness," affirms Habitat's famous ment successfully the poor. Habitat seeks to make shelter for volunteer, former President Jimmy Carter. with fearful eyes and asked, "What is it like all a matter of conscience." I soon threw for some time, but "Everyone should have a simple decent there?" my pitch away. I was hooked. now, what would place to live," thunders Millard Fuller, who What could I say? I've never lived in a happen? Habitat is an "everyone wins" solution to shelter myself, and so I could only share founded Habitat with his wife Linda in The shelter poverty housing which affects at least a 1976. This charismatic leader believes with her what I've been told. But how could quarter of die planet's population. Based I tell the truth, while still encouraging her would be miles from her that we could see everyone on the planet present home. She and her family would be on "Biblical economics," Habitat uses do­ to go? decently housed in our lifetime~"the whole surrounded by many sick people—people nated money charging no interest; makes "Well," I began slowly, "It is a big crowd." Well, why not? with tuberculosis, hepatitis, the HIV virus, no profit; recoups the cost of materials place...you will have some space for your­ To support this vision, contact your local and all the regular host of childhood and from small mortgage payments which are Habitat for Humanity listed in the phone selves, with beds and food, served cafete­ recycled into more housing. adult diseases. book. To help with the IF/Habitat Guate­ ria-style." She would have to encounter people on Volunteers work hard to build lovely mala Land Project and for information It's over-crowded, noisy, smelly—and little homes. Children's self-esteem and soon, your young son would have to be drugs, while struggling so hard to maintain about worktrips, contact Betty or Peter her own sobriety. There would be violence- grades improve. College students on spring separated from you, as he is becoming the Michelozzi, 831.722.3720 in Corallitos, -if not within the walls, then outside, as she break travel to places like Jonestown, Mis­ age where he would have to live in the CA or [email protected] For IF's publi­ hurried her children to a new school. They sissippi for Habitat builds and find Third men's section—no, no, I couldn't say that to cation "INTEGRITIES," call 831.724.5526 would have to adjust to the stares, to the World conditions. her yet. or [email protected] questions, and to the need to give an unfa­ U.S. volunteers support a peace initia­ "But where will my children go to school? tive to build an integrated neighborhood in miliar address for "thatplace" wherepeople Northern Ireland. Twenty-two Guatema­ really didn't live. lan families living in dirt-floor, scrap-built I saw myself with myown children and shacks were housed with local U.S. dona­ felt a fierce protectiveness—I couldn't, I tions. The cost? The equivalent of one NEW from wouldn't follow through on my own advice house permit in affluent California! to her! How could I bring them to such a In time I decided to join a Habitat PaulaD'Arcy setting~me, who worried about a common workgroup to Guatemala. I'd never had a cold, a falling firecracker? passport! Why not go with a group of Author ofthe bestselling How could I tell her to "Go to the shelter- strangers to a third world country having a Song for Sarah and -ifs best?" For was it the best—or was it civil war and a cholera outbreak? I've Gift ofthe Red Bird merely the least—that our city had to offer returned every year since. Habitat has been her? one ofthe most enriching and challenging Determined and resigned, she did agree involvements of my life. REDFIRE to do what was required of her. She ac­ Three years after working on their house, cepted some donated clothing and children's I seek out "my first" Guatemalan family. A Quest for books, thanked me for all my help, and left They remember me. They look healthier. the center where I work, die referral sheet A physician had remarked that simply Awakening clutched tightly in her hand. putting in a concrete floor decreases infec­ I watched her usher her children towards In a stunning new allegorical tale, Paula D'Arcy reveals her own spiritual tions by about fifty percent. the van that would take her there and I journey through her character, Anastasia. In the town of Status across the Add an enclosed woodstove to contain hoped that things would work out better river from Quo, where Anastasia is born, Nothing Ever Changes ... until smoke and use less wood; add a water than I expected. the Stranger arrives and awakens a great longing in her heart. spigot. Subtract the need to walk hours to Perhaps her wings are broad enough to carry daily wood and water. shelter and protect them, broader than our If you've ever felt the resdessness of discontent, or left a place of comforting Families blossom! These are just the tip city's and definitely broader than mine. familiarity in search ofthe unknown, you'll resonate deeply with Anastasia s ofthe Habitat iceberg—with stories flowing Regina Cassidy is a social worker in journey to find the "fire that burns in the heart of all things.'' in fromsom e 73 countries around the world Staten Island, NY. and just about every locale in the U.S. "In the tradition ofC.S. Lewis'The Narnia Chronicles comes an enchanting and Now, teaming with a local California brave story from Paula D'Arcy... Red Yves, proves that sometimes fantasy is the Volunteers are needed in local church and nonprofit called IF, a ftmder of small best way to tell the truth. "—SUE MONK KIDD city shelters at all times. Basic needs come projects in Latin America, we raise money first-help with food, clothing, and maintaining for Habitat Guatemala to buy land, where "Each word in this book is like a dew drop in the sunshine sparkling with beauty the physical surroundings ofthe shelter. Cook­ land ownership is the poorest in Latin and truth."—MACRINA WIEDERKEHR ing and preparing meals is essential-groups America. that alternate involvement do well, such as cooking one regular meal a month. _ deeply profound, amazingly simple and exquisitely beautiful portrayal of the soul's journey to freedom... a book for savoring and for nurturing the inner Running food drives is essential, such as in schools—asking for specific items works best journey. "—JOYCE RUPP Integrative Medicine (for example, ask one grade to give soups, Caring Alternatives 51/2x71/2 ISBN 1-880913-51-8 $13.95 Quality Paperback another cereal, another, baby food). Resolving Disease Clothing-gently used or new items again Dorothy Dumbra, RN, are needed—and that includes shoes, which Kinesiologist * Speaker people dont often think about. Good clothes / too, such as ones that could be used for job Specializing in permanent Available at your favorite bookstore or allergy elimination, assessing interviews, come in handy—men's suits, women's organ and nutrient imbalances from Innisfree Press, 1-800-367-5872. dress clothes, etc. Degenerative Diseases * Women's Health Visit our web site at In addition to these daily services, orga­ Hiatal Hernia * Hypoglycemia nizing book drives is a great idea for the chil­ Corony & Respiratory Diseases www.lnnisfreePress.com. dren in the shelters. People can volunteer as 25 years practice tutors, sharing academic knowledge. Sacramento 916.722.9600 Check out a shelter near you! ftage 16 Qfetwork for Women's Spirituality, tfune/tfufy/^ugust 2001 (Health

A personal prescription I began crying as the children sang, "Take the key and lock her up, lock her up. Take the Reflections on bi-polar key and lock her up, My Fair Lady." by Metrie Fatino

I realize that wellness doesn't come antidote for my bi-polar problem. I'm still whole Library of Congress overnight or in a 'fix-it-quick kit" that is studying. can never provide me with '• available as an over-the-counter remedy. "Creative street drug prescriptions" wellness. Of course, all of Of course, I've exhausted myself, search­ such as Chivas Regal and a little cocaine the above have provided price­ ing for a "cure" from this affliction—such on the side have not only landed mem less tools and skills to assist me things as trying "Age of Enlightenment" prison numerous times, but this dangerous in my desire to pursue my wellness. cult religions,lik e chanting with Rever­ combination has done irrepairable damage Inappropriate behavior and crimi­ and turning up stones, leave me empty. end Moon. I dunk I chanted "Nay om me to my liver, brain cells, and other vital nal activity, with the obvious results, have Even after numerous spiritual awaken­ oho renge keyo" till I was blue in the face. organs—not to mention the damage to my me pinned, brewing and stewing with a ings and moments of clarity, my continu­ Not to mention my collection of Ravi soul and to significant family members. new plan of action. Back to the drawing ing willingness is essential. When the Shankar records and hours of sitting in Those we love most, we hurt most. board. next "manic intrusion" occurs, I'll be the Lotus position trying to find my third Wellness doesn't come for me in I've come up with a new prescription for better equipped with tools of strategy to eye. Heck, I've got tunnel vision with the psychiatric evaluations or in spending myself. I classify this technique as my help me cope. two eyes I've got on my face... I still never three days in a strip cell. My last visit to "Best Healing Remedy" yet. Power is in Like a bird with a broken wing, I'm found my third eye. the hospital nearly drove rhe over the edge prayer, so I don't hesitate to ask God to shaking off old and dry feathers, brittle I've also tried the language ofthe uni­ instead of linking me back to reality. bestow on me each day a sound mind as with pain and suffering. I am growing verse—music. I practiced playing guitar It was Easter Sunday and children were promised in the Bible. That is Step One. new feathers of freedom as I bask in the and getting spiritual awareness from dawn playing in the yard ofthe Visiting Room Step Two is listening and learning from healing sun of wellness. to dusk; my hand became permanently atmy California state prison. My window the professionaal staff here at CIW and paralyzed in the E chord position for a few caught a view of the precious children from the many mental health Peer Helpers Merrie Futino lives in the Psychiatric days. playing on the grass. who provide a treasure of services if I just 1 Therapy Unit ofa California state prison Ah, yes. Let s not forget my scholar I knew they weren't aware of the fact reach out—listen and learn. for women. She would appreciate re­ phase. I'd enter the library and read that an inmate on "suicide watch" was Wellness and Willingness are the two ceiving letters. Merrie Futino, W-42712, everything on philosophy andpsychology- listening to their harmless game of Lon­ "double-up" theories that are working for CIW-SCU-105 Low, 16756 Chino-Co- - Freud, G es tai t, Baba Ram Dass, Ari stotle, don Bridge. I began crying as they sang, me. All these years of looking, searching, and Einstein. The Theory of Relativity "Take the key and lock her up, lock her up. rona Rd., Corona CA 92880-9508. had me absorbed in physics and science Take the key and lock her up, My Fair while ignoring my own family members. Lady." Food for Thought After copying down E=MC2 and other My God, gurus, knights in shining ar­ formulas, I was certain I'd found a new mor, psychiatrists, family, pets, and the Food combinations confuse digestion Wonderful summer barbecues! Thanks­ Celtic Images ofthe Trinity giving feasts! All-you-can-eat buffets! Elaborate food encourages most everyone The fewer food types eaten The image of God as a trinity of women comes from ancient Celtic religious to eat more. The result is digestive fer­ at one time, the better. experience. The Maiden gave birth to creation. The Mother nurtured and protected mentation, contaminated blood, and a it and the Crone brought it wisely to its end. confused mind. Eating-too-much results A raven accompanied the Crone as a symbol of life and death: though it ate in failure to assimilate nutrients and pro­ dead things. It flew high into the heavens. In this icon the three women are depicted duces intestinal gas and stomach pain and from different races to extend the Celtic image to a more global perspective. The swelling. snake represented life, fertility, and rejuvenation. Devouring it own tail, it Food combining follows a physiologi­ represented immortality. cal principle: proper and complete as­ Feniinine images have suffered greatly in the West. The civilizations ofthe similation of food is a result ofthe action Robert Lentz Americas which flourished of digestive enzymes. Different foods indigestion and sickness. It is the satu­ before the arrival of Colum­ require different enzymes (even in the rated fat in animal protein that slows bus and European mission­ same food group as grains). digestion and when friedi n oil is worse. aries were routinely de­ When many different ingredients are 4. Fruit and sweets should be eaten stroyed. Images offait h were eaten at the same meal, the body gets alone or in small amounts after a meal. often condemned before any confused and cannot manufacture all the These foods are easy to digest. When attempt was made to under­ necessary enzymes at the same time. When eaten with other foods, sweets grab the stand the experience which protein in a food is digested enzymati- digestive juices, and other foods wait and gave birth to these images of cally, amino acids are available to repair ferment. Fruits and sweeteners mix most the spirit. and maintain the body. Bacterial diges­ poorly with starches and proteins although Religious authorities, tion makes amino acids available but also they combine well with lettuce and celery, urged on by patriarchal bias, creates poisonous by products. e.g. an oatmeal-raisin-almond cookie with were fearful of the role of Here are guidelines fromHealin g with sweetener is a real challenge to any diges­ feminine images in primi­ Whole Foods for combining foods in the tive system. tive cultures. Native Ameri­ way most beneficial for digestion. Some notes: cans, Africans, and Asians 1. Eat highest-protein foods at the be­ * Eat melons alone since they digest very saw their religious traditions ginning ofthe meal. These foods require rapidly and cause other foods to ferment if cast aside in favor of Chris­ copious stomach acids, whereas starches eaten at the same time. tian ones. and other foods use very little. Foods with * Drinking fruit juice between meals Created by Robert Lentz. the highest protein are legumes, nuts, can upset digestion unless taken 2 hours For copies (in beautiful seeds, and animal products. When they after a starch meal or 4 hours after a color) contact Bridge Build­ are eaten after other food, stomach acids protein meal. It is best to eat a meal of fruit ing Images, Inc., Box 1048, will not be sufficient for their digestion. or fruit juice, maybe breakfast, and then Burlington, VT 05402 2. Eat salty foods before other flavors. not again during the day. Salty flavors gravitate to the bottom of * Drink milk alone. Milk that is con­ the stomach, stimulating gastric juices for sumed with other foods tends to curdle Celebrate St. Mary ofMagdala July 22 the digestion of other food. Soup, if salty around them, insulating them from diges­ with soy seasoning, can be eaten first tion. Fermented foods like cheese, yo­ First witness to the Resurrection and "Apostle to the where it will activate digestion. gurt, and buttermilk do not cause this Apostles." Nothing in Scripture indicates that Mary ofMagdala Soup generally dilutes digestive juices problem. was a prostitute. Help restore her strong woman witness by and should be eaten at the end ofa meal. * Best order of a meal is protein, celebrating her feast July 22. Over 280 celebrations were held Some salty products such as pickles or salt starches, green salad, sweets. The fewer last year. plum eaten at the end of a meal in small food types eaten at one time, the better. amounts can help resolve the gastric chaos * Soup or one-pot meals can mix veg­ New! Celebrating Women Witnesses, a project torediscove r women from overeating. etables, proteins, and starches since the leaders in the Catholic Church. Includes prayer services and current scholarship 3. Eat green and non-starchy vegetables foods seem to settle their digestive differ­ about: Dorothy Day, Julian of Norwich, Thea Bowman, and nine others who with proteins, fats, and starches. ences in the pot. resisted the patriarchy of their day because of belief in Jesus. $10 donation. Green vegetables are the foods best * Drinking water with a meal dilutes eaten at the same time as proteins or digestive juices. Project developed by FutureChurch in partnership with Call to Action starches. Protein foods are difficult to From Healing with Whole Foods, Paul FutureChurch, 15800 Montrose Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111 * 216.228.0869 digest completely and excess protein,usu­ Pitchford, North Atlantic Books, Berke­ ally animal, is a major dietary source of ley, CA 1993.

Something new is always happening in the garden. This week the calendula be­ gan to bloom in my front yard. Calendula Our lives are our gardens. officinalis or "pot marigold" was known as "St. Mary's gold" in Medieval En­ We can plant seeds for new gland. projects or healthy new hab­ Its leaves were used to heal insect bites its for ourselves, and strengthen the heart, its golden blos­ soms to flavor soups and stews. Today calendula gel is still sold in health food busy culture, for me, time in the garden stores to treat cuts, scrapes, and burns. means time to slow down, to contemplate Since I grew my calendula from seed, I the intricate patterns of life around me. see their sunny blossoms as manifesta­ My garden brings me back from the tions of the creative energy that informs errands and interruptions that fill my days all existence. The medieval mystic to a deeper realization of the power that Hildegard of Bingen called this energy guides my life. veriditas, the greening power of life. Garden time returns us to nature's eter­ She saw the verdant growth in the nal cycles. The lives of our medieYal and gardens around her as visible evidence of Renaissance ancestors were not driven by the power and goodness of God. This downsizing, deadlines, and multitasking same power, she believed, brings health to but measured by the seasonal rhythms of Composting by Rosalee Clarke • Photo by Arlene Goetze the agrarian and liturgical year. us in body and soul, flowing through our We invite you to meditate on this photo and write a short veins, filling our lives with vitality, grace, Provided with this reassuring pattern and renewal. for their personal lives, these people saw reflection about it. Word limit is 60 words or 15 lines. In June, we can experience the power of how their own winters of doubt and dor­ CWN will pay $10 or give a free first-class subscription if we garden growth by setting out new plants mancy led to springtimes of renewal and publish it. {Specify which.) and sowing seeds for warm season flow­ summers of hope, when they planted seeds Send to CWN by July 20. ers, herbs, and vegetables. for new possiblities, followed by seasons Ifyou wish your entry returned, please enclose a stamped, self- Last June the afternoon sun in my of harvest when they gathered in the fruits addressed envelope. Please use inclusive language. northern California garden was so intense of their labors. that I sowed my green beans indoors to My friend Cece, a graduate student in keep mem from drying out After soaking pastoral ministry, uses gardening as a the beans for a few hours, I set them in powerful lesson for the children she teaches All about June Ifyou cannot be in a gar­ small peat pots in a shallow dish, covered at her church. She shows her young The Gardener's Way, A Daybook of den every day, then put your­ the dish with plastic wrap and placed it gardeners how to plant seeds, tend and Acts and Affirmations, Maureen Gilmer, self in a garden state of mind. beneath my kitchen window. water them, and watch as the power of life Contemporary Books, Chicago, II 2001. Maureen Gilmer In just a few days the new seedlings does the rest. $17.95 emerged. When I removed the plastic This month, as we plant new seeds in covering, they grew like magic. By the our gardens, we can ask ourselves what June, the month ofthe longest light, is throughout the summer. next" day, they were' four Inches high. new seeds we choose to plant and cultivate likely named after the Roman goddess (N.B. Make very sure you use roses After setting the young plants outside for in this summer season of our lives. Juno, patron of marriage and childbirth - which have not been treated with pesti­ a few days to harden them off, I planted For in so many ways, our lives are our —thus it has become the best month for cides for at least three years.) them in my garden. gardens. We can plant seeds for anything weddings. * In ancient Rome, the rose was a symbol Each summer, as women and men from from new projects at home or work to June is also the month of roses, of of secrets kept, so whatever was said the Middle Ages through the Renaissance healthy new habits for ourselves. honeysuckle or woodbine, a plant whose under a rose was never to be repeated. cultivated their crops, they found count­ In the timeless tradition of inner gar­ flowers were used in perfume, as a medi­ Actual roses hung over treaty signings less parallels between the gardens around dening, we need only cultivate our new cine, and as protection against evil spirits. well into the 19th century. them and the inner gardens of their souls. beginnings with patience, then watch as Such fascinating information about Act: Take a bath in water sprinkled with The seeds they planted represented new the power of veriditas fills the gardens June, and about every other month ofthe a large quantity of freshros e petals on top. seeds of hope in their lives. Their gardens within and around us with summer blos­ year can be found in the newly published, Again—don't use roses with pesticides. not only provided them with fruits, veg­ soms and abundant growth. The Gardener's Way, A Daybook of This daybook has a page for each day etables, flowers, and medicinal herbs; they Acts and Affirmations by Maureen of the year, giving you interesting facts also nourished their souls with quiet spaces Diane Dreher, Ph.D. is author of the Gilmer, author of 12 books for gardeners and the suggestion for an act or affirma­ for contemplation, recalling the primal newly published Inner Gardening: Four and a former CWN columnist. tion. It is a wonderful gift for a gardener Garden of Eden. Seasons of Cultivating the Soil and the Since the rose is the flower for June, and a wonderful aid to spiritual growth. "Time began in a garden" says the Spirit, available at your local bookstore here are some interesting facts: wooden sign by my garden gate. A marked or from HarperCollins, 1.800.242.7737. * The thousands of roses we know today contrast to the frantic pace of our noisy, Watch for a review next issue! originated from only a handful of wild Maureen is creator of species, showing how humanity has im­ www.gardenforum.com, a website proved on the garden the Lord created. to foster spirituality in the garden. Act: Make rose petal sugar for topping Readers with email are invited to You are invited to join seek out her website and get listed on c fresh fruits or sweetening iced tea. Choose a Ongoing Cfrcfe of Wbmen a few small, fragrant, flawless (pesticide email for beautiful 5 Minute Gar­ den Meditations which come sev­ uzanne un free) roses and bury them whole in a quart facilitated fy Q Y° 8> && of white sugar. Seal the container and let eral times a month. In the context ofa loving and honest circle, enrich your stand 3-4 weeks in the sun as the rose Send your email address to awareness by reflecting on your life. Previous themes include transition, anger, fragrance penetrates the sugar. Open and [email protected]. procrastination, solitude & loneliness, self-acceptance, and more. discared the roses and enjoy rose sugar

Wednesdays 7-9 pm • New series of six sessions starts July 11 Call for information about topics and sliding fee scale.

Sunnyvale area Call Suzanne 408.248.7908 But to plant, you have to dig. And in digging you get muddy. There was mud on my shoes and mud on my face,and my hands, and

-T^ I thought what a mess it was and what a chore it would be to get all yyomen of passion and cleaned up. My foot sank into the mud around the newly planted imagination empowering the poor. tree and I remembered the innocent joy of getting dirty. -Marcia Hollis, Down to Earth, 1971 I> Join us in serving God's people through From 5 Minute Garden Meditations by Maureen Gilmer and -J education, social and pastoral ministries. www.gardenforum.com

oSistcrs of the Presentationo ''St^Ji For information* please contact: -*w<*i ^ Sister Monica Miller, PBVM, Vocation Director 2340 Turk Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94118 415.751.0406 e-mail: [email protected] 2Me 18 Qfetwork for Women's Spirituality,

Read ofthe Annunciation story lived by Sylvia in a poor settlement in Lima, O^i tfte Peru . . .and the insight of an Irish Sftetf immigrant rS epitaph I Teresa Rhodes McGee

About prayer behind the safety net of the familiar and to they locked the people in the church and set it allow ourselves to be immersed in a new on fire. Absorb the message ofthe Ascension reality. We do not have to fully understand a A Handful of Fire, Praying Contempla­ through the simple gravestone inscription of rung out in praise and gratitude to God. The passage in order to feel the intensity of its an Irish immigrant in a New England cem­ chapters include 14 themes which flow from tively wi th Scripture, Carole Marie Kelly, brightness. If you are interested in finding Twenty-Third Publications, Mystic, CT, etery, "Leave the ashes, Take the Fire!" This the song ofMary—gratitude, joy, Mary's bless­ new ways to let scripture warm your soul, this moving book expands our ways of viewing and 2001. 1-800-321-0411. $12.95 edness, God's Wonders and Mercy, scattering book is full of wonderful insights. using the rosary as a prayer aid and a way of the proud, deposing the powerful, and remem­ making it live in our lives. bering the Covenant. Imagine the Word of God in scripture as a Ordinary Mysteries, Rediscovering the Each chapter offers questions that lead to flickering flame which enkindles the fire in Rosary, Teresa Rhodes McGee, Orbis Mary's Song, Living Her Timeless prayer, thoughts for reflection, extra scripture your own heart. Scripture, itself, writes CWN Books, Maryknoll, NY, 2001. 1- passages, and a personal prayer. An innova­ columnist and Franciscan hermit Carole Marie Prayer, Mary Catherine Nolan, OP, Ave 800.258.5838. $12 Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN, 1- tive help for those searching for new meaning Kelly, encloses a luminous fire, a in this prayer. divine energy ready to draw at­ 800.282.1865, Ex 1.2001. $9.95. tentive readers into its radiant Praying die rosary, writes'Maryknoll Jay • Drawing to God: Art as Prayer, Prayer mystery. missionary Teresa Rhodes McGee, honors the mysteries of our own human lives for each of as Art Jeri Gerding, Sorin Books, Notre In Part One, readers are & invited to "approach the fire,*' us knows moments of annunciation and visita­ Dame, IN, 1.800.282.1865, Ex. 1. 2001. to come and find the hidden trea­ tion, of crowning with thorns and with glory, "My soul magnifies the Lord,$11.9 5 sure that lies beyond the familu and with limitless opportunities to cry out ofa and my spirit rejoices in God my words by reading the text as if for the sense of abandonment by God. This is not a book for professional artists wliar ^^ She finds that we carry these experiences savior...5 first time and savoring the words. Like our as much as one for the person who considers own lives, scripture follows a pattern filled like rosary beads in our pockets, for they are a herself "not an artist." Mental Health worker with joys, challenges, and hardships, and call to prayer which offers comfort. This The Magnificat, well known for its message Jeri Gerding began using art to find more Carole Marie points out the varied patterns in books is a meditation on the 15 eternal myster­ of solidarity with the poor and a cry for social meaning in her own prayer, and she offers this scripture, the rhythms of scripture prayer, and ies as they intersect our own experience, focus justice and liberation, is the focus of this wonderful collection of artistic activities to how words can be barriers. our prayers, and renew our hearts. Read ofthe informative and reflective book on the Marian communicate with the Divine and find mean­ In Part Two, we are asked to "touch the Annunciation story lived by Sylvia in a poor prayer by Dominican theologian Mary ing in that communication. fire" by learning how to be an active listener, settlement in Lima, Peru—a woman who told Catherine Nolan. Fifteen different art adventures are divided her children that God lived in their very house deal with distractions, discover layers of mean­ Whether or not Mary really spoke the words into five categories to help one increase aware­ which she built brick by brick. ings in the parables, and find the healing of the Magnificat as recorded by Luke is the ness of the inner self, the environment, God, warmth of sacred words. Experience the Agony in the Garden along subject of scholarly discussion. In any case, growth and need, and others. You are invited Part Three challenges us to"**be fire,** to with the priest who lived to tell the story of Luke puts the words of this song on the lips of to create a mandala, try scribble drawing, recognize we are one with God, so that we can how the Guatemalan Army entered a village Mary and puts it at the beginning ofthe gospel gesture drawing, contour drawing, and short­ respond to the grace of God and be filled with and massacred all men, women, and children for his own theological purposes which in­ hand expression. Each activity includes a list a unitive light We are being called to leave there—some by bullets and some by fire when clude development of themes of joy, mercy, of supplies needed, instructions for the art­ salvation, care ofthe poor, and prayer. work, and then reflection questions to find Mary's Song is sung or recited each evening meaning in it. A wonderful book for personal Books for comfort and solace as an integral part of vespers, the liturgical use or for sharing group prayer activities. prayer ofthe church, and for 2,000 years it has Notes by Arlene Goetze The Light Within, A Woman's Book of elusive faith is, its endless beginnings, hang­ Solace, Joni Woelfel, ACTA Pub 1 ications, ing on in Foxhole Times, following the com­ ^Chicago, IL, 2001. $9.95. mand to forgive, God's magic surprises, sur­ 1.800.397.2282. viving the tough courses, and staying faith- full. Ifyou persist in growing your faith, you, Life of a Catholic woman priest Are you in need of new inspiration? Im­ like Antoinette, will find that God is not a ages of God? Short prayers of new thoughts? deadbeat dad but a passionate lover. Things Out of the Depths, The Story of Ludmila Javorova, Roman Catholic Insights about everyday living? These and worth discovering, indeed! Priest, Miriam Therese Winter, Crossroads Publishing Co., June 2001. more are all snuggled in this remarkable col­ 1.212.868.1801. lection of essays by author (and CWN colum­ A Candle at Midnight, Keeping Vigil as nist) Joni Woelfel. Joni writes her own par­ a Path Through Depression, Marcy "This book outlines the fact that the priesthood for women does exist." able ofthe woman who invites friends to come Heidish, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, These words are written by Ludmila Javorova, who in 1970 at age 38, was and celebrate "nothing at all." As she went IN. 2001. 1.800.282.1865 $14.95 ordained a Roman Catholic priest by Bishop Felix Maria Davidek, in the outside to light their way as they came up the presence of his brother Leo in the Moravian city of Bmo in Czechoslovakia. valley, she pressed her lantern close to her Dressed in black brocade party clothes, Ludmila celebrated her first Mass and How do you walk through the valley ofthe breast in the face of strong winds. then left for her home, arriving after midnight. As she lay in bed, she blessed her shadow? Can you navigate if you get lost? crying niece in another part of the house, she blessed her parents, her friends, Yes, all women have a tight within their What lights your way? Depression is one of and her whole world with the blessing of an ordained priest. breast that never goes out and so Joni prays, the 'shadowlands' in life, experienced in mild "God of Lanterns within Our Breast, protect form by many but in more severe and devastat­ Ludmila grew up in Czechoslova­ the flame when the winds of darkness and ing ways by a growing number of people. kia, the fourth child in a family often r no trouble swirl around us along our path. Yours Many treatments for depression address the children (eight were boys). The ^ WOMEN is the warmth and light that comforts us when body and mind but what about the soul? Writer country suffered under Nazi occupa­ the Kingdom of Night falls upon us. Our very Marcy Heidish suggests the ancient art of tion from neighboring Germany PRIESTS/ bodies are housed within the lantern of your keeping vigil as a simple yet strong and rever­ during World War II. The religious THE PRIEST MUST love " enced tradition. family often went hungry, but RE5ETVS&LE. Ifyou read one choice chapter a day, you Ludmila's mother prayed and sang have a six-week supply of inspiration and joy. and food often miraculously ap­ You will share in the stories of The Great A vigil teaches us how to peared. Paradox, Polly Pure-Heart, Princess and the abide, trust, and be with dark­ This story tells the struggle of Path, An Empty Nest and Beyond, and Stair­ Felix Maria Davidek to become a case to Heaven. Need a spiritual boost? This ness in the presence of God, priest under Russian control and the surely offers many. closing of universities, as well as the The practice is a time-honored spiritual terrible strife associated with living Shaken Faith, Hanging in There When way to face difficulty, uncertainty, and wait­ under repressive communism for God Seems Far Away, Antoinette Bosco, ing. Vigil keeping, like depression, involves some 20 years. Davidek was named bishop, continued founding an Twenty-Third Publications, Mystic, CT, waiting and watching, trust and endurance, and an interplay of light and dark. A vigil is underground university, and ordained 2001. $9.95. not a cure, which makes it so right for a some 40 priests. A fellow bishop depressive illness. There is no promise of a ordained six married men. Noticing Could God be a deadbeat dad? One who sudden turn-around. A vigil teaches us how to how women were treated unfairly in abandons his family? Journalist and author abide, trust and be with darkness in the pres­ the church and did not have women Antoinette Bosco asks the question, reflecting ence of God. It does not push us to do but to minister to those women who were a common feeling by many that God is distant simply to be, as we are, because that is all we imprisoned, Davidek became a strong and has perhaps abandoned them. Where is can manage. supporter of women's ordination. So God when one needs God the most? This book discusses the shape of depression he ordained one! In this book, Antoinette, whose great pain and how to unlock the door. She suggests a This is a powerful story of a in life involved the murder ofher son and his formula for where and how to do a vigil. She woman's faith and growth into an wife, traces her own faith journey. She finds offers perspectives on depression from both ordained priest and the way she was that it was her pain that opened up many the Hebrew and New Testament scripture. treated following the fall of commu­ insights about God. Faith is not as much a gift She suggests guides such as Thomas Merton, nism. Ludmila is not allowed to as it is a living relationship. Julian of Norwich, Therese of Lisieux, minister as a priest today. It is not an inert protective device against Catherine of Siena, Mother Teresa and more. the bad things in life but a personal relation­ She offers 10 Vigils of lament light, recovery, ship which is subject to all the crises and despair, hope, setback, support, pain, begin­ C. Attebery dangers in life which allow it to grow. Ten ning. This helpful book honors modem chapters in this book give insights on how medicine and spiritual healing. tftme/tfufy/^ugust 2001, Qfetworfc for Women's Spirituality ftqflel9

(photo (Reflection You can't come back. I'm peaceful This is the time "Why?" to remember and let go. Sobbed her mother. To say the words "Death has no sting," began the minister. like fear, guilt, love, "She's in God's hands." heal, forgive. Amen. "We must now forgive." These words one time "Shut up," I shrilled. were lost in the struggle to figure them out, Stunned, we wrapped arms around each other. or else I stopped because expression The raped beaten body of my best friend was almost strangled me. lowered. But now I sense a Now in silence, different time. Your death says We stood for hours tossing rose petals Now, create. Periodically comforted by the tears of the Theresa Walker gravedigger. Washington, DC Esther Armstrong Portland, OR Pastel pinks and purple flowers Photo by Arlene Goetze All created precious hours. Yellow, mauve and dainty hues, Human pain embodied within living hearts, Your flowers banished daily blues. Echoing farewells Lilies, tulips, violets, too Rings on my fingers to children, spouses, parents and friends. Said out loud, "how I love youl" Bells on my toes Bodies weeping. Picture frames you held Strange hands have Minds asking. To your heart they'd weld. dressed me, Hearts aching. Smiles and tears appear. their naked greed Souls longing. Laughter I did hear. exposed. Human bodies laid to rest in soils we don't understand. Your mem 'ties will live. Are we embalmed All knowing... Forever joy they will give. in corporate slavery Total loving... Lillilan Silver from birth to our Forever living... Walnut Creek, CA repose? Dianne Kilbourne Rings on my fingers Auburn, MI Bells on my toes. The best is yet to be, Carole Frederick the last of life for which the first was made. Woodside, CA Browning She grew so old and withered before she died. Did this soul go through the throes of death and We interrupt our day and work to stand at attention reach the best of life? Too late now to harness thoughts, while we lay a funeral wreath. judgments.. to heed God's warnings. Holy Mother, prod us to give attention to our dead God, scoop this soul up into Paradise and scoop me up while they are living. too when my time comes! Arlene Goetze M.L. Toolan Sunnyvale, CA Burlingame, CA involvements Live-in Retreat Coming in September Single men and women are invited to Calendar Toll the Bells attend a free and exciting Cisterician- Trappist "Live-in Experience Retreat" at June 29-July 1 For Whom do the Bells Toll? is a Women's Leadership Styles the Gethsemani Trappist Abbey in First International Conference of project asking churches and religious or­ Trappist, Kentucky or Holy Trinity Mon­ ganizations to toll bells at 6 pm on each Women's Ordination Worldwide astery in Huntsville, Utah. How women empower others day that someone is executed in the U.S. (WOW) at University College, Dublin, Ire­ Retreatants will work and pray with the land. Will discuss strategies to promote Dominican Sister Dorothy Briggs is co­ and themselves monks and hear conferences. Dates in­ women's ordination around the world. For ordinator of the campaign which is now clude June 6-16 and August 1-5. more information, contact Janice Sevre- active in 29 states. Where there are no The retreats are popular so make reser­ Deszynska at 859.223.9611 or Women's Ordi­ Power of women's groups bells, a black drape can be hung over the vations early. Toll free 866.548.3463. nation Conference in Virginia at 703.352.1006. front door and black ribbons can be tied to Write us .your stories about utility poles. Julv 3-5 women's power and leadership The campaign is an ecumenical effort of Women's Journey into Justice. Speakers God Within the National CURE (Citizens United for include Edwina Gateley and Megan McKenna * Write a description ofa woman by Bonnie Gartshore and a team of women working nationally for Rehabilitation of Errants), a prison re­ you admire for her style of Pacific Grove, California justice. In Albuquerque, NM. Call form group in Washington, DC. Its pur­ leadership or empowering others. pose is to oppose the death penalty and to [email protected] publicly demonstrate by tolling bells for The God I knew in second grade Pilgrimages of Reverse Mission * Do you have a story of how you two minutes on the day of each execution. has been gone so long I scarcely Ministry of Money and Women's Perspec­ have led others through unique If you are affiliated with a house of remember him; there are faint memories of looking up to a distant, tive sponsors pilgrimages to understand money non-competitive ways? worship and wish to involve your church male face, and privilege situations in Third World coun­ * Tell us how you reorganized or organization, you can get more infor­ tries. Live and work among the poor. of hearing a booming, angry voice. something— mation from Dorothy Briggs, OP, 19 July 16-26 to Honduras My mother was always more impor­ in church or business. Dearborn St, Medford, MA 02155. E- July 27 - Aug 5 to Haiti tant Aug. 1-19 to South Africa mail: [email protected]. * Tell us about the empowering On my journey through life, Email: [email protected] or I have met other Gods, 301.428.9560 for more info. qualities ofyour small group. Summer Service Opportunities gradually less angry, less judgmen­ To get Ministry of Money newsletter call Want to brighten up your July With a tal, more accepting, more loving. 301.428.9560. challenging service opportunity? At middle age I got to know a God Send your stories, July 27-29 You can volunteer at a literacy pro­ who, like Mr. Rogers, loves me just 350 words or less, Black Catholic Women: Untapped Trea­ by Jury 20 to gram in San Francisco or Gilroy for His­ the way I am. sures . . .Magnify the Lord is a first-ever CWN by mail or panic men and women, a retreat center in In the 60s I picked up a hitchhiker gathering for black Catholic women to talk Los Gatos helping guests and trail who was looking for truth and finding frankly about their experiences in the church email: [email protected] building,or a summer school in San Fran­ bits of it in conversations, communi­ and set an agenda for the future. In Charlotte, cisco with inner-city children. ties and books as he traveled. N.C. We will pay $10 or First Class sub­ Housing is provided by the Presenta­ Today I find bits of God looking Presenters include Diana Hayes, JD, PhD, scription for each submission printed. tion Sisters who are offering these oppor­ from the eyes of family, friends, STD, Franciscan Sister ofMary Antona Ebo, (Specifiy which you want.) tunities. Call immediately to learn of students, colleagues, strangers. Dominican Sr. Jamie Phelps, PhD. Topics Enclose SASE ifyou inlcude gifts of black women, historical jour­ vacancies fromSr . Monica Miller, PBVM, The God with in me. looks back and wish your article returned. ney, social issues to address, and call to com­ if it is not used. in San Francisco at 415.751.0406, x22. smiles. mit to liberation of black women. For informa­ tion 202.529.9250 or e-mail [email protected] f

fpage 20 Qfetworkfor Women's Spirituality,

How do you read this paper? Q(W%jProQtwns Quickly, like a newspaper, scanning headlines or the first paragraph?

We invite you to consider this more like a magazine or daybook... read one page a day and savor the richness and insights of each oiokz Grood Care of TflmrseCf article. Spiritual digestion will be your reward! a day of summer refreshment Sat, June 30 9 am - 3.30 pm Wake up to the sound of singing bowls and toning! (past tissues Morning: Bio-Spiritual Focusing. Face Our past issues are mighty good reading. strong feelings and problems in a caring way. Bio- So is our book, Wisdom Along the Way, a collection of past themes plus Spiritual Focusing allows one to learn to listen to one's Wholly Mother Church cartoons, Photo-Reflections, and the poems and essays body and its role in spiritual growth, bringing about of 55 women. healing and holiness. Includes theory and practice. Please send me the following super reading! Marietta McGannon. RSM. MA. an adjunct staff at Wisdom Along the Wav (1998;, x$9+ $ Mercy Center, is on the council of die Institute of Bio- Back issues of CWN are $1.25 each Spiritual Research and is certified by the Institute for Spiritual Leadership, Loyola University, Chicago. #74 This Body is Holy 73 Sacred Space Marietta has an MA in Spirituality, presents retreats, Marietta McGannon 72 (65) Ask the Animals and supervises spiritual directors. 71 The Chains of Greed 70 Feniinine Principle, Holding up the world Afternoon: Body Praise 69 Peace is flowing like a river Wake up to the channels of energy and spirit that flow 68 Styles of Thinking through your body. Through "spiritual exercises" of 67 Create, Create (Imagination) breath awareness, gentle stretching, and balancing of 66 Hope, A Sense of the Possible energy, this movement meditation session will aid stress 65 Change, Ready, Set, Go 64 Music, the Power of Sound reduction, sense of well-being, muscle flexibility, and 63 Love, What's It All About? integration of mind, body, and spirit Befriending our 62 Values, Treasures of Worth bodies enhancesyour quality of life. 61 Soul, Sweet Mystery of Life Joann Heinritzf CSJ. with degrees in spirituality and Joann Heinritz 60 Amazing Grace theology, is a spiritual director working at Jesuit School ofTheology and School 59 A Recipe for Community of Applied Theology in Berkeley. She does healing massage and is passionate 58 Justice, the virtue of fairness about Celtic spirituality. 56 Dreams, gifts ofthe divine 55 Mysticism, seeing with an inner eye Fee: $35 or $17 low income 54 Energy, the force of life Site: St Jude Episcopal Church, Cupertino Register below. 52 Earth, a living being 51 Mary, who is she? 49 Healing, an inner glow (Nov 96) 48 Let my Prayer rise like incense (Sep 96) 45 Faith, more than a game (Belief, doubt, Mar 96) 44 Coming of Sage (wisdom/older age, Jan 96) Comfort tne Dying 38 Me and My Shadow (Jan 95)

Seating Ways to Care . i k Total number of copies x $1.25 each = $ Special prices: 5 or more of same issue -- $.50 each Total enclosed $_ Friday. October 19 J** Name. _Hphone_ from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in Cupertino, CA Street_ City_ State Zip. For professional caregivers and family members Mail to CWN, 877 Spinosa Dr., Sunnyvale 94087 or FAX 408.738.2767

Topics will include Sponsored by Death with Dignity - Is it a Mirage? Center for Gerontology, Handling Grief and Depression Subscription Order ffibrm Spirituality and Faith Spiritual Legacies and co-sponsored by Ministering to People of Various Faiths Catholic Women's Network Healing Ways of Being with Dying Use for subscriptions, totes, or book Sacred Art of Touching & Anointing Ifyou would like to have this paper delivered to your home, Registration fee Presenters include $55 includes lunch/brunch please tell us how: VS. Perikayoil, MD & Betsy Carpenter, Partial scholarships available RN of Stanford Medical Ctr. CEUs offered Joann Heinritz, CSJ, MA Please send NETWORK for one year by Betsy Hawkins First Class Mail (1 -2 day delivery) $ 18.00 To receive a registration form of Center for Living with Dying Bulk Mail (2 days to 2 weeks delivery) $ 12.00 (when published in August) Please put me on the list...not able to donate now call Sunny View Retirement Experience the power ofyour body for Community, 408.253.4300, Ext. 67 healing through voice and sound in an Bundles of each issue are available for postage opening ceremony with Tina Clare or email [email protected] 6-12 copies $12 yr; 13-18: $25; 19-24: $28; 25-30: $30; 30-36: $35 or CWN at 408.245.8663 Send copies of each issue $_

Please send copy of Wisdom along the Way $ 9.00 (Great collection of past articles, cartoons, poems etc.) Please send (Woman on the Way) Tote bag $11.00 CW^^ggistration ffiorm __Navy with white logo _Kelly green w/white

Total enclosed $ Please register me for June 30 Take Good Care of Yourself ($ 35, $17 low income) $ Phone Confirmation letter/ma] is will be sent one week before the program. Name

Name Phone Address_ State Zip 1 Address City

1 City Zip | Start with Mar June Sept Dec Where did you get this paper • e-mail I need a ride Mail to Network, 877 Spinosa Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 Mail to Catholic Women's Network, 877 Spinosa Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94087