For The Bulletin Of domestic rituals. They could do this most 7 March 2021 conveniently at the temple. Jesus is not unaware of the need for the money exchange, nor so naïve as not to know that petty pilfering and profiteering can be involved in these transactions. Something much more radical is happening: the reclamation of the holy place from marketplace to His Father’s house; from empty, atrophied ritual to living worship.

By His “parable in action,” Jesus momentarily terminates the temple worship, reclaims it from chaos and commerce, and cleanses the privileged piece of creation that THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT is His Father’s House of Prayer. No doubt a few hours later, the tables were again in From Father Robert place, animals led back in, coins exchanged We find it easy to admire – even if we do – with plenty to talk about! not imitate – the compassionate Jesus, but an angry Jesus armed with a corded whip, Yet the disturbing Jesus does not disappear driving traders and money-changers out of from the scene; He has more “table turning” the Jerusalem temple and upturning their to do. He stays to answer the criticism of tables, may shock us. This gospel does not His opponents who can see no further than actually use the word “angry,” but Jesus’ the temple built over forty-six years by actions are played out against the backdrop human hands or who refuse to imagine or of the “zeal” of Psalm 69:10, and the tolerate any alternatives to the religious burning passion of the psalmist for God and practices and institutions that they consider the house of God, the Temple, that Mark faultless and unchangeable. In this Jesus places in the mouth of Jesus. This is the stands in the line of the Hebrew prophets zeal that will consume Jesus in the hot noon like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Amos, of Calvary. who angrily and zealously denounced triumphalism and absolutism in worship. The cause of Jesus’ anger is not so much the Jesus, too, will suffer the fate of so many money exchange or animal trading in the prophets before and after Him: rejection, outer court of the temple. Foreign coinage persecution, even death. Jesus dares to that bore pagan or imperial images could not name Himself as the new and living temple be accepted for the half-shekel tax for the in which the divine presence dwells. upkeep of the temple sanctuary, and so it Ultimately, the sanctuary of His body will had to be exchanged for acceptable temple be destroyed in His passion and death, only currency with which to pay this tax and also to be raised again in three days. It is only buy sacrificial animals. John writes that after these events that His disciples will “the Passover of the Jews was near,” and so remember and understand Jesus’ words. those flocking to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast from all over the Roman Empire The contemporary church cannot consider needed to buy the animals required for itself beyond the reach of Jesus’ whip or participating in the temple worship and the

1 overturning hands. When church leaders Today’s psalm reminds us, “The precepts of connive with unjust and tyrannical civil the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” How leaders, when fundraising takes precedence does following God’s law bring joy to your over faith raising, when we refuse to tolerate life? or even imagine alternatives to religious practices and institutions (even when some St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “we of these are obviously in their death throes), proclaim Christ crucified.” How does this when nostalgia for past liturgical practice mystery – that the living God became flesh resists the leading of the Holy Spirit into the and died on a cross – inform your faith? future envisaged by Vatican II, then ecclesial “cleansing” is needed by prophets In the gospel Jesus purifies the temple. How driven by that Spirit of Jesus. And like does our faith community maintain a sacred Jesus, these women and men may often be and holy space for us as the People of God torn down and destroyed – but ultimately to worship? raised up by Him. For us who are living stones in the temple of Christ’s body, Lent is also a time for cleansing the deep personal sanctuary of our heart, for driving out of our lives whatever clutters our discipleship, blocks our ears to the Word of God and the prophets, and distracts us from trading justly and lovingly with the gifts God has given us.

About Liturgy: Reverence – “Are You God?” A group of new pre-K students came into a church to visit, to learn their way from one building on campus to another, how to behave reverently in the sanctuary, and so many other things. While waiting for the other classes to arrive, the priest sat down next one of the pre-K children, a little girl. Today’s scripture and homily should She looked up at the priest and quite matter- definitely raise some questions for further of-fact asked, “Are you God?” reflection. These are offered as a beginning to that reflection: There was no particular sense of awe in her vice or on her face; she didn’t seem scared, In the first reading we hear how God “has curious, bewildered, or any other particular blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.” adjective. It just seemed like someone, a How do you set apart a day for God in your parent or a teacher probably, had told her week? something like “Church is God’s house,” and, well there was the priest.

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“Are you God?” Part of that revelation is revealed to us in Jesus, full God and fully human, a sacrifice “No,” he eventually answered, “I’m not of love to the point of death on a cross. God.” Sometimes we consider Jesus as but one of those at the expense of the other, when it is “Well, where is God?” she asked. of course most important that Jesus was and is both divine and human at the same time The priest began to answer, after a and through all time. moment’s thought, with how God is everywhere, in everything God ever The Holy Spirit proceeds, we believe, from created….but then a boy in the class, a Father and Son (some say through the love couple seats down, pointed up to the large that flows between the two) and permeates crucifix and said, “That’s God, up there.” all of creation if we perceive the universe with eyes of faith. Can you see God in At that point, the pre-K teacher walked in. everything, in everyone? …asks a certain “Yes, Jesus is God,” she said, on her way to Jesuit spirituality. So, while I am in fact not attend to another student’s needs, “But we’ll God – and neither are you – how is it that get into that later on.” we approach God and help one another do the same: is it with a childlike faith? How, Jesus is God, and in today’s gospel passage, when, and where are we aware of God, God’s righteous anger fills the temple, present in our midst? Are we aware, as best desecrated by money changers and those as we can be, of the fullness of Who God is, who would unfairly sell animals for in each moment of our lives? sacrificial offerings. God’s temple should be a house of prayer, other gospels tells us; and Jesus, with zealous authority and power, drives out the evildoers.

This can be a jarring image of Jesus, when we are more accustomed to images like a watchful shepherd, a prince of peace, or a loving brother. It is helpful at times to Dear Father Robert, approach God the way the young student mentioned above did, without any definition This isn't the first time I've reached out to or limit of Who God actually is. It’s good, you and other members of this community of course, to have a sense of awe and respect to thank you for bringing so much light in and wonder in the presence of the Lord – dark times — and it most certainly won't be and the building itself, the dwelling of the the last. You are at the heart of our mission Most High – but only so much. If we only and a lifeline for the families in the Bay ever see our God as Creator, Universal Area and beyond in need of decent, Ruler, Almighty and Powerful Master – but affordable housing. never as parent, brother, friend, beloved – then we limit Who God is, ignoring much of Today I want to thank you for embodying Who God has revealed to us that God is. three things the world needs most right now: empathy, kindness and community.

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community and kindness. Let's keep it going as we continue to heal together and look ahead to building a better future.

In gratitude and service,

Jonathan T.M. Reckford President & CEO Habitat for Humanity International

These three pillars have always been at the forefront of Habitat's work. It's been almost a full year since COVID-19 began ravaging our communities, and through it all — we've persevered. We've maintained that steady drumbeat of empathy, kindness and community.

Here's just one example of how powerful this community can be and what an empowering force your kindness has been On Saturday, 27 February, our Church these last several months. Cleaning Dream Team came once again to thoroughly clean and prepare the sanctuary Before purchasing a home through Habitat, for the weekend. Our thanks to Al Cosce, Eligio and his wife, Liliana, saw their rent Carole Miller, Reno and Thelma steadily climb for the cramped apartment Benasfre, Jun Bajet, Jean Rogers, Mency where they were raising their two young Osborne, Angela Bueno, and Steve Rojek. boys. They worried constantly about providing a stable home where the boys were free to play and they were free from the worry of being priced out of the area. Lessons for Catholics from the life of Hazel Since moving into their Habitat home, that worry has been lifted permanently. And Johnson, 'mother of now, in the midst of a pandemic, that relief has transformed into an unimaginable environmental blessing. Eligio's work with the postal service and Liliana's work as a cashier justice' provide the essential services we all rely on, 26 February 2021 and they rest easy with a safe home that they and their sons can count on. Their stable, EarthBeat is marking the end of Black affordable mortgage means that they have History Month with a profile of Hazel the resilience to weather lean economic Johnson, a Black woman who left an times like this. indelible mark on national environmental policy while remaining deeply rooted in Thank you, Robert, for embodying empathy, Altgeld Gardens, the southeast Chicago

4 neighborhood where she spent her life U.S. Centers for Disease Control and fighting polluters. Prevention announced that because of the coronavirus pandemic, life expectancy in Johnson, who died in January 2011, is the U.S. dropped from 78.8 years in 2019 considered the mother of the U.S. to 77.8 years in 2020. That is the largest environmental justice movement. She is decline since World War II. The decrease known for her relentless battle against the was even greater — 2.7 years — for Black evil that surrounded her neighborhood in the Americans, whose life expectancy dropped form of toxic dumps, lead paint and other from 74.7 to 72 years. pollution that sickened her neighbors and shortened their lives. That disparity underscores the toll the virus has taken on communities of color, which Less known, writes NCR environment are disproportionately affected by correspondent Brian Roewe, is that her contaminants, including air pollution, from Catholic faith helped sustain her in the nearby industrial plants and waste dumps. struggle. Places like Louisiana's "Cancer Alley," where Catholic activist Sharon Lavigne Roewe spoke with her daughter, who carries is leading a fight to stop construction of a on the work of the organization her mother plastics factory, have higher rates of lung founded, and others who knew and worked diseases, which have made residents more with Johnson. The portrait that emerges is of vulnerable to COVID-19. a woman who had to battle racism and government apathy as well as polluters. At EarthBeat, we regularly draw those connections in our coverage of climate As he delved into Johnson's legacy, Roewe issues. For more background, I recommend says, two things surprised him: "that Altgeld Jesse Remedios' interview with Sylvia Gardens was built essentially on top of a Hood Washington, an environmental health toxic waste site, and that the community's scientist and historian, and discovery of that reality did not lead to an Roewe's conversation with Robert immediate response from city officials in Bullard, who is considered the father of the Chicago." U.S. environmental justice movement. One thing Roewe learned from listening to Activists note that "I can't breathe," the those who knew Hazel Johnson, he says, phrase that became a rallying cry for the "was just how relatable she came across in Black Lives Matter movement after the practicing her Catholic faith." murder of George Floyd, also applies to communities where people of color are "They did not describe her as part of an systematically exposed to high levels of archdiocesan council or project. She wasn't toxic substances. Those neighborhoods are dropping lines from Scripture (and there was also hit harder by deadly heatwaves — no Laudato Si') or weaving theological another reminder, as Johnson knew, that citations into her powerful testimonies for environmental justice and racial justice why her neighborhood deserved clean air, are inextricably intertwined. water and land as much as any other." Above all, she showed how much of a Today's profile of Johnson is particularly difference one person can make. timely. Just over a week ago, on Feb. 18, the

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"She wasn't someone who publicly led with See: her faith, but friends say it was still a driving In 2012, writer and climate activist Bill force for why she cared, and just as much McKibben wrote of "three simple numbers what sustained her through the difficult that add up to global catastrophe." struggle of going against corporations and government officials," Roewe says. The first number, he says, is 2 degrees Celsius. In the 2009 Copenhagen Accord, "She was a regular parishioner, and I think the world's countries agreed that the average that aspect of her story is important for increase in global temperature should be Catholics who may think that they have to kept below that limit to avoid disastrous operate in formal church channels to make a impacts, but they failed to make binding difference," he adds. "It can certainly help, commitments. Adds McKibben, "So far, and the wider church certainly has a bigger we've raised the average temperature of the role to play. But Hazel shows us you just planet just under 0.8 degrees Celsius, and have to start working, keep pressing and that has caused far more damage than most wait for no one." scientists expected. … [I]n fact, many scientists have come to think that two degrees is far too lenient a target." A Climate- McKibben's second number is 565 gigatons. "Scientists estimate that humans can pour Conscious Lent: roughly 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by midcentury Global warming in 3 and still have some reasonable hope of staying below two degrees," he writes, grim numbers adding, "But, in fact, computer models 26 February 2021 calculate that even if we stopped increasing by Fr. Emmet Farrell CO2 now, the temperature would likely still rise another 0.8 degrees, as previously Spirituality released carbon continues to overheat the atmosphere. That means we're already three- quarters of the way to the two-degree target."

The third number is 2,795 gigatons. "The number describes the amount of carbon already contained in the proven coal and oil and gas reserves of the fossil-fuel companies … and [it is] higher than 565. Five times higher. … At this point, effective action would require actually keeping most of the carbon the fossil-fuel industry wants to burn Smoke and steam rise from a coal-fired power plant in Obilic, Kosovo, in 2019. (CNS safely in the soil, not just changing slightly photo/Ognen Teofilovski, Reuters) the speed at which it's burned."

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The fossil-fuel industry is the environmentalist's enemy. These companies should transform themselves into sustainable "energy companies." The huge economic incentive working against that, McKibben explains, is that "the fossil-fuel industry is allowed to dump its main waste, carbon dioxide, for free. … So pure self-interest probably won't spark a transformative Fr. Emmet Farrell challenge to fossil fuel. But moral outrage Fr. Emmet Farrell is director of creation care just might. It could, plausibly, give rise to a ministry for the Diocese of San Diego. real movement."

Judge: Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two A Climate- hundred years (Laudato Si', 53). Conscious Lent: We see how environmental deterioration and human and ethical degradation are closely Arctic ice and linked (Laudato Si', 56). permafrost Climate change is an issue of justice. The 1 March 2021 industrialized nations, representing less than by Fr. Emmet Farrell 20 percent of the world's population, are responsible for 70 to 80 percent of the Spirituality annual greenhouse gas emissions. Yet those who live in poor and developing countries will be most seriously affected by global warming ("Climate Change and Christian Witness: Church of the Brethren Statement on Global Climate Change").

Act: • Investigate what causes global warming and how. • Break the silence — talk to others about climate change. • Devise your plan to fly and drive less in order to shrink your carbon footprint. See: Rising temperatures are transforming the Arctic, melting sea ice, thawing permafrost, greening the tundra and intensifying wildfires. The 12-month period between

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October 2019 and September 2020 — which cores that contain materials such as volcanic scientists consider the Arctic meteorological ash or frozen bubbles of ancient air. Those year — was the second warmest on record, clues make it possible to reconstruct exceeded only by October 2015 to prehistoric climates, helping scientists September 2016. understand how climate change could affect the planet in the future. In a 2017 interview with Christopher Joyce at NPR, Arctic scientist Jeremy Mathis said, Judge: "The environment is changing so quickly in Oceans not only contain the bulk of our such a short amount of time that we can't planet's water supply, but also most of the quite get a handle on what this new state is immense variety of living creatures. … going to look like." [M]arine life in rivers, lakes, seas and oceans, which feeds a great part of the Because there is less polar snow and ice to world's population, is affected by reflect heat back into space, more heat is uncontrolled fishing, leading to a drastic being absorbed by the ocean, resulting in depletion of certain species. (Laudato Si', unprecedented warming. In some places, 40) polar ocean temperatures are as much as 7 degrees Fahrenheit higher than they were a Christians cannot be indifferent to global few decades ago. That can change weather warming, pollution, natural resource patterns around the globe. "Whether they be depletion, species extinctions, and habitat wildfires out in California or hurricanes destruction, all of which threaten life on our down in the Gulf," Mathis added. "We have planet. Because so many of these threats are to think about the impacts that changes in driven by greed, we must also actively seek the Arctic are having on those disruptive to create more compassionate and climate events." sustainable economies that support the well- being of all God’s creation. (Pastoral The Greenland ice sheet, which is the largest Teaching from the House of Bishops of the outside of Antarctica and plays a key role in Episcopal Church, September 2011) ocean circulation, lost 3.8 trillion tons of ice The earth dries up and withers, the world between 1992 and 2018, according to languishes and withers; the heavens languish NASA. The ice is melting at seven times the together with the earth. The earth lies melt rate of the early 1990s. That contributes polluted under its inhabitants; for they have considerably to rising sea levels, which transgressed laws, violated the statutes, could put as many as 400 million people in broken the everlasting covenant. (Isaiah jeopardy by the end of the century. 24:4-5)

NASA's Operation IceBridge monitors The growing problem of marine waste and Arctic ice from the air, gathering data and the protection of the open seas represent creating detailed images. Fantastic 3D particular challenges. What is needed, in maps of the ice sheet have helped effect, is an agreement on systems of researchers locate the rare remains of governance for the whole range of so-called Eemian ice, which dates back to before the "global commons." (Laudato Si', 174) last Ice Age, more than 100,000 years ago, The Lord God took the man and put him in when Earth was warmer. By drilling deep the Garden of Eden to work it and take care into the ice, glaciologists can extract ice of it. (Gen. 2:15)

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Act: The Way of the • Ask an engineer or science teacher to explain how Arctic melting will affect us. Cross: the way of • Ask one of your elected representatives about their stance on global warming and about their climate action plan for your city kindness or state. 1 March 2021 • Find individuals interested in studying and by Lou Ella Hickman working on climate change in your parish or community. Spirituality • Refuse to use plastic water bottles and have your own reusable mug.

Fr. Emmet Farrell Fr. Emmet Farrell is director of creation care Veronica wipes the face of Jesus in this representation of the sixth Station of Cross at the ministry for the Diocese of San Diego. Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in southwestern France. (CNS/Paul Haring)

Shocking! How could crucifixion — a shameful method of execution with its excruciating suffering — be considered kind?

It seems to me that the concept of kindness — one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit — is closely related to the Hebrew concept of mercy, which, like kindness, is an attitude as well as an action. Thus, it is not surprising that the word kindness appears 48 times in the Bible.

In a sense, one could say that the Catholic Church historically grew into a culture of the cross, not only in her spirituality but also in the tangible, as it is displayed on almost everything associated with our faith. Far too often people have obscenely abused this symbol (as in religious wars), yet it has

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more often comforted those dying as me about her interpretation of the second criminals, martyrs or ordinary Catholics. It station — Jesus accepts his cross. For her, it has comforted Catholics who struggled and was more than accepting or even embracing continue to struggle daily in this cruel, the cross; He caressed it. As she worked, she unjust world. would describe how she wanted that caress to take shape in the wood: like the tender And one of the "tangibles" marked by the touch of the hand to the beloved, or a parent cross is the time-honored devotion known as to a loved child. the Stations. The central focus throughout the Stations is the cross. This raises the question, would any one of us caress a gun pointed at us? Or a knife that The Stations or the Way of the Cross began would stab us in the back? Remember, its historical journey as a devotion during Judas' kiss/caress was one of betrayal; Jesus' the 400s. This devotion grew and matured one of supreme love. over many centuries, nurturing the faith of untold numbers of Catholics as the church I have always been fascinated by the three grew and matured. Throughout this time, stations where Jesus meets his mother, even still today, countless devotional Simon and Veronica. Mary can do nothing pamphlets and books have been printed. but be present to her son. Simon helps Jesus finish his journey. Veronica, on the other I hope my reflections on several of the hand, gives momentary relief. I picture Stations could be another way we religious Simon to be broad shouldered, perhaps a sisters and nuns can encourage people quiet man. Veronica is a woman of courage during this time of great burdens. who does not flinch at the sight of suffering but responds with what she can do at that moment. I am sure several steps later, Jesus' blood will flow again and the sweat sting his eyes.

As with Simon, sometimes sharing another's cross can be long and slow, like caring for a parent with dementia. Then there are the Veronica times when one can give another only a small touch of kindness in the present moment. Finally, like Mary, there are times when our kindness can be only one of presence. What I find interesting is that this devotion incorporates both Scripture and Carving of Station Two, "Jesus Accepts His tradition with the Simon and Veronica Cross" by Sr. Brigid O'Neill in the motherhouse stations — tradition with a small "t." Both chapel of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament (Lou Ella Hickman) male and female are so close together on Jesus' journey — one forced, the other When I was a novice, Sr. Brigid O'Neill was voluntary — as if they are saying all are my directress. Lucky me! I often watched as included, all are needed. she carved images of the Stations for our motherhouse chapel. I remember her telling

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Another two stations that speak to me are Perhaps a poem by American poet Denise those that portray the events when Jesus was Levertov better illustrates what this taken down from the cross and Jesus was solidarity means: placed in the tomb. Crucified criminals were left on their crosses after their death to warn One only is "King of Grief." those who saw them. That meant they also The oneing, she saw, the oneing suffered a "second death" as their bodies with Godhead opened Him utterly were left to rot and/or became food for wild to the pain of all minds, all bodies animals. Even if Jesus' body had remained —the sands of the sea, of the desert— on the cross, the resurrection would have from first beginning still taken place, for all is possible to to last day. God. So why was Jesus taken down? On one . . . level, Jesus' family and friends were loving Every sorrow and desolation and observant Jews who wanted to give He saw and sorrowed in kinship. Jesus his right to be buried. But I think it is more than this. Another American poet, Naomi Shihab Nye echoes this idea in her poem "Kindness." In Genesis, God tasks Adam with the naming of animals, thus giving them Before you know kindness as the deepest their identity. God is not a micro-manager. thing inside, He wants his beloved creature to share in you must know sorrow as the other deepest creation. Fast forward to St. Paul, who tells thing. us that we make up for what is lacking the . . . sufferings of Christ. I don't believe Paul Then it is only kindness that makes sense thought Jesus' suffering was incomplete in anymore, some way. I believe he meant when we . . . share in his suffering, we, too, share in the and sends you out into the day . . . ongoing redemption of the world. The world is filled with people who While Jesus' cry, God, why have you experience Lent all year long, as well as forsaken me? is not a station in and of itself, those who endure Good Friday every day. It it fits into my meditation on them and gave is a cliché to say our calling is to share their me an insight that would change how I sorrow or the despair expressed by that why prayed. These words expressed his cry of have you forsaken me? But because this solidarity with all humanity — and maybe cliché is so important, it needs to be the highest point of the incarnational repeated. mystery. When I read it, I was stunned as it gave me a different slant on the charism of Solidarity with humanity is the lens through my community, that is, "Our mission is two- which we can pray the Stations (and any fold: to adore the Incarnate Word and to prayer) the next time we walk its way. Let evangelize by proclaiming the mystery of us walk not only the Way of the Cross but the Incarnation." also the way of kindness.

Not only did it change how I prayed; it changed how I express my own sense of solidarity with humanity.

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When it comes to sports, Pope Francis might best be described as a streetball player and a loyal fan. He is the kid whose enthusiasm for play far exceeds his talent. In pick-up soccer games, his teammates often designated him as goalie because, in his own

Lou Ella Hickman words, he was a "pata dura," literally a "hard Lou Ella Hickman is a member of the Sisters leg," an Argentinian colloquialism whose of the Incarnate Word and Blessed closest equivalent is having "two left feet." Sacrament and is a former teacher and Like any number of poor children to this librarian. Her poems have appeared in day, Francis grew up playing with "pelotas numerous magazines such as America, First de trapo," improvised soccer balls made of Things, Emmanuel, Third Wednesday, and rags because leather balls were too new verse news, as well as in four expensive. Such a ball was all one needed anthologies. Her first book of poetry, to "perform miracles" in his neighborhood entitled she: robed and wordless, was plaza. published in 2015. Details about Francis' youthful athleticism have surfaced throughout his pontificate, ranging from interviews like the one in Pope Francis and his 2015 with a reporter (himself formerly homeless) from the International Network of 'secular encyclical' Street Papers, to the interview published Jan. 2, 2021, in association with the Italian on sport daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport and 1 March 2021 its weekend magazine Sportweek. The result by Carmen Nanko-Fernández of this extensive conversation, conducted at the Casa Santa Marta in early December Media 2020, has been appropriately called "una Theology 'enciclica laica,' " a "secular encyclical" by Vatican his interlocutor, the journalist Pier Bergonzi. From 2013 through the pandemic, Francis has well over 40 documented remarks on sport in audiences, letters and messages. He has released videos on the occasions of high-profile events like the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and Super Bowl LI in Houston in 2017.

He extended special greetings to athletes during general audiences in August 2016 before both the Olympics and Pope Francis participates alongside thousands of the Paralympic Games. In November 2020, young soccer athletes in a project to promote the at his invitation, he met with officials and values of sport and soccer at the Vatican May player representatives from the NBA Players 24, 2019. (CNS/Reuters/Remo Casilli) Association. Their conversation focused on

12 the role of sport as a messenger for the good identity. Club Atlético San Lorenzo de in addressing social justice. Almagro sponsored both soccer and basketball teams, the latter favored by his Francis is not the first pope to engage father. On numerous occasions, Francis has sport. Bishop Carlo Mazza observes that shared fond memories of family time at the "pontiffs of the 20th century gave over 200 soccer stadium, and regaled his NBA discourses (from simple greetings, to more Players Association visitors with stories of elaborate speeches) … Pius X, 3; Benedict watching the Harlem Globe Trotters in XV, 1; Pius XI, 5; Pius XII, 20; John XXIII, Buenos Aires in the 1950s. 9; Paul VI, 35; John Paul II, 120." In his study of Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Josef Whether playing, cheering or remembering, Clemens expressed surprise at discovering for Francis, sports are about belonging. As that the theme of sports appears "in various part of the daily living of millions across the ways no less than fifty occasions" during the globe, "sport is the experience of the people first two and a half years of his pontificate. and their passions, it marks personal and Sports as a global phenomenon and a sign of collective memory. Perhaps it is precisely the times makes a fleeting appearance as these elements that allow us to speak of well in the documents of the Second Vatican 'sporting faith.' " Council (1962-65). Presenting options for the constructive use of leisure time "to relax, Francis talks sports with a fan's enthusiasm to fortify the health of soul and and in a vernacular accessible to particular body," Gaudium et Spes proposes "sports audiences. He perceives sports as a language activity which helps to preserve equilibrium and he is fluent in the patois of some sports, of spirit even in the community, and to especially soccer. In 2013, he told establish fraternal relations among people of the European Olympic Committee, "The all conditions, nations and races" (61). language of sports is universal; it extends across borders, language, race, religion and For almost eight years, Francis has produced ideology; it possesses the capacity to unite what might be understood as a "canon people, together, by fostering dialogue and within a canon" when it comes to sports and acceptance." Fluency is a helpful his ongoing development of a theology of intergenerational communication skill encounter. Themes that run throughout this because, as he tells Bergonzi, "in sport the unofficial canon are just as easily Christian communities have identified one identifiable in Fratelli Tutti, which makes of the most understandable grammars for the timing and release of the Sportweek speaking to young people." "secular encyclical" propitious. What he reveals in this interview is how sports, at In his 2014 World Cup video message to every level, can function as a praxis of organizers, athletes and fans, he employs encounter, in other words, the spaces, places Brazilian soccer slang to underscore what is and opportunities where belonging, necessary for soccer to cultivate a "culture inclusion and solidarity are literally "played" of encounter": out. We must overcome individualism, Francis links sports to identity and memory selfishness, all forms of racism, of as key in cultural formation. He claims his intolerance and of the instrumentalization of local sports club as a part of his cultural the human person. It is not only in football

13 that being fominha [a selfish player who body of his teachings on sports, Francis has keeps the ball and doesn't pass it, ball hog] a deep bench he can draw on. is an obstacle to positive results for the team. Because, in life, when we are fominhas, ignoring those who surround us, the entire society is damaged.

This language of sports allows for dialogue across differences, across religions and with people of goodwill who may not be Carmen Nanko-Fernández religiously inclined. For Francis, that makes Carmen M. Nanko-Fernández, a self- sports a means, a resource and even a described Hurban@́ (Hispanic and urban) metaphor for social transformation. Such theologian, is professor of Hispanic theology transformation is possible with solidarity, a and ministry and the director of the Hispanic guiding principle in Fratelli Tutti that Theology and Ministry Program at Catholic Francis sees concretely exhibited in sport. In Theological Union in Chicago. the Bergonzi interview, he reiterates a thought briefly touched upon in his recent encyclical, namely, "we are either all saved together or no one is saved" (137). To this soteriological insight he adds, "Using a sports metaphor, we could say that we can only save ourselves as a team."

From the soccer pitch to the schoolyard to the stadium to the street, Francis never loses sight of the joy of play or of the wonder and celebration that athletic achievements can evoke. In a 2019 address to the Italian Soccer Federation and La Gazzetta dello Sport, he tells a story about an exchange between a journalist and a theologian. The journalist inquires how happiness could be Lenten Reconciliation explained to a child. "The theologian replies: Those who wish to celebrate the Sacrament 'I would not explain it, I would give them a of Reconciliation during Lent are most ball to play.' This is happiness." welcome to arrange for a time to do so with me. Please call the parish office and leave In the course of the recent interview, Francis both your name and telephone number and I was asked if he might consider writing an will call you back to arrange a mutually encyclical on sports. His response leaves convenient time. Reconciliation may be open an intriguing possibility: "Perhaps this celebrated on weekdays as well as on conversation can be defined as the start of an Saturday afternoon. encyclical on sport. Let's see what God will suggest for the rest of the pontificate!" Judging from the wealth of the material available, both in this interview and in the

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but only by a diocese. With your support, the diocese recruits, educates and forms seminarians, pays a pension and needed medical care for our retired clergy, supports a diaconate program and ethnic minorities. The diocese also supports schools and other parishes facing financial Lenten Fasting and Abstinence distress or an unexpected emergency. Some Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are people may say that as long as we support obligatory days of universal fast and our parish, we should not be concerned with abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who the needs of other parishes, schools, have completed their 18th year until the recruitment, education and formation of our beginning of their 60th year. Fasting allows future clergy, and forming our youth and a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller young adults in our faith beyond our own meals may be taken, not to equal one full parish. Through the Bishop’s Appeal, the meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory diocese is able to carry out these ministries for all who have completed their 14th year and services which is only possible through of age. If possible, the fast on Good Friday the generosity of our parishioners. is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare to share more fully and celebrate more readily his Resurrection. Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of abstinence (from meat) for all who have completed their 14th year. As always, anyone for whom fasting or abstinence would pose a health risk is excused. Programs and Ministries Funded Through the Bishop's Appeal Diocesan pastoral ministries and services focus on strengthening our faith, our families, and building up our parish communities by engaging people in the daily life of the Church as they strive to live as faithful disciples of Christ. • Liturgy • Respect Life Justice Programs • Vietnamese, Filipino & Latino Ministries • Ethnic Pastoral Centers The word “Catholic” means “universal,” and • Marriage & Family Life Ministries our faith cares for all our sisters and brothers • Marriage Preparation Programs regardless of the parish in which they • Youth Retreat Center worship. One should give to the Appeal • Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) because there are certain ministries and Programs services that cannot be provided by a parish • Catholic Scouting • Young Adult Ministries

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• Children & Youth Ministries individual parish’s goal for use at the parish • Stewardship Education level.

Religious Education & Formation Safe Environment Programs Gifts to the Bishop's Appeal help support Providing a safe haven for children, young religious education and formation programs adults and vulnerable adults. for thousands of youth and adults annually. • Faith Formation Programs The goal for our parish this year is $34,900. • Evangelization & Outreach Efforts As in the past, we will reach that goal with • RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of all of our registered parishioners Adults) participating. Please be sure to send your • Religious Education Teachers’ Training contribution to the parish so that we may • Serra Catechetical Institute keep an accurate and current accounting of • St. Francis de Sales School for Pastoral all who are participating. I am asking that Ministry each of us make a one-time gift in the amount of $75.00 to help us reach our goal. Clergy Formation & Support I realize that some will contribute more than From initial formation into retirement, the I am requesting, some will contribute that Diocese provides support for our priests. exact amount, and others will contribute Additionally, continued updating and less, but again, what is important is to renewal for priests and deacons who realize that with all of us participating, we faithfully serve our people is supported by will most likely not only reach the goal, but your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal. exceed it. Thank you for your continuing • Permanent Diaconate Program support and generosity to the needs of our • Office of Vocations diocesan community. Today is • Seminarian Education & Formation Commitment Sunday and we thank you for • Priest Retirement & Long-term Care placing your Bishop’s Appeal Envelope in • Continuing Education Programs today’s collection, in the Drop Box at the church gate or in the Mail Slot at the Support for Catholic Schools & Parishes Rectory. in Need Each year, the Diocese provides subsidies Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation and grants to assist with operating expenses From the Center for Action and Contemplation

at inner-city Catholic schools, and for parishes facing extraordinary and immediate financial challenges. • Operating Subsidies • Capital Expenditure Grants • Emergency Funding Support

Assisting Local Parishes Every parish has its own needs and plans for growth and new ministries to better serve their parishioners and the local community. Week Nine: Learning How to See

The Bishop’s Appeal will again return 100% Confirmation Bias of all monies collected above each

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One of the phrases that has stayed with me requires a lot of time and energy. My brain from studying Latin in the seminary has a lot going on, so it interprets hard work is “Quidquid recipitur ad modum recipientis like this as pain. . . . recipitur.” This statement is not only kind of fun to say, but it has been critical to my Wanting to save me from that extra understanding of how we process reframing work, my brain presses a “reject” information. Directly translated, it means or “delete” button when a new idea presents “Whatever is received is received according itself. “I’ll stick with my current frame, to the manner of the receiver.” Thirteenth- thank you very much,” it says. And it gives century scholastics such as John Duns me a little jolt of pleasure to reward me for Scotus (1266–1308) and Thomas Aquinas my efficiency. [2] (1225–1274) intuited this. It was early psychology before we thought we had The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, who is Brian’s psychology! What it means, in other words, and my mutual friend, speaks of is that we don’t see things as they are; we confirmation bias in this way: see things as we are. We see the things we want to see, the things that confirm our “We are all wired by what we’ve assumptions and our preferred way of experienced to be in search of a story with looking at the world. [1] Brian elaborates an ending . . . that feels like it has a today on how confirmation bias, which he completion. And the stories that we gravitate believes is the most powerful, operates: to are the ones that make sense to us, stories We all have filters, [such as] What do I that fit, stories that feel like they have already believe? Does this new idea or piece continuity, connection to the past, where of information confirm what I already think? we’ve been. . . . Those stories that we will Does it fit in the frame I’ve already follow are the ones that feel true, feel like constructed? they have continuity to our past and that resonate with the trajectory of our lives. So, If so, I can accept it. we’re looking for the story that doesn’t If not, in all likelihood, I’m simply going to necessarily change our minds; we’re reject it as unreasonable and unbelievable, actually looking for the story that confirms even though doing so is, well, unreasonable. what’s in our minds.” [3]

I do this, not to be ignorant, but to be efficient. My brain (without my conscious [1] Adapted from Brian McLaren, Jacqui awareness, and certainly without my Lewis, with Richard Rohr, “Why Can’t We permission) makes incredibly quick See?,” October 5, 2020, in Learning How to decisions as it evaluates incoming See, episode 1 (Center for Action and information or ideas. Ideas that fit in are Contemplation: 2020), podcast, MP3 audio. easy and convenient to accept, and they give [2] Brian McLaren, Why Don’t They Get It? me pleasure because they confirm what I Overcoming Bias in Others (and already think. Yourself) (Self-published: 2019), [15–16]. [3] Jacqui Lewis, “Why Can’t We See?” But ideas that don’t fit easily will require me podcast to think, and think twice, and maybe even rethink some of my long-held assumptions. Image credit: U.S. Information Agency. That kind of thinking is hard work. It Press and Publications Service. ca. 1953–ca.

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1978, Civil Rights March on Washington, my cup full of ego and fill it with Holy D.C. Two long lines of some of the buses water, the Holy Spirit brought my spiritual used to transport marchers to senses to life. Washington (detail), photograph, public —Stacey H. domain.

Image inspiration: Much of the work of dismantling systems of oppression involves a continued willingness to learn new ways of seeing. The March on Washington in 1963, where this image was taken, became a major tipping point in the United States’ collective story of learning how to see. May we continue the work of our ever-unfolding ability to see, understand, and act.

One of the hallmarks of Easter Worship at our parish is the glorious environment that Prayer For Our Community our Art & Environment creates, not just for Loving God, you fill all things with a Easter Day but also for the entire period of fullness and hope that we can never the Great Fifty Days. In spite of the comprehend. Thank you for leading us into a pandemic, the Committee has continued to time where more of reality is being unveiled prepare the sanctuary as if we are still for us all to see. We pray that you will take gathering for in-person liturgy – and that is away our natural temptation for cynicism, true for Easter as well. denial, fear and despair. Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater I invite you to support their work by humility, and greater care for one another. contributing to the Environment and Flower May we place our hope in what matters and Fund for Easter by using the envelope what lasts, trusting in your eternal presence provided in our Envelope Packet or an and love. Listen to our hearts’ longings for envelope of your choice. Your contribution the healing of our suffering world. Please can be either In Honor Of or In Loving add your own intentions . . . Knowing, good Memory of…a family member, a friend, a God, you are hearing us better than we are loved one. Please mark your envelope speaking, we offer these prayers in all the accordingly: either In Honor Of OR In holy names of God. Amen. Loving Memory of…and list the appropriate name. If you have an Envelope Number, Story From Our Community please include it. Your generosity will A dear friend introduced me to Richard provide the beautiful panels of cloth used to Rohr’s meditations. At first, I was a bit adorn each Icon, the candles, and the confused by the ideology of a universal flowers, plants and fresh flower Christ. I was raised Protestant and had God arrangements. packed neatly into the Ten Commandments. I’ve learned the importance of emptying Those of you who are able, will join us in rd myself out so that there’s more room for the church for a Saturday evening, April 3 , Christ in my heart. Once I began to empty celebration of Easter Eucharist at 8:00 p.m. and again on Easter Morning, April 4th, at

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9:00 a.m. We will also have the Outdoor to show, with water temperatures rising Liturgy in the parking lot at 11:00 a.m. rapidly. This all adds up to one thing: Our Flocknote will be used to make reservations oceans are in crisis, and our climate along for both the Saturday evening and first with them. liturgy on Easter Sunday morning. No reservations are necessary for the Outdoor Climate change is causing oceans to become Liturgy. more acidic, and "researchers predict that with increasing levels of acidification, most On behalf of the Art & Environment coral reefs will be gradually dissolving away Committee Members and myself, I thank by the end of the century," writes Matt you for what you will do to help us create a Warren for Science. Scientists say that a 1.5- beautiful and meaningful environment for degree Celsius increase in temperatures is the Great Fifty Days. likely to result in very frequent mass die- offs of coral, while with a rise of 2 C, coral reefs would largely disappear. A Climate- For Australian coral reef expert John Conscious Lent: "Charlie" Veron, the slow death of his beloved Great Barrier Reef, as a result of climate change, is a warning for the entire Coral reefs are planet. "Somewhere between a quarter and a third of all marine species everywhere has dying some part of their life cycle in coral 3 March 2021 reefs," he told Rebecca Wright and Ivan by Fr. Emmet Farrell Watson of CNN. "So, you take out coral reefs and a third to a quarter of all marine Spirituality species gets wiped out. Now that is ecological chaos, it is ecological collapse."

Judge: [C]oral reefs [are] comparable to the great forests on dry land, for they shelter approximately a million species, including fish, crabs, mollusks, sponges and algae. Many of the world's coral reefs are already barren or in a state of constant decline. … This phenomenon is due largely to pollution which reaches the sea from deforestation, agricultural monocultures, industrial waste and destructive fishing methods. (Laudato Si', 41)

See: Care for nature is part of a lifestyle which Since the 19th century, the Earth has includes the capacity for living together and warmed by 1 degree Celsius. Studies have communion. (Laudato Si', 228) found that oceans have absorbed 90% of excess heat from our planet, and it's starting

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"Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the ocean depths, The anonymous lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains Christianity of 'Ted and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds." (Psalm 148:7-10) Lasso' 3 March 2021 by Daniel P. Horan Act: • Try to imagine what it would be like if most Spirituality of the living plants and animals around you

began to die. • Make one change in your activities that reflects care for nature as part of your lifestyle. • Consider working with the Stewardship Ministry or the Creation Care Ministry or other climate change movements at your parish or school.

Jason Sudeikis, right, appears with Brendan Hunt in a scene from the TV show "Ted Lasso" streaming on Apple TV+. (CNS/Apple TV )

The "fish out of water" narrative genre is as old as storytelling itself. The trope has been around television as long as there have been Fr. Emmet Farrell sitcoms, including in such classic shows as Fr. Emmet Farrell is director of creation care "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Green ministry for the Diocese of San Diego. Acres." Because it is so predictable, and in many cases reduced to cliche, stories that rely on this premise rarely seem to rise to greatness, at least anymore. But with the arrival of the Canadian television comedy phenomenon "Schitt's Creek" (co-created by and co-starring father and son Eugene and Dan Levy), expectations appear to have shifted recently.

Still, last year when I heard about the new AppleTV+ show "Ted Lasso" (starring Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham), I was reluctant to give another television show a try that seemed to follow this basic, predictable, tired and uninteresting approach

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to driving a storyline. The premise seemed part lark and part instrument for sabotage) or boringly straightforward: Ted Lasso is an family challenges (his marriage is breaking American college football coach who is down and he's far away from his young son) hired to coach a British professional soccer or soccer challenges (the team is last in the team that is struggling to win. Fortunate to league, faces internal conflict and is close to have access to the Apple streaming service, I being relegated out of its current standing). would see advertisements for the show pop up regularly on my screen. But each time it What is so moving is the way this man — appeared, I would ignore it and move on to who is at once more than a buffoon and something else. more hopeful than a Pollyanna and kinder than a saint — negotiates the challenges he However, despite my skepticism of the encounters. genre and disinterest in a soccer-centered story, last month I found myself streaming He sincerely cares more about developing the first episode. Almost instantaneously I relationships and supporting the full was struck with what a funny, compelling, flourishing of each player and staff member heartwarming and original show it was. on his team than he does about winning or Within 36 hours I had binged all 10 episodes losing (to the frustration of shortsighted of the first season. And I don't regret a competitive colleagues). He is genuinely single minute of it. thoughtful and caring, even when he is the object of derision and scorn, even when he Lasso is a character almost too kind to be is being set up for failure. He is able to win believed. And I didn't at first. Perhaps my over the most cynical and selfish people, not cynicism has been elevated because of through biting argumentation or insult, but everything we have witnessed and through sheer persistence, presence and, experienced over the last several years, not dare I say, authentic love. least of which has been the current global pandemic that has resulted in half a million Oh, and the show is also absolutely deaths in the United States and the hilarious. Even in the writing there is a sense unprecedented fracturing of our politics, of team camaraderie allowing for the entire both civil and ecclesial. ensemble to shine at various points.

The show's title character seemed at first on While there is no overt religious message, the verge of saccharine, a kind of plot or character in the show, I found myself Pollyannaish buffoon who, under the normal reflecting on how it may very well be the rules of television writing, would eventually most unwittingly Christian program on air crack under the pressure of maintaining today. I do not believe that Sudeikis, who unbridled optimism in the face of inevitable just won a Golden Globe for best TV actor adversity and hopelessness to reveal his in a musical or comedy series, or his series- hidden sinister traits. development collaborators ever intended to produce a show that would be taken for But he doesn't. conveying a religious message, but that is part of its brilliance. The overarching It's not that Ted Lasso doesn't face lessons are shown rather than told, lived professional challenges (we learn that he rather than preached, and often lighthearted was originally hired, unbeknownst to him, as

21 and humorous rather than stuffy, dry, Similarly, Rahner's whole point in coining condemnatory or moralizing. the term "anonymous Christian" was to assert the absolute centrality of Christ who, As I continued to reflect on the positive through the paschal mystery, singularly power I believe this show has, I kept accomplishes our salvation. Therefore, the thinking about the concept of "anonymous charge of relativism is absurd. Following the Christianity" developed by the late Jesuit church's teaching in Nostra Aetate, we theologian Karl Rahner. While largely recognize that Christians do not have a misunderstood, the notion of an "anonymous monopoly on God's action in the world, and Christian" was Rahner's way of talking Rahner sought to unpack how we might about how to balance Christianity's conceive of this fact within a pluralistic unequivocal assertion that Jesus Christ is the context. universal savior with the practical realities of religious pluralism or ignorance of the In an age when the hypocrisy of religious Christ and the Gospel by billions of humans leaders and their myopic focus on culture through no fault of their own. war issues causes grave scandal to many Christians and non-Christians alike, we Over the decades, some people have taken might do well to look to other examples of issue with the term "anonymous Christian" what Christian discipleship looks like in because it seems to some to either insult action — even when the terms "Christian" people of other religious traditions (by or "religion" or "faith" never appear. While I dubbing them "Christians" irrespective of would never claim that a television program their beliefs or lack thereof) or, as is the case like "Ted Lasso" or any other show is equal among some skeptical Christians, justify to or could be a substitute for the basics of relativism. our tradition, I believe the overarching message and example of characters and On the first point, Rahner intended the stories like one finds in this show offer us at phrase "anonymous Christian" to be least a supplement and a refreshing reminder something of a placeholder for use within of what it looks like to live the Gospel of the Christian community to account for both Jesus Christ in practice. how Christ is the universal savior and how God's presence is not limited only to those And that is the power of this wonderful who consciously ascent to Christian show: it invites viewers to imagine another doctrine. He never intended it to be used ad way of being in the world, another set of extra or outside of internal Christian values to prioritize, another approach to reflections on God's action outside of decision-making and relationship-building. Christian doctrinal frameworks. Since the This is what the best of Christian preaching love of God and love of neighbor are ought to accomplish, but so rarely does. To inseparable (e.g., Matthew 25:31-46) and this Christian viewer, the religious valance there are plenty of self-professed Christians of "Ted Lasso" is undoubtedly anonymous, who regularly fail to live authentic Gospel but is wonderfully compelling. Plus, it will lives while there are plenty of non- make you laugh, cry and feel good! Christians who excel at love of neighbor, there has to be a way to account for how God's mercy and salvation touches the lives of non-Christians.

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If some Christians think that this is mere psychology, then they surely need to know that Jesus himself was a consummate analyst of human nature. He was really a brilliant psychologist and named many of the issues that we call today “denial,” “bias,” “projection,” and “the shadow self.” He also emphasized the necessity of inner healing of

Daniel P. Horan hurts to avoid continuing to hurt others. Franciscan Fr. Daniel P. Horan is the Duns Scotus Chair of Spirituality at Catholic Brian McLaren offers this perspective on Theological Union in Chicago, where he why Jesus’ teachings were so effective in teaches systematic theology and spirituality. freeing people from an over-attachment to Follow him on Twitter: @DanHoranOFM. their own way of seeing:

When you aggressively attack people’s Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation familiar ideas, they tend to respond From the Center for Action and Contemplation

defensively. They dig in their heels and become even more firmly attached to the very ideas that they need to be liberated from. . . .

That’s why Jesus, like other effective communicators, constantly told stories, stories that grabbed people by the imagination and transported them into another imaginative world:

Week Nine: Learning How to See Jesus and Bias . . . there once was a woman who put some yeast into a huge batch of dough [Matthew 13:33]

Learning how to see our biases is a . . . there once was a man who had two sons psychological exercise, but one with [Luke 15:11] immediate theological and social implications. It demands self-knowledge and . . . this man was traveling from Jerusalem to the crucial need to recognize (1) when we Jericho [Luke 10:30] are in denial about our own shadow and capacity for illusion; (2) our capacity to . . . a woman once lost a coin [Luke 15:8]… project our own fears and shadows onto other people and groups; (3) our capacity to Through these short “imaginative vacations” face and carry our own issues; and (4) the to another world, Jesus helped people see from a new vantage point. He used social, institutional, and political implications of not doing this work. imagination to punch a tiny hole in their walls of confirmation bias, and through that tiny hole, some new light could stream in

23 and let them know of a bigger world beyond their walls. . . . Pope: God offers

[Jesus] didn’t spend a lot of time repeating humanity a love or refuting the false statements of his critics, and he didn’t counterpunch when he was attacked or insulted, but instead, he used with no equal on every criticism as an opportunity to restate, clarify, and illustrate his true statements. He earth had, to use a contemporary phrase, message 3 March 2021 discipline, which drew people to his central by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service simple message: an invitation to overcome long-held biases, to think again, and to see Vatican and live life in a new light. [1]

It’s so hard to be vulnerable, to say to our neighbor, “I don’t know everything” or to say to our soul, “I don’t know anything at all.” Yet Jesus says the only people who can recognize and be ready for what he’s talking about are the ones who come with the mind and heart of a child (see Matthew 18:3). The older we get, the more we’ve been disappointed and betrayed by life and others, the more barriers we put up to what Zen Pope Francis leads his general audience in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican masters call “beginner’s mind.” We must March 3, 2021. The pope talked about prayer never presume that we see “all” or and how Jesus is the open door for a loving accurately. We must always be ready to see dialogue with God. (CNS/Vatican Media)

anew. VATICAN CITY — There is no greater love in the world than the love God has for humanity, Pope Francis said.

"What kind of God is prepared to die for people? What kind of God loves always and patiently, without demanding to be loved in return?" the pope asked.

Daylight Savings Time Begins This "We are the recipients of a love that has no Weekend equal on earth," the pope said during his Just a reminder that Daylight Savings Time weekly general audience March 3. begins this coming Sunday morning at

2:00 a.m. Remember to turn your clocks Livestreaming his audience from the library forward one hour before going to sleep on of the Apostolic Palace, the pope continued Saturday evening! his series of talks on prayer by looking at

how Jesus opened the door to God, revealing

24 his true identity as a loving father with love, "which is the source and joy of the whom one could talk through prayer. entire universe," the pope said.

"It is Jesus who opened up heaven to us and "May our prayer," he said, "awaken in us the projected us into a relationship with God," consciousness of our lofty vocation in Christ he said. and draw us ever more fully into the loving communion of the Father, the Son and the To have a dialogue with God is a grace, he Holy Spirit." said. "We are not worthy of it, we have no rights to claim, we 'limp' with every word and every thought. But Jesus is a door that Panel: Social justice opens up for us this dialogue with God." is essential to Black Jesus shows how God is close by, compassionate and tender — this is his "style," his way of being a father, the pope Catholics' faith 4 March 2021 said, departing from his prepared remarks. by Madeleine Davison

This is a vastly different kind of God from the gods the pagans believed in — aloof, indifferent deities who must be appeased and won over with continual sacrifices and devotions, he said.

However, the pope said, God as a father who loves humanity is something people would never have believed if it had not been for Jesus revealing this truth, which seems a Worshippers pray during a Black History Month shocking scandal. Mass of thanksgiving Feb. 28, 2021, at the Co- Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn, New York. "It is the scandal that we find inscribed in (CNS/Gregory A. Shemitz) the parable of the merciful father [or the prodigal son] or in that of the shepherd who The vast majority of Black Catholics say goes in search of the lost sheep," he said. fighting racism and sexism is essential to "We would not have been able to conceive their faith, yet the majority-white churches or even comprehend such stories if we had they often attend are failing to meet their not met Jesus." needs, said speakers on a Feb. 25 panel on Black Catholics' faith and religious The relationship of the Father, Son and Holy practices. Spirit is one of "reciprocal benevolence," he said, and that divine love expands so greatly "We [Black Catholics] believe on some that it even lands "on our human shore." level that the church needs us sometimes more than we need the church," said Prayer is what leads people into the life of Fr. Bryan Massingale, professor of ethics the Trinity, the eternal mystery of God's and theology at Fordham University and

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author of Racial Justice and the Catholic same about opposing abortion, the survey Church, during the panel. found.

The discussion, "Black Churches, Black Unlike their Protestant peers, who mostly Catholics," was hosted by the Fordham attend majority-Black congregations, most University Center on Religion and Culture. Black Catholics attend majority-white or Speakers analyzed the results of multiracial congregations, according to the a nationally-representative survey of more survey. than 8,600 Black adults published in February by the Pew Research Center. Massingale said because only 13% of white Americans say opposing racism is essential The study, speakers said, is one of the most to their faith, Black Catholics' faith is not comprehensive such studies on Black faith always well-served and their needs are not and religion in the U.S., allowing always honored in majority-white researchers to dig into the nuanced beliefs congregations. Black Catholics are less and practices of those in smaller subgroups, likely to report hearing sermons about race, including Black Catholics, who make up 6% voting rights and criminal justice than their of the Black population, according to the Protestant peers. survey. "And it's not the whiteness of the Black Catholics are somewhat less religious congregation that's the problem," by some measures than their Black Massingale said. "It's the unwillingness of Protestant peers, according to the survey. the white community to engage those issues, For instance, Catholics are less likely to say which are existentially important for African their faith is a very important part of their American believers and for Black life and less likely to attend services at least Catholics." once a year than Protestants, said Kiana Cox, a research associate at Pew who helped The race of the other congregants is only a conduct the survey, during the panel. priority for one in 10 Black Catholics when seeking a place to worship, but the vast But 82% of Black Catholics say their majority (around eight in 10) said they look Blackness is a somewhat or very important for inspiring sermons and a sense of part of how they think of themselves, similar welcome. to Black Protestants and people of other faiths.

According to the survey, 77% of Black Catholics said opposing racism is "essential" to their faith, and 75% said the same about opposing sexism. Belief in God was essential for 73% of Black Catholics.

By contrast, only 26% of Black Catholics said attending religious services is "essential" to their faith, and 22% said the

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Tia Noelle Pratt, who holds a doctorate in sociology and studies Black Catholics and systemic racism in the Catholic Church, said interpersonal racism in Catholic spaces, on top of systemic racism in the church and disproportionate closures of Black churches are likely factors driving Black people out of the Catholic Church.

Black people who remain Catholic often do so because the church is their spiritual home and they know how crucial their Feb. 25 panel discussion on Zoom with Kiana contributions are to that church, she said. Cox, a research associate at Pew; David Gibson, director of the Fordham University Center on "This is my church, too, and I'm not going to Religion and Culture; Fr. Bryan Massingale, let them mess it up," Pratt said. "If people professor of ethics and theology at Fordham who are doing this work, who think about University; Besheer Mohamed, senior researcher at Pew Research Center and Tia Noelle Pratt, a these things — if we go, then what's left in sociologist who studies Black Catholics and this church? And so we've got to keep systemic racism in the Catholic Church (NCR pushing, we've got to keep fighting the fight screenshot) and doing the work."

Massingale said the church does not respond Massingale said there have been times when to the needs of Black Catholics and value he has been so fed up with the Catholic their contributions. This, he said, may Church that he has had one foot out the account for what he called the "Black door. But he also feels that the church is his Catholic exodus." home.

According to Pew's data, only 54% of Black "We have an essential contribution to make people raised Catholic remain in the church to the church," Massingale said. "To make as adults, he said, compared to more than the church to be universal, in fact, and not 80% of their Protestant peers and about 60% just in rhetoric. ... I think there's this sense of of white Catholics. Most of those who leave mission. This is where God wants us to be." the Catholic Church become either Protestant or unaffiliated, according to the survey.

"This has really major implications going forward," Massingale said. "We know that the Catholic Church is hemorrhaging members in general. But the rate of exodus out of the Catholic Church for the Black Catholic community is … even more severe."

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Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation cultures and institutions, creating systems of From the Center for Action and Contemplation racism and hatred, marginalizing groups

who are stigmatized, dehumanized, scapegoated, exploited, oppressed, or even killed. . . .

But if we are willing to listen to [“the other”] and learn from them, we can break out of our contact bias, which opens us up to seeing in a new way. . . .

On page after page of the gospels, Jesus

doesn’t dominate the other, avoid the other, Week Nine: Learning How to See colonize the other, intimidate the other,

Overcoming Contact Bias demonize the other, or marginalize the other. Instead, he incarnates into the other, joins Brian McLaren and Jacqui Lewis, my the other in solidarity, protects the other, conversation partners in the recent podcast listens to the other, serves the other, and series, Learning How to See, understand even lays down his life for the other. [1] that Jesus’ model of acceptance, inclusion, and love for “the other,” helps us overcome Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, who leads what she and heal our biases. Brian describes what describes as a “multi-everything” he calls “contact bias,” when a lack of congregation in New York City, shares the personal and ongoing contact with people gifts that embracing the other can bring. She who are different from us causes us to fail to views inclusion as central to the Gospel call see them for who they truly are: to love:

When I don’t have intense and sustained The one we follow into mission and personal contact with “the other,” my ministry—Jesus the Christ—was an avowed prejudices and false assumptions go boundary crosser, a reformer of the religious unchallenged. Think of the child who is told and secular culture of his time. We are in by people he trusts that people of another good company when we lead the way on race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or radical inclusion of those different from class are dirty and dangerous. ourselves. In some contexts that might mean

a black church reaching out to Korean You can immediately see the self- neighbors, a Latino congregation starting a reinforcing cycle: those people are dirty or ministry to immigrant families from North dangerous, so I will distrust and avoid them, Africa, or a Chinese church hosting an which means I will never have sustained and afterschool program for African American respectful interactive contact with them, junior high students. . . . We believe the which means I will never discover that they commitment to inclusion and diversity is a are actually wonderful people to be high calling, issued to all who count around. . . . themselves as Christians, no matter what our

ethnicity or culture. [2] In this way, the prejudice cycle spins on, unchallenged across generations. As prejudice persists, it becomes embedded in

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The more we bump into the folks who are Scientists expect sea levels to rise between 8 so-called “other,” the more we are stretched, inches and 1 foot by the end of this century, the more we are pulled out of that bias and although some extreme scenarios foresee an have new truths because we have tangible increase of up to 2 feet. One moderate evidence of the beautiful, powerful scenario predicts that sea levels could rise creativity of our God who made all of this enough by 2050 to put the land inhabited by diversity for us to enjoy. [3] 150 million people below the high-tide mark. That figure could increase by another

50 million by the end of the century.

A Climate- Ryan Hagan of Crowdsourcing Sustainability describes what that would Conscious Lent: mean for his hometown of Boston: "No matter what, understand that coastal Rising sea levels shorelines are going to be on the move for the rest of your life," he writes, adding that threaten millions how far they move will depend on several 5 March 2021 factors, including "how much more by Fr. Emmet Farrell greenhouse gas emissions get dumped into the atmosphere" and "just how sensitive Spirituality Greenland and Antarctica's ice sheets turn out to be."

Judge: A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. … [M]ost global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides and others) released mainly as a result of human activity. (Laudato Si', 23)

The majority of people living on our planet profess to be believers. This should spur See: religions to dialogue among themselves for Eight of the world's 10 largest cities — the sake of protecting nature, defending the including Los Angeles and New York City, poor and building networks of respect and in the U.S. — are located on coasts, and fraternity. … The gravity of the ecological 40% of the world's population lives in crisis demands that we all look to the coastal areas. As average global common good. (Laudato Si', 201) temperatures increase, the melting of ice sheets and expansion of the warming oceans "The human being was placed in the Garden is causing sea levels to rise. The speed at of Eden to till it and to tend it." (Gen. 2:15) which this happened between 2005 and 2016 was 2.5 times the rate recorded during most of the 20th century.

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Act: must understand our questioners, before we • Think about what families who live next to answer them. Where are their questions an ocean or on an island must feel about coming from? rising sea levels. • Consider inviting friends or parishioners to One suggestion that was given to me as a form a creation care team to study and act teacher was to take the class list home with on climate change. me and sit in prayer before each name on the • Check with your local parish or public list. What is it that this person needs? How school about how they include climate can I be God's voice to them in the future? change in their curriculum. How can I touch his/her soul? This is a good spiritual practice to do with those with whom we struggle in conversation.

We are living in a time of great dichotomies. We struggle to have clear interactions with those whose opinions differ from ours. Conversations break down before two sentences are spoken. We can change this if we take these conversations to prayer. It is Fr. Emmet Farrell not about MY opinion. It is about loving the Fr. Emmet Farrell is director of creation care person who is rattling on before us. It is ministry for the Diocese of San Diego. about seeing their wounds and trying to heal, bringing balm to the places of pain, curiosity Justice Corner by Carolyn Krantz, and wonder to seemingly insurmountable Pastoral Associate issues. I once had a teacher who knew how to deal with difficult questions from her students. Today's Gospel lets us in on the economy of She would pause, center herself in the God God. God's house is not a market place, but within and then respond gently and slowly. a place of prayer, reflection on the meaning No anger or irritation, just a clear response. of life and our relationship to the Maker of Jesus' response to the Pharisees in today's all things. “What does it profit a person to Gospel is like this. They do not see as He gain the whole world and suffer the loss of sees. They want to know by what authority one's soul.” As Christians, our minds and He has disturbed their profit-making hearts must be dedicated to making schemes. He wants to make it clear that the goodness and truth, not money. The things Temple (the church) is for God, not for of this world are to be used to grow love profit. between us, not hate and conniving.

This kind of clear communication comes Economy is about trading goods and from resting in the Mystery of God. Pray services. It is about an exchange. Think first before one faces the questions of life. about trading God's wisdom or exchanging Pray before one faces difficult interactions love for someone's hurt. So many of us just with others. Jesus responds to their threats need someone to love us enough to hear us. by foretelling His resurrection. They did not When we go into the market place what are understand His answer. The Gospel says we exchanging? Are we rooted in the He, “did need anyone to testify about human Mystery of God enough to exchange His nature. He Himself understood it well.” We

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love for whatever comes our way? disagree. We are in danger of missing the mark that was set in our founding document. The temple lords ask for a sign without Who would have thought that these realizing the Jesus has already given the principles would be taken down by a golden sign. God is about love, not profit. He statue! If we spend our lives repeating lies invites us to a life of simplicity, a life not and disenfranchising voters rather than built on worry, being right, or getting ahead debating issues that improve the lives of our financially, but about a life in relationship fellow citizens, we will destroy the freedoms with Him. Our interactions with others must we have. We must seek truth and follow be from a place of holiness, not anger or after it, or we will be on the pathway of irritation. Being with another in the Mystery destruction. of God gives us insight and leads to loving words and actions. “For the foolishness of The way of violence does not bring peace. If God is wiser than human wisdom, and the we do not support rightful governance, then weakness of God is stronger than human the oldest democracy in the world is in strength.” (1 Cor. 25) jeopardy. The truth is that it was a free and fair election. It has been tried in the courts St. Francis knew this: 60 times and found to be so. Georgia Grant that I may not so much seek to counted the ballots three times with the be consoled as to console same result. Of course there were To be understood as to understand, mistakes, .001% out of all the votes cast! To be loved as to love... The golden statue tries to repeat the lies For in dying we are born to eternal thinking if they are said often enough, life. people will believe it. And some do, but do These will be our marketplace exchanges if not let it be you. Stand for truth and move we are rooted in the Mystery of God. forward with those who are addressing real issues of our time in a peaceful and Justice Corner by Carolyn Krantz, compassionate way. Pastoral Associate Like Moses, I trudged up the inner mountain The lies endanger all of us, just as the in my soul to sit before the Lord. He said, golden statue endangered the faith of the “The people have turned aside from the way people of the old testament. They make us I have pointed out for them, making for doubt our system of government. They make themselves a golden statue and worshiping us try to change the system that ensured it.” I watched as they rolled the statue down “One person, one vote.” Part of the beauty the hall to its place of honor. The people of the democratic system is that we can have taken off the gold of truth and made it disagree and still continue through the into a statue of entertainment and lies. And peaceful transfer of power. If one side loses, the Lord said, “Let me alone that my wrath they are not victims, they just have to learn may blaze up against them and consume the art of compromise. There is no them.” (Ex 32:10) compromise if the loser paints the other side as evil. There was a time when some held We are a people shaped by the constitution forth with the conservative way of thinking which tells us we have “inalienable rights” and others on the liberal side, and a person and gives a pathway of laws that we may could listen to both sides and hear the pluses govern ourselves honorably even when we and minuses of each. This brought balance

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to the process. This is missing in the cult of business of having to move his older brother the golden idol. suffering from dementia from Lincoln, California to the Antioch area. Someone was In Exodus, God threatens to wipe away the needed to drive one of the vehicles no longer idol worshipers. Moses argues with God being used by his brother, back to Antioch. I reminding Him of all the good people and readily agreed. This was my way of giving deeds of the past. “So the Lord relented the alms, not alms of money but alms of service punishment he had threatened to inflict on to someone who really needed help. It was a His people.” So, we too, must remember the hand reaching out to both Tim and his deeds of the past that have made us a great brother who had reached out their hands in nation. Remember the struggle to write the asking for help. constitution. Remember those who have given their lives for others. Remember the Survivalists say that hunger comes and goes heroes and heroines of the Civil Rights in four-hour blocks. If you can tough it out Movement. Remember the lawyers and for four hours, you’ll be OK for the next judges who fought for justice. Remember four. I hadn’t been doing much fasting this the writers and journalists who risked their Lent, so hunger was a new companion on lives to tell us the truth. Remember the the 70 mile one and a half hour journey. It Senators and Representatives that endue started ½ hour earlier than planned, before I daily threats to their lives and the lives of had a chance to grab a bite and right at the their families. Stand with those who honor beginning of that 4-hr. hunger block. I’m far peace and whose lives are spent for others. from being “skin and bones” but the hollowness of my stomach combined with If we want the democracy, we must work for the acidity of the few sips of coffee I had, it. There is no golden idol, only hard work pulled heavily on the fasting strings of my that will keep our democracy and pass laws mind. that benefit everyone. Be involved in the issues. Research thoroughly the pros and It was a pleasure to meet Tim’s older cons. Then write or call your Congress brother. A slight familial resemblance bore person. Work for laws that bring justice. on the long thin face of the man who was Reach across the aisle of difference. God quite congenial. He spoke his mind freely in doesn't have to punish us for the golden a welcoming manner. He offered us fresh statue, we bring it upon ourselves through coffee, all the while he held the items of inaction and lack of compassion. becoming fully dressed. He held a pair of white sox and two pairs of white athletic Parish Perspective by shoes. “What are you doing with two pairs Peter Degl’Innocenti, Pastoral Associate of shoes? You know you can only wear one A Journey Made Lenten pair at a time,” Tim inquired. “Well, that’s The season of Lent is full of opportunities to the problem,” replied his brother, “I’ll wear participate in prayer, alms-giving, and these because the others you need to put 12 fasting. Sometimes one of the three can lead under them.” That was the confirmation that to inclusion of the other two. For example, I dementia was in full effect. The sadness hits received a phone call late one night from my the heart as much as the disfunction hits the neighbor across the street who is a good mind. That’s when the praying starts for friend of our past Grand Knight Tim Cox. both Tim and his brother. Human suffering Tim was neck-deep in the heart-breaking affects us all.

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We can only imagine the months or years of suffering people endure while caring for a loved-one with dementia. I see it with my own father now 94 years of age. Like our children and grandchildren, we want them to be happy in life, living where they want to live, eating what they want to eat, and doing with their life (especially the last days) what they want to do. It breaks our hearts to tell them, “You can’t go there, you can’t have that, and you can’t do that.” Their suffering becomes our suffering just as our suffering and sins became Jesus’ suffering and sin bearing.

We’ve all heard the catch phrase, “Our Lenten Journey.” Perhaps it is time to make our journeys through life, Lenten.

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Third Sunday of Lent

The Gift of the Law Loving God, our neighbor loved as ourselves. you gave the gift of the law to Moses Though we fall time and again, that the people might walk in the light give us the strength to do your will, of your love. to act justly, be merciful, and walk humbly In every age you call us back— with you. heart, mind, soul, and strength We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. turned to you,

Sunday, March 7, 2021 Keep My Commandments

Today’s readings: Exodus 20:1–17; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11; my commandments.” How many receive blessing from the 1 Corinthians 1:22–25; John 2:13–25. The Ten Command- righteousness of the just one! ments are often considered to be a list of rules. Even when The ripple effect of sin is evident. Family patterns that followed with great care, a person may miss out on the are damaging are hard to break, and the actions of those broader vision they embody. What if every person chose to around us affect the way we live in the world. live in accord with God’s law? What if each person strove Jesus often came into conflict with the religious lead- toward this ideal? ers of his day because they differed in their interpretation of The Ten Commandments set out the framework for a what it meant to keep God’s law. There was not anything just and peaceful society. If the Commandments are wrong with their desire to obey God’s Commandments. approached as a vision, we can see how they help us live in Perhaps, though, the intensity of their focus caused them to right relationship with those around us. In the reading from lose a sense that the law was a vision for a just and peaceful Exodus, God proclaims a blessing that proceeds to “the society. Pray with the Commandments. How can they help thousandth generation . . . of those who love me and keep you work toward a just world? This Week at Home Thursday, March 11 Miraculous Growth Monday, March 8 Today we hear that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus casts out a demon, revealing a glimpse of the St. John of God coming kingdom and making space for its miraculous St. John of God turned away from God in his youth, growth. By giving up our sins and selfishness, we too make but returned with his whole heart and lived his life in grati- space for miraculous growth of God’s love within us. Pray tude for the great mercy he had received. He spent his life the Rosary today in the hope that the spirit it cultivates will in extraordinary works of charity and love on behalf of those cast out all that is not of God and help bring about this who were in greatest need, always with tremendous respect miraculous growth. Today’s readings: Jeremiah 7:23–28; for those he served. God’s mercy and forgiveness is always Psalm 95:1–2, 6–7, 8–9; Luke 11:14–23 waiting for us. When have you felt God’s forgiveness . most fully? How can you respond with a grateful heart? Today’s readings: 2 Kings 5:1–15b; Psalm 42:2–3, 43:3–4; Friday, March 12 Luke 4:24–30. The Summary of the Law Today the Gospel tells us that love of God and love of neigh- Tuesday, March 9 bor are the primary principles that ought to govern our lives. What would it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, Not Seven but Seventy-Seven Times mind, and strength? How would our lives be different if we Why is it so difficult to forgive? Even though we know that loved our neighbor as ourselves? Does this necessarily mean holding onto our anger hurts, we brood over every small putting ourselves last? It says love your neighbor as yourself. wrong. In today’s parable of the unforgiving servant, the dif- How can we respect our needs so that we are able to love ference between the value of the two debts is enormous. This others more fully? Today’s readings: Hosea 14:2–10; Psalm contrast shows us the tremendousness of God’s love and for- 81:6c–8a, 8bc–9, 10–11ab, 14 and 17; Mark 12:28–34. giveness and startles us with our own stinginess. What would it mean for you to forgive seventy-seven times? To forgive as you have been forgiven? Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 3:25, Saturday, March 13 34–43; Psalm 25:4–5ab, 6, 7bc, 8, 9; Matthew 18:21–35. O God, Be Merciful When we look at our lives, we see how much we are in need Wednesday, March 10 of God’s mercy and forgiveness. It is always there for us, requiring only that we seek it. People have used the words of Whoever Obeys and Teaches the tax collector in today’s reading from Luke, “O God, be Some people focus on following their own way, no matter the merciful to me a sinner,” in their prayers expressing contri- cost. We know, though, that our will often leads us astray, tion. Try incorporating this prayer into your daily prayer as a seeking after things that are not good for us, and that we means of letting God’s mercy act on you. Today’s readings: engage in self-deception about what we really need. The Ten Hosea 6:1–6; Psalm 51:3–4, 18–19, 20–21ab; Luke 18:9–14 Commandments provide objective standards for behavior, . even as complete freedom is within them. Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5–9; Psalm 147:12–13, 15–16, 19–20; Matthew 5:17–19.

© 2021 Liturgy Training Publications. 800-933-1800. Written by Kathryn Ball-Boruff. Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove. Scripture quotations are from the New American Bible, revised edition. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago, on July 6, 2020. St. Ignatius of Antioch 15th Annual St. Joseph’s Day Dinner

Friday March 19, 2021 6:00-6:45 p.m. Pickup time

*Due to the COVID Pandemic, we will be offering our dinner as a Drive Up/ Take Home event this year.

Dinner will be catered by Zandonella’s Catering! The menu is: Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Italian Salad, Roll & Butter. For dessert, Cannoli and Cuccidati.

Dinner is $25.00

There will be a St. Joseph’s Day Raffle!

______Prepayment is required. Deadline is 03/15/21.

(Please make checks payable to St. Ignatius of Antioch Church)

Name ______

Phone: ______

Number of Dinners: ______X $25.00 = ______

Number of Raffle Tickets: 10 for $10.00: ______(There are 10 raffle baskets - one ticket per basket) TOTAL: ______

Please SEND TO: 209 Tanganyika Court Antioch, CA 94509 or DROP IN COLLECTION after Mass/ Communion or place in DROP BOX at church gate.

*All proceeds benefit the St. Ignatius of Antioch Expansion Project.

*Sponsored by the Social Events Committee. St. Vincent de Paul St. Vincent de Paul

SVdP is a proud partner with the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

____

Our Emergency Food Pantry provides food to people in need Monday through St. Vincent de Paul Friday Emergency Food Pantry ____ The Emergency Food Where: 2210 Gladstone Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Pantry provides food When: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:30 pm to 2,800 individuals Requirements to receive emergency food assistance: and 800 households – Current ID showing residence in Contra Costa County* each year

– For families of 6+, please bring medical cards of each family member ____

– Food pick-up is once every 30 days per person

– Every first and third Wednesday of the month at 11:00 am the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano distributes food from Food Bank vans in the SVdP parking lot. Please contact the Food Bank to learn more at 855-309-3663 or ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OF [email protected] CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – *If you live outside Contra Costa County, please contact your 2210 Gladstone Dr. local food bank for information on emergency assistance Pittsburg, CA 94565 925-439-5060

svdp-cc.org

Open Monday - Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM March 2021 Opportunities for Involvement

Spring Baskets: Spring holidays are around the corner and we are excited to announce our 5th annual Spring Baskets Program. The families are so grateful for the support they receive from the community in helping to bring stabilization and 'normal' to their lives. If you or your community are interested in providing a spring basket for the children in our program, you can Sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/44ppdudn. If you have any question or would like more information, please contact Sandibel Arnold at [email protected].

Homework Club Support: We are looking for compassionate individuals to help in our (now virtual) afterschool Homework Club that runs from August through June. You will provide academic and mentoring support to children from extremely low-income homes in grades K-12. Commitment is one day a week, either AM or PM, Monday through Thursday for the remaining of the school year. Adults and high school sophomores through seniors are encouraged to apply at www.hopesolutions.org/volunteer.

Furnishings: Every month we have families and individuals moving into homes. We try our best to provide furnishings and household items for incoming residents. This month we are looking for furnishings as well as cleaning supplies, kitchen kits, bath towels, dishes, pots and pans, and silverware. We are in need of beds and bedding. This month we are in need of several full- and twin-size beds. Please note that mattresses and bedding must be new. If you are able to donate any of these items or would like more information, please contact Sandibel Arnold at [email protected]. For a complete list of furnishings and items needed this month, please take a look at the attached Furnishing Request sheet here.

Volunteers for Preschool Reading: We are looking for volunteers that would like to read for children in our virtual preschool program. We are also looking for volunteers interested in hosting an art, physical, or music activity for preschoolers. If you are interested in hosting an activity for the children in our preschool program, please contact Sandibel Arnold at [email protected].

Seeking In-Kind Donations:

▪ New Twin and Full size mattresses and bedding as well as frames and platforms ▪ $25 gift cards to Grocery Outlet, FoodMaxx, or Walmart ▪ Menstrual products of all kinds ▪ Diapers size 1 through 6 and baby wipes for families in our program ▪ $5 Starbucks and Jamba Juice gift cards for report card check-ins ▪ Welcome Kits for new families moving into permanent housing (laundry basket filled with cleaning supplies, small household items, and $25 gift card to FoodMaxx or Grocery Outlet) ▪ Cleaning supplies for our multi-site clients (Comet, Windex, Simple Green, buckets, mops, etc.)

Stay informed! Like us on Facebook @hopesolutionsnonprofit Get all the latest news about Hope Solutions and the housing landscape in Contra Costa County. Read stories about our impact, and the many residents we serve together. Sign up for our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/lgdp3gs.

For more information, please go to our website: https://www.hopesolutions.org/ or contact Sandibel Arnold, Volunteer and Donations Coordinator at [email protected] or call 925-788-3676. Hope Solutions formerly known as Contra Costa Interfaith Housing is a 501(C)3 organization.