For The Bulletin Of ago. One challenge is that some of His September 20, 2020 stories are set deeply in the milieu of His context. The parable is not in fact making statements about modern labor law or the role of unions or day laborers. Instead, landowners in Jesus’ time had incredible power over workers and over their property. Perhaps because there were no labor unions, guest worker programs, or labor laws to protect workers, the landowner was able to act with impunity. This kind of power makes for an apt image of a powerful and unaccountable God.

So, Jesus uses the character of the THE 25TH SUNDAY IN landowner in the parable to say that God ORDINARY TIME gives each his or her due at the very least, From Father Robert and He is generous with His resources. God There is an old joke about a Protestant being gives to each what He will, though not less led around heaven by St. Peter. They pass a than what He promised. room and St. Peter says, “Be quiet around this room.” To which the Protestant asks, In the early church this parable was often “Why?” Peter responds, “In that room are interpreted in terms of Jews and Gentiles, the Catholics, and they think they’re the with Jews being the early workers and only ones here.” Gentiles being those who came late. God gives each a share of His kingdom. All will Jesus was a master teacher. His parables likely be surprised by the generosity of God inspired and they were remembered in part and by who appears at the heavenly banquet. because they were simple stories that Ideally, no one group will think its members conveyed multiple layers of meaning. Each are the only ones to share in God’s story seems to have a variety of possible goodness. entry points, as does today’s gospel. Is the landowner truly just when he gives all the workers the same wage? What would unionized workers say about this practice? Why does the landowner distribute wages in the manner he does, with those who worked the longest receiving their pay last? Is he trying to incite a riot, or maybe inspire jealousy an envy? All of these questions and more may be conjured up by a quick reading of the parable.

Not only was Jesus a master teacher, but we recall that He taught two thousand years

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How do you feel about God’s justice as portrayed in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard?

In what ways do you try to live out Jesus’ proverb, “The last will be first, and the first will be last”?

Living The Paschal Mystery

It’s probably the case that none of us enjoy being supplicants. WE all tend to work for a wage we consider just (if and when possible) and expect to be paid for our labor. When we see acts of generosity, it can be natural to expect that we might receive some of that generosity as well. It sounds strange to hear it said that someone is generous only About Liturgy: Opportunities To Serve with one group and not another. And such is In today’s gospel the landowner not only the seeming riddle of today’s parable. paid each person a full day’s wage but also gave everyone an opportunity to serve. In God is a just and generous giver. When we parish life, it is not unusual to see the same receive what we have from God, there is no people serving in liturgical ministry year room for complaint, jealousy, or envy. The after year. When such assignments gifts of God are given to whomever God seemingly become permanent, others have wills. Let us die to our own sense of who is fewer chances to serve in that ministry. just and worthy in God’s sight and leave room to be surprised by His generosity. Sometimes we might even see one minister None of us can predict the actions of God. performing multiple liturgical roles in the Listening to today’s parable in our own same Liturgy – serving as Lector, Adult historic context, what questions does it raise Acolyte, Intercessor, and Eucharistic for you? Minister. Whether this is done because of a lack of volunteers or simply out of habit, Today’s parable proclaims, “the Lord is near limiting such assignments to a few does not to all who call upon Him.” In your life of reflect a primary goal of Vatican II, which faith, when have you needed to call upon the was to show more clearly the diversity and Lord most fervently? necessity of all the members of the Body of Christ. St. Paul writes to the Philippians, “For me life is Christ, and death is gain.” Do you Regarding serving in multiple ministries identify with this statement? Why or why during the celebration of Eucharist, the not? Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states: “In liturgical celebrations each person, lay

2 and ordained, who has an office to perform, reflections in your inbox every Monday, should do all of, but only, those parts which Wednesday and Friday from Aug. 31 to Oct. pertain to his/her office by the nature of the 4. rite and the principles of liturgy” (28). Yulimara Machin da Silva, an 8-year-old Regarding the length of service, Eucharistic girl, holds a giant leaf over her body as she Ministers are commissioned for a limited runs through the rain in the Esperança number of years designated by each . Sustainable Development Project in northern There is no similar stipulation for other Brazil. It's a community that incarnated the liturgical ministries. However, it is good vision of Notre Dame de Namur Sr. Dorothy practice to regular invite new ministers to Stang that the people who live in the serve, which we do with our annual Ministry Amazon are its best defenders. Rather than a Faire, and veteran ministers to explore other wilderness without human inhabitants, the ministries or focus for a while on their jungle for Stang was an interconnected web primary ministry of being a member of the in which humans could live in a sustainable assembly. manner. Lens on Creation: A When I first traveled to the region where Stang was martyred, on assignment for martyr's legacy in the NCR, I was welcomed by Yulimara's family and the other poor folks with whom Stang Amazon had worked. As they showed me around Sep 14, 2020 their simple homes and farm plots, it was by Paul Jeffrey obvious that they saw themselves as an

integral part of creation. They were the Spirituality jungle, and thus were prepared to defend it with their lives.

Those who see the Amazon and other great forest lands as merely a commodity to be exploited for quick gain were threatened by Stang and the poor farmers she accompanied. So they arranged for her murder in 2005. Yet her killing wasn't an anomaly. In 2019, according to Global Witness, 212 land and environmental defenders were murdered — an average of four people a week. Yulimara Machin da Silva, 8, shelters For many of us in the global north, the word herself from the rain with a leaf. (Paul "nature" conjures images of Gore-Tex Jeffrey) jackets and the latest in portable water purifiers. Yet for many of the world's poor, Editor's note: This Season of Creation, join nature is their home. Stewardship is what award-winning photographer Paul Jeffrey they do to defend their livelihoods. Healing for "Lens on Creation" as he examines the the Earth is not a slogan, it is survival, for world through the lens of his camera and his faith. Sign up here to receive Jeffrey's

3 them and for all of us who share a common later, in 2001, the General Assembly planet. unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities For reflection and action: during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education Where is the place with which you identify and public awareness on issues related to most closely, where you feel most "at peace.” (For more home"? What would you feel if it were information: www.un.org) threatened with destruction? How would you respond? How can you and your faith The Interfaith Peace Project has been a community stand in solidarity with people friend of the United Nations International whose lives are in danger because they Day of Peace for twenty years. Once again, defend the places where they live? we prepare for the observance of Peace Day, [Paul Jeffrey is a founder of Life on Earth September 21st, by observing these Eleven Pictures and lives in Oregon. You can Days of peace. follow him on Instagram.] Ever since the traumatizing events of September 11, 2020 September 11, 2001, the days between that sad day and September 21st have become THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE sacred days for many throughout the World. Eleven Days of Peace This year we are offering eleven insights September 11 – 21, 2020 into peace gleaned from the great Spiritual Traditions of Humankind. We will send you a reflection each day with some suggestions as to how you might practice peace in all the affairs of your daily life.

The philosophy of Peace Day is simple enough. If we can practice peace for twenty- four hours, we can commit ourselves to the practice of peace each and every day of our lives.

Many will conduct programs, study groups, prayer services, and other observances on or around September 21st. We encourage you to participate in any program you can. Please remember, however, the celebration of September 21st is meant to remind us of what we need to do every day.

“The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades

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WE REMEMBER REFLECTION

September 11, 2001 As we count down to The International Day of Peace, we become aware of the peace we experience in the Natural World around us. The Ancient Traditions remind us of the peace “within” us. The “peace within us” is crucial in our quest for justice and the repair of the World.

Think for a moment of all the people who bring the peace of themselves, the peace dwelling in their hearts, to broken situations injured by hatred and harmed by violence.

Think of the family who teaches their September 12, 2020 children to bring flowers to a place of painful memory. Think of those who The Interfaith Peace Project journey to the neighborhood intersections ______where senseless killings took place at the hands of those sworn to protect.

It has been said, “If you want peace, work for justice.” The truth of this statement is enormous and must be the subject of deep reflection. Nonetheless, the opposite is also true, “If you want justice, work to find the peace within you.”

A flower, by its nature, seeks to be a being of beauty. The flowing streams and rivers, by their nature, touch the deep waters of our souls. The air around us, by its very nature, reminds us to breathe in the violence around us and breathe out the peace within us. Deep Peace to You Eleven Days of Peace: Day 2 Any human person, by their very nature, is a Celebrating The International Day of Peace sanctuary of peace. Even in moments of anxiety and uncertainty, we can find the Deep Peace to You peace within ourselves if we respectfully embrace and cherish the feelings and Deep peace of the running wave to you. emotions, the thoughts and reflections, Deep peace of the flowing air to you. flowing through us. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. We are often anxious about the World Deep peace of the infinite peace to you. around us because we care what happens to – Adapted from Ancient Gaelic Runes others. We are often afraid our short-

5 comings and limitations will prevent us from RESPONSE being and doing for others what needs to be done to give them happiness and joy. When The Peace I discover in my heart is the gift we embrace the present moment of the Universe reborn in my soul. If consciously, respecting our feelings, love anything should afflict me personally, I will and peace flow from our hearts. reach out to other suffering beings.

RESPONSE I am aware that I am sometimes conditioned by culture and belief to fear others. I will Today, as I prepare to honor and observe transcend my conditioning by claiming my The International Day of Peace, I will inner dignity for the sake of the World. breathe in the beauty around me. I will treasure my emotions and feelings. I will As the Evening comes upon me, I will discover the peace within me giving birth to rediscover my Inner Peace. justice in the World around me. As The International Day of Peace Reaching Out for Peace approaches, I will pledge to let my Inner Eleven Days of Peace: Day 3 Peace become manifest in my outreach to Celebrating The International Day of Peace others.

MAY WE REACH OUT WITH THE Releasing Heavy Burdens of Hate PEACE IN OUR SOULS Eleven Days of Peace: Day 4 TO EVERYONE Celebrating The International Day of Peace

May the refugee find safe shelter May the immigrant find a new homeland May the hungry find enough bread to have a feast May the feared and hated find welcome and care

May the imprisoned find the self-worth to be free May the oppressed find enough justice to have liberty May the slave child find enough love to flourish May the abused might find enough dignity to have fulness of life When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say May all people everywhere be strong that it was your generation who laid down enough to claim their dignity the heavy burdens of hate at last and that for the well-being of everyone everywhere peace finally triumphed over violence, all the time. aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

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John Lewis how much maintenance hate requires. We July 30, 2020 need to realize the temptation to hate is systematic, pervasive, and fostered by those Before he died on July 17, 2020, who cannot imagine living their lives for the the great Civil Rights leader, John Lewis, well-being of someone else. We must love wrote his final opinion piece published in those who think they have transcended the the New York Times on July 30, 2020. His need to be loved and the joy of loving “opinion” piece was actually a farewell another. address filled with humility, compassion, and hope.

If there ever was a man who had RESPONSE every reason to harbor despair and hate, it was he. Yet, his life, his entire life, was Today I will journey into my heart with filled with compassion for others at his own great courage. There I will find the treasure expense. John Lewis exemplified what it of my willingness to give of myself. means to live and die for the sake of another I will set myself free from the heavy burden and their well-being. The violence he of hate. When I encounter hatred, in any of suffered in the pursuit of human rights never its forms, I will be true to myself. I will made him bitter. He refused to be burdened release the love that is in my heart. I will by hate. Sometimes the more powerful and not burden myself with hate or trouble my expedient, who think everything is soul with fear. I will, over time and transactional, cannot understand why practice, love my enemy without being their anyone would risk life or limb for the sake victim. of another. Think of any parent, firefighter, soldier, police office, or protester who witness to the human rights of all. All of BISHOP BARBER ANNOUNCES them, and more, know what it means to live FORMATION OF and die for another and their benefit. OAKLAND DIOCESE RACIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE The quest for such courage is a quest to discover the depth of one’s own The Most Reverend Michael Barber, S.J., heart. The self-giving capacity of Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland, has extraordinary people resides inside each and announced the formation of the Diocese of every one of us. We are all called to be Oakland Task Force for Racial Justice, “activists” by our very nature as human which he has charged with examining the beings. That is why extraordinary people many ways the sin of racism afflicts the don’t think they are extraordinary when they People of God in the Diocese. After prayer, do extraordinary things. They are in study, interviews and discussion, the Task alignment with the depth of their hearts. It is Force will offer recommendations to Bishop ordinary for them to be extraordinary of Barber outlining tangible steps that will help heart. address the scourge of racism. This group will also discuss the feasibility of We need to “activate” the love in reestablishing the Black Pastoral Center, and our hearts. We need to be in alignment with the engagement of the community in the depth of our hearts. We need to realize activities, spiritual and corporal, to help

7 combat racism. we take care of one and other throughout our lives. This means in the good and bad times, The Task Force will be led by Fr Leo in health and sickness. After many long Edgerly Jr., Pastor of Corpus Christi years of service to their parishes and the in Piedmont. Task Force wider community, diocesan priests are members include Dr. Chiquita Tuttle: St. granted retirement by the bishop -- usually Benedict Parish, Oakland, Dionne Cola: this is well past the common age of 65- 68. St. Benedict Parish, Oakland, Julie Hadnot: In retirement, if they are able, most continue St. Benedict Parish, Oakland, Larry to serve in relief and special ministries. Hancock: St. Columba Parish, Oakland, Joyce Scotlan: St. Columba Parish, Oakland, As happens with all of us someday, the Maurice Harper: St. priest’s physical health may begin to Columba Parish, Oakland, Vernon decline. At a certain point, he well may need Whitmore: St. Columba Parish, Oakland, a deeper level of care support than he can do Marc Paulino: Our Lady of the Rosary on his own. That is the time when the Parish, Union City, Michael Foster: Our “family” steps up. In the Diocese of Lady of Lourdes Parish, Oakland, Oakland, that person is Carolyn Magdalena Harper: Corpus Christi Parish, Steele. Carolyn’s ministry to the Diocese is Piedmont, Andrew Armanino: St. Isidore to oversee the care of our retired priests. In Parish, Danville, Kathy Gannon-Briggs: her own words, this is what she does. Christ the King, Pleasant Hill, Patrick Shandonay: St. Joan of Arc, San Ramon, Fr. “To begin, I assist priests through the Steven Bell, CSP: Holy Spirit Parish- transition into retirement and support them Newman Hall, Berkeley, Fr. Jesus Nieto- to live independently as long as possible. I Ruiz: Pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary, ensure that all priests have an Advance Union City, Fr. Aidan McAleenan: Pastor of Health Care Directive and that all end-of-life St. Columba Parish, Oakland, Fr. Jayson documents are created and/or updated, Landeza: Pastor of St. Benedict including funeral plans. As needs change, I Parish, Oakland, Fr. Paulson Mundanmani: advocate for them while in the hospital or Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Pleasant during a change in health status, arrange for Hill and Fr. Kwame Assenyoh: any necessary post-hospital care needs, SVD: Administrator of St. Charles assess for any necessary transitions and Borromeo Parish, Livermore. facilitate those transitions such as placement in assisted living/skilled nursing facility and monitor the care plan to ensure they are receiving an appropriate level of care. I also accompany them to doctor appointments when necessary. In general, I am a support available for them in their retirement years. I also keep the Vicar for Priests and Bishop informed of any health changes.”

It is the time of the year where we are reminded of the need and obligation to When a priest is ordained in the Diocese of support our retired parish and community Oakland, or any diocese, he becomes a leaders through the Priests Retirement Fund. member of the family. And like all families,

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Please join with Parishes across the Diocese the weekend of September 12 -13, 2020, in Support Priest Retirement Second the second collection to support this critical fund. Your generosity is a way to thank and Collection honor these priests, who have dedicated Thank you for your support, and may God their lives to serving. bless our retired priests!

These Diocesan priests play an important The Office for Mission Advancement role doing relief work with their fellow priests, celebrating Mass and being called into service whenever needed. After years of KINDNESS parish leadership, the retired priests not only Eleven Days of Peace: Day continue to serve but are able to enjoy a life of prayer, study and creative endeavors. 5 Celebrating The There are wonderful stories of priests International Day of Peace working throughout the Diocese even after retirement. The retired priests bring relationships from their many years of Before you know what kindness really ministry. For example, Rev. Paul Vassar is reminds us “When you’ve been around the you must lose things, block, you’ve made all these connections.” feel the future dissolve in a moment He stepped in to support the Catholic like salt in a weakened broth. Community of Pleasanton in 2019 after the What you held in your hand, death of Rev. Paul Minnihan. Continuing to what you counted and carefully saved, serve remains important to this group of all this must go so you know older Catholics. Msgr. Daniel Cardelli was how desolate the landscape can be assisting at St. Augustine Parish in Oakland between the regions of kindness. in retirement, until the pandemic hit. The How you ride and ride longtime pastor of St. Isidore Parish in thinking the bus will never stop, Danville continues to write articles for the passengers eating maize and the Bollettino and serves as the national chicken chaplain for the Italian Catholic Federation. will stare out the window forever.

Will you help the Diocese help these retired Before you learn the tender gravity of priests live full, active lives. kindness, Our goal is to raise $250,000. With your you must travel where the Indian in a help we can make sure needs are met for white poncho those who have given so much. Please lies dead by the side of the road. support these men during the second You must see how this could be you, collection this weekend. If you wish to how he too was someone donate online, click the button below and for who journeyed through the night with Gift Allocation, select Priest Retirement plans Second Collection from the drop-down and the simple breath that kept him menu. alive.

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Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing. You must wake up with sorrow. You must speak to it till your voice catches the thread of all sorrows and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore, only kindness that ties your shoes and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread, only kindness that raises its head from the crowd of the world to say it is I you have been looking for, and then goes with you every where Thank you to our faithful parishioners who like a shadow or a friend. love, who care, who help, who make a difference each week that they come to - Naomi Shihab clean the sanctuary and bathrooms. Our Nye gratitude to: Reno & Thelma Benasfre, Mencey Osborne, Carole Miller, Al Cosce, With Permission Jun Bajet, Rose Salamanca, Steve Rojek, and Finian Anyanwu.

RESPONSE

I will remember the struggles and setbacks in my life. I will remember my sorrows with deep self-respect and gentleness of heart. I will seek to identify with others who are suffering now. I will bless them, love them, and show kindness if and when I can. I will live on the verge of being kind to all especially those who know no kindness.

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seldom have the necessary capital. So they Lens on Creation: watch their farms fail. Healing the Earth Along with changing patterns of one cup at a time precipitation, also a product of climate Sep 16, 2020 change, agriculture has become a risky by Paul Jeffrey business in Central America. Political leaders in the region seem more interested in Spirituality enriching themselves, often by supporting drug traffickers, than in supporting I met Carmen Elvira Taywho on a farm in sustainable agriculture. San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala. The 9- year-old Kaqchikel Maya girl was picking As stewards of creation, we're concerned coffee that would be exported and end up in about environmental troubles everywhere. a mug like the one I desperately caress every As consumers, we're linked in very direct morning. ways to Carmen and others who live from producing coffee around the world. How can Coffee has long been a major export crop in we use that leverage to heal the planet, so Central America, but the climate crisis is that she and others like her may truly live?

For reflection and action How much attention do we pay to the food chain that stretches from farms to our table? What items on our shopping list can be sourced from ethical or organic suppliers, lessening our impact on the planet and assuring that the workers who produce our Carmen Elvira Taywho, 9, picks coffee beans in food get a fair share of the profit? Does the Guatemala. (Paul Jeffrey) coffee and tea we drink after Mass carry a fair trade label or come from justice- promoting organizations like Equal steadily ruining small coffee farmers, Exchange? Are we supporting local farmers leading many to emigrate northward in order who sell at local markets or through to survive. Community Supported Agriculture programs? An increase in temperatures in recent decades has allowed a fungus known as [Paul Jeffrey is a founder of Life on Earth coffee rust to spread through plantations in Pictures and lives in Oregon. You can the region. Mottled yellow and brown leaves follow him on Instagram.] signal the arrival of the disease, which was formerly kept at bay by lower nighttime temperatures. Large farmers can often dig up the infected plants and replace them with disease-resistant hybrids, but small farmers

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LOVE AS COSMIC We are the children of the stars. Some now think the Universe is FORCE alive. She is our Mother birthing us Eleven Days of Peace: Day into the energies of her soul. She 6 knows through us as we exist through Celebrating The her. We are still coming into International Day of Peace existence. There is much we do not know. The ignorance baffles us as our curiosity becomes an infinite drive. Love is the most universal, the most Above all, we want to know why is tremendous and the most mystical of there so much violence and mistrust? cosmic forces. Love is the primal and The answer may be very simple. We universal psychic energy. Love is a are not yet what we are meant to be. sacred reserve of energy; it is like the We are still being born into the higher blood of spiritual evolution. consciousness of love.

The Spirit of the Earth When we realize our ability Pierre Teilhard Chardin, 1931 to love, we become a source of great peace in the midst of conflict and The great mystics of all times division. We are evolving with the see the way things truly are. The Universe into the Higher Universe in which we live gives us Consciousness which is Love itself. It life and the opportunity to see and has been written: "God is Love." We behold the beauty and splendor of the commit to practicing in the here and World around us. We need to open now the love unfolding in the our eyes and see what is around us. Universe. We can see the stars of the heavens shinning in the eyes of everyone we meet if we would truly practice RESPONSE "seeing" with the eyes of our hearts. I will release all the love in my heart Some people worship by each and every day. looking at the beauty of the images of I will release the love which created the gods and goddesses. Some uplift me to everyone I meet. their minds in prayer as they see the I will experience the love of the splendor of the stars. Some close their Universe when the wind blows and eyes that they may see deep into their the rain falls. souls. Wherever we look we can see I will honor the Earth and love her the creative works of the Universe when she cries out in storm, surging around us. Our very ability to earthquake, and drought. wander and wonder is born of the I will realize I am made of love. Universal impulse to create and give I will join the greatest of the cosmic life. forces in loving the next person I meet.

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the local church and they represent The complicated reality of communion of the local church with the Catholic on universal church, which is why during the Eucharistic Prayer the presider always Twitter mentions the local bishop and the pope by Sep 16, 2020 name. So it is especially disturbing when a by Daniel P. Horan bishop publicly embraces a stance that contradicts his primary ecclesial Theology responsibility.

Furthermore, by virtue of their office as the local ordinary, diocesan bishops have another responsibility in terms of governance. They are meant to be teachers and pastors to all the baptized in the local church. But this authority is not to be exercised as if they were mini-monarchs or CEOs of private corporations, though sadly some bishops misunderstand this. Instead, as the Second Vatican Council explains, "Bishops, as vicars and ambassadors of People use mobile phones in front of the Christ, govern their particular churches Twitter logo in this illustration photo. entrusted to them by their counsel, (CNS/Kacper Pempel, Reuters) exhortations, example, and even by their As the presidential election season moves authority and sacred power, which into high gear during its last weeks, some indeed they use only for the edification of American bishops have taken to social their flock in truth and holiness." media to disparage the Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, a Catholic, What is edifying about tweets from Bishop and throw their support behind the Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, which Republican incumbent President Donald endorsed and promoted an offensive, error- Trump. laden, and insulting video by Fr. James Altman of La Crosse, Wisconsin? Despite the prohibition of canon law against such political endorsements by clergy and What is edifying about tweets from Bishop the common sense approach that would Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, dictate church leaders maintain nonsectarian which questioned Biden's Catholicity in a positions publicly, several have petty and demeaning manner? entered the partisan fray and the result has been increased division and confusion What is edifying about tweets from Bishop among the faithful. Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, which also question the faithfulness of Bishops have an important and distinct Biden and also Speaker Nancy Pelosi, responsibility in the church to maintain misleadingly reducing Catholicism solely to communion by virtue of their episcopal one's political stance on abortion? office. They represent communion within

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This is not the first time that Strickland and to help inform the consciences of the Tobin have garnered national attention for faithful. Imperatori-Lee said, "I think it's imprudent and divisive comments. Earlier important to stress that the ultimate moral this year, Strickland signed a authority for a Catholic is his/her letter endorsing a conspiracy theory alleging conscience. You are obligated to follow it." safety restrictions mandated because of the She added that it is important to remember novel coronavirus were designed to create a that the "bishop is one voice among the new "world government." many voices that Catholics with informed consciences should hear in deciding their In 2018 Tobin announced he was "leaving vote." Twitter," decrying the platform as a "distraction," an "obstacle," and an But the personal opinions and partisan "occasion of sin for me and others." Less politics of individual bishops (or, for that than a year later he was back tweeting and matter, priests, vowed religious and lay received backlash for insisting that Catholics ministers) are not supposed to be factored should not "attend LGBTQ 'Pride Month' into this conscience formation. And yet, events," mistakenly claiming, "They are given the ubiquity and accessibility of social especially harmful for children." media, many Catholics understandably mistake individual views expressed by So what are Catholics to think in the age of bishops for authoritative teaching. social media where bishops, like all people, can post comments and express views that It's important for Catholics are instantaneously accessible around the globe? This is all the more pressing when to remember that not some bishops position themselves as everything that appears in "culture warriors" intent on condemning anything with which they personally a given bishop's Twitter disagree. To help answer this question, I asked two Catholic theologians who feed is authoritative or specialize in ecclesiology to weigh in on the even prudent. matter. In addition to the increasing lack of distinction between a bishop's personal Natalia Imperatori-Lee, professor of opinion and official teaching, another religious studies at Manhattan College, problem the digital age presents to the suggests that one of the unforeseen church is the dissolution of geographic theological problems of bishops on Twitter boundaries. Canonically, bishops exercise is that it is not always clear "who" they are jurisdiction in their local church and in the given moment of their post. "Are they generally do not have the authority to [private] citizens expressing opinions, which interfere in other dioceses. is certainly their right? Or are they tweeting in an official capacity?" However, with the reforms of Vatican II and a return to the ancient church's The role of the local bishop — and the understanding of collegiality and synodality, collection of regional bishops speaking in a there is renewed recognition of the ways in unified body, such as the bishops' which bishops are called to, as Lumen conference in the United States — is in part Gentium says, "foster and safeguard the

14 unity of the faith and to uphold the discernment and a desire for servant discipline which is common to the whole leadership." She added: "At the same time, I church." Commenting on these think the college of bishops, particularly the developments, Brian Flanagan, associate episcopal conferences, have a responsibility professor of theology and religious studies at to set out expectations for their brother Marymount University, said the council bishops and engage them in fraternal "opened the possibility of providing more correction." ways for bishops to be 'solicitous' for the faithful outside their own diocese." Flanagan offered a similar observation. "It seems we might need something like a set of Flanagan notes that, "Vatican II primarily principles for 'just conduct' on the Internet," envisioned that would occur in and through which could serve as a guide for bishops. structures of synodality, especially Drawing on the letters of St. Paul, he added provincial synods, regional and national that bishops — and by extension, all episcopal conferences, and the universal Catholics — should ask themselves: "Is synod of bishops." When it comes to the what I say, tweet, like, share or comment bishops exercising this sort of solicitude for [on] building up the church, or not?" the formation of consciences across In the meantime, as we face difficult choices American dioceses, the best illustration is in an historic election, the best and most found in the conference's quadrennial faithful course of action may be to Catholic voting guide: "Forming respectfully ignore the political tweets of Consciences for Faithful Citizenship." bishops, pray for them and the people of their dioceses, and take the time to learn, Among the things the council did not reflect and discern what the best course of anticipate at its close in 1965 were the action is for you in exercising your civic Internet or the democratizing of mass responsibility. communication in the ways we witness today. We are still grappling with the fact It is also important to contextualize what that opinions, perspectives, facts (and voting for a presidential candidate actually errors), statistics and other information (and means. Imperatori-Lee summarizes well misinformation) are bombarding Catholics what it is we are doing when we cast our all day on line. Church leadership and vote. "We should also be clear here that Catholic theology have not adequately kept voting in the U.S. isn't a full-throated pace, nor do we have clear guidance about endorsement of every single thing a how to process this information, including politician or a party believes. We're voting comments coming from bishops online. for presidents, not messiahs. A vote is a bet — a bet that if this person is elected more of While we continue to seek greater the common good will be served. A vote is understanding of how to use and interpret not the sum total of a person's moral action new communications technology in the life in the world." of the church, it's important for Catholics to remember that not everything that appears in a given bishop's Twitter feed is authoritative or even prudent. Imperatori-Lee encourages us to "pray for all the bishops, particularly that they be filled with prudence,

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[Daniel P. Horan is the Duns Scotus Chair The picture that struck me hardest — and of Spirituality at Catholic Theological Union confused me most — had the aura of the in Chicago, where he teaches systematic World War II classic Rosie the Riveter, arms theology and spirituality. His recent book up, muscles taut, loud voice, determined is Catholicity and Emerging Personhood: A look, bold answers. A real winner. The icon Contemporary Theological Anthropology. of a confident and effective woman, the kind Follow him on Twitter: @DanHoranOFM.] of woman I myself admire, and want to see as a model for us all. Land of the free, home of the self-centered Sep 17, 2020 by Joan Chittister

(Wikimedia Commons/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)

In the '40s, Rosie left her safe, quiet kitchen and went into totally foreign territory, to

They call it a "pandemic," meaning assembly lines everywhere, to save the occurring all over the world, all around the country from the plague of that time, Nazi globe. Horrible. Overwhelming. Heart- domination of the free world. stopping. The woman on my television screen, now, The world has gone into lockdown, been though, was somewhere between 30-40 felled — so many ravaged, so many sick, so years old. She was fired up, too, and very many out of work, so much of the world sure of herself. Nobody was going to tell her looking straight into the abyss of economic to do anything she didn't want to do. collapse as a result. And all of that thanks to "I see you're not wearing a mask, " the invisible particles from a random virus. reporter called to her. "Is that on purpose?" "You bet it is!" she shot back, arms flailing. Except, not exactly. "Nobody can make me wear a mask; we have rights! This is a free country. They just In fact, another image may explain the real want to control us. But we're free! We scope of this disaster with even greater have rights and we're not giving them up." specificity. In fact, it might even be in us The irony was not lost on me: Rosie the that the real danger lies and not in the virus Riveter gave up her freedom to free the rest at all. of the world. Ms. TV Personality of 2020 — nicely dressed, full of self-confidence —

16 claimed the freedom that Rosie won for all about our freedom, our rights, our laws and of us for herself, for her own satisfaction, our responsibility to the common good. whatever might happen to the rest of the First, we learn there that only some rights country. are unalienable — meaning cannot under any circumstances be taken away because It was still relatively early in a plague that they are part of being human, part of simply the world assumed would be over in a being born. Often called natural rights, they couple months. But the numbers of infected, include, among other things, the right: the thousands of dead, the growing • To act in self-defense; exhaustion in the medical community had • To own private property; already climbed beyond the limits of our • To work and enjoy the fruits of one's labor; early imaginings. Unfortunately, of course, • To move freely within the country or to the situation only got worse and worse as the another country; days went by. • To worship or refrain from worshipping within a freely-chosen religion; Yet, all the while, the United States went • To be secure in one's home; drifting and stumbling through the plague • To think freely. without any kind of central leadership or • defined strategies. We were, in fact, leading The notion of unalienable rights originated the pack — a sick pack. We already had in Athens, in the third century B.C. It was more sick and dead here than in China or all sealed by the Enlightenment in its 17th- of Europe put together. century response to the fact that only the monarchy enjoyed personal freedom. It was It didn't take long to see the difference confirmed for all people by the Constitution between the U.S. with its growing numbers of the United States, however often we of sick and dead, and the rest of the world ourselves have failed to apply them with their declining numbers. universally. The rest of the world let scientists lead them and wore masks to take care of others they Second, to be "free" means to be able to do might infect. Then, they got back to work, the doable without being subject to undue or back to school, back to play. Back to their unjust constraints or enslavement. It does safe and quiet homes to take care of the not mean that any of us have a license to people around them as best they could. trample on the rights of others, though we We, on the other hand, had a vocabulary are still struggling to grasp that, too. problem. A serious one. Third, both personal and corporate rights come with the responsibility to maintain We couldn't tell "freedom" from "license," them for the self and for others. or "rights" from "responsibilities," or "laws" from "the common good." And while the There is, in other words, no such thing as the world laughed at us (or worse, pitied us) and freedom to pollute, or the freedom to looked to other nations for better, more deforest, etc. because that would create moral leadership, we stood like spoiled conditions that violate other people's liberty children and made fun of people in masks not to be exposed to pollution. who were trying to take care of us. "The right of the individual to freedom and The most superficial study of the self-realization" is an honorable one, a life- Constitution of the United States is clear giving impetus to new ideas, new ways to be

17 alive and new ways to develop both people There is also the ongoing echo of a Scripture and property. But it does not mean that in us that we've apparently forgotten and individuals can refuse to strap babies into maybe ought to read again. "And then the car seats once the commonwealth has Lord asked Cain, 'Where is your brother determined the need to provide special Abel?' He answered, 'I do not know. Am I protection for babies in cars built for adults. my brother's keeper?' " Red lights have saved the lives of a good many of people, including the lives of those From where I stand, that question is being who don't want to stop at them. asked of all of us, and the answer is just as clear now as it was then. Speed limits make the roads safe for all of [Joan Chittister is a Benedictine sister of us — and make clear at the same time that Erie, Pennsylvania.] individual acts that harm others are themselves illegal. LIVE SIMPLY SO OTHERS MAY Drugs that are dangerous or addictive are SIMPLY LIVE controlled by the state. To use them or sell Eleven Days of Peace: Day 7 them carries the threat of jail time for those Celebrating The International who think that they're in a "free" country Day of Peace and have the "right" to do whatever they please. Common good or no common good. "The common good" is the antidote to toxic Live Simply So Others May Simply individualism — of which we have seen a Live! great deal in these last months. So many, in Gandhi fact, that where other countries have managed to make a distinction between Too much is not enough pathological individualism and the common I am driven to think I need more good, between freedom and license, between To be a better person rights and responsibilities, we are still To be more authentic burying our dead, closing our schools, To be acceptable to others straining our hospitals, and single-handedly destroying our economy. My too much is never enough I feel buried alive in what I don't need It makes you wonder how the generations And unfulfilled in what I long for before us, how Rosie the Riveter and her And then I met my friend on a street crowd, managed to muster up the sense of Drinking tea in an abandoned responsibility to save the United States from storefront itself. He looked at me as if I were in need Clearly, the land of the free and the home of of something the self-centered have a lot to learn from the My too much was never enough people of all ages and all countries who My too much blinded me from the manage to wear masks, avoid pool parties simplicity of a cup of tea and understand that the fines that go with The stranger opens a doorway in my activities like those are in recognition of heart everybody else's rights. Offering me tea in his home made of cardboard

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Never did weak tea ever taste so bold How could he be so generous with his poverty How could I have been so greedy with my richness

The "poor" man in the abandoned doorway Shared with me his not enough Unlocking the shut door of my too Bald eagles have come back from the much brink of extinction since the 1960s. (Paul RESPONSE Jeffrey) Editor's note: This Season of Creation, join Peace is born when we live simply. award-winning photographer Paul Jeffrey I will no longer be possessed by my for "Lens on Creation" as he examines the belongings. world through the lens of his camera and his Do I have enough "stuff" to open a faith. Sign up here to receive Jeffrey's store? reflections in your inbox every Monday, I will divest myself of things so I Wednesday and Friday from Aug. 31 to Oct. might live simply. 4. I will share what I have so others may simply live. When I was a kid in the 1950s, I loved to I will remember I am not what I own. ride my bike in the summer behind the Everything is borrowed anyway. truck that sprayed a cool mist of DDT to kill the mosquitoes in our neighborhood. I wasn't the only one back then who loved DDT. Yet that love affair with Lens on Creation: pesticides had devastating consequences, Welcoming back the as Rachel Carson documented in her eagles book Silent Spring, published in 1962. Sep 18, 2020 I never saw an eagle as a kid, despite by Paul Jeffrey growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Raptors in general had been disparaged Spirituality for decades, often facing organized campaigns of extermination, but eagles in particular, perched at the top of the food chain, suffered the effects of indiscriminate DDT use. Bald eagles, the national symbol, were especially at risk.

We have a terrifying ability to mess up God's creation. But we also have the

19 ability to confess our environmental sin future generations, and it is committed in and work to restore the integrity of the acts and habits of pollution and planet which we share with an amazing destruction of the harmony of the variety of animals and plants. environment." Where do you see ecological sin in your neighborhood, In the United States, we did that with the community or region? How can Endangered Species Act, and restitution be made? internationally with the Migratory Bird [Paul Jeffrey is a founder of Life on Treaty Act, both of which granted Earth Pictures and lives in Oregon. You protection to bald eagles. And the United can follow him on Instagram.] States banned most uses of DDT in 1972. As a result, the bird's recovery has been dramatic. In 1963, there were only 487 RADICAL OPENNESS breeding pairs of bald eagles in the 48 Eleven Days of Peace: Day contiguous U.S. states. By 2009, there 8 were more than 16,000 breeding pairs of Celebrating The bald eagles in the same area. International Day of Peace

Now I see eagles all the time. And every time I do, I remember my childhood Who knows from whence this great without eagles. The magnificent birds creation sprang? have become for me a symbol of hope. The Most High from whom all this Hope that we can mend our destructive great creation came? ways, in the spirit of a restorative Jubilee Whether the Most High's will created for the earth. Hope that we can be or was mute, faithful stewards of God's Creation. The Most High seer that is in the highest heaven knows - Hope that we can take seriously the or perchance even the Most High challenge that gives us in knows not. "Laudato Si'": "We read in the Gospel that Jesus says of the birds of the air that Rig Vedas 10: 129 'not one of them is forgotten before God' (Lk 12:6). How then can we possibly mistreat them or cause them harm?" There is an implicit humility to be found in the great Spiritual Traditions of Humankind. It is a sign of immaturity to think one Tradition knows everything absolutely. The For reflection and action: Ultimate can never be mastered by the partial knowledge of any given The final document of the 2019 synod Tradition. for the Amazon defined ecological sin as "an action or omission against God, If individual Spiritual Traditions could against one's neighbor, the community master the humility implicit in their and the environment. It is sin against Sacred Writings and Sacred

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Narratives, their people could rejoice I am radically open to the wisdom of in the splendor of it All. others who are my companions in life.

As a person matures, they realize how I will humbly and lovingly share my much they might not know. This is wisdom with others. "Holy Ignorance" which empowers I will practice the joy of humility in one to be radically open to the every moment of my life. wisdom of others. - Fr. Tom Bonacci, C.P. The Interfaith Peace Project Someone said, "Without borders, there is no Country." Nonetheless, Grand Raffle Update borders must not be walls of exclusion Don’t forget to take your chance on but open doors of welcome. Strong our “Fly Me to the Moon” grand walls create prisons. We must not raffle. As of Sunday, September 13th, become inmates based on fear and 169 parish families have sold just over prejudice. 200 raffle books.

Physical barriers and walls are one Fundraising activities have always thing. We must transcend the walls of been an important source of income our need to be right about everything. for annual parish operations. Since we The Buddha reminded us to change are unable to hold any of the our thoughts and beliefs in light of the traditional events this year, the funds discover of truth as it unfolds. What I from this year’s raffle will play an believe today may change tomorrow even more important role. because I had the courage to meet you and learn from you. We had the The goal is for each registered courage to learn from one another. household to sell one book of 10 tickets. Every ticket sold is important! The Jewish Tradition reminds us, "God loves stories so God made humankind." May our stories cause Parking Lot Update God to rejoice and ourselves to live in The parish will be retiring our long- peace. term liability in the next 6 weeks. Unfortunately, the envelopes from our supplier did not include a red Parking RESPONSE Lot Loan envelope for October. Please feel free to make a payment on the I will embrace the diversity revealed parking lot loan as usual with your in the Natural World. tithe on October 4 (the first Sunday of I will embrace the diversity of the the month). peoples around me. Simply include a separate check and I will foster peace through humility of write “Parking Lot” in the memo line. heart. The last Parking Lot envelope will be I do not know everything and my included with your November ignorance is holy. envelopes at which time, we’ll be able

21 to completely pay off this debt to the the example we need to find our Way diocese. through these times. His times were like ours: corrupt leadership, much Since January of 2009, your gifts have sickness and many false ideas about reduced the debt of over $775,000 to God, times of confusion and just $5,800.30. Your consistent uncertainty. support and generosity made this possible. Thank you We cannot know how much time is given to us or when God will call us Knights of Columbus Fundraiser home. St. Paul in today's Epistle says Our Knights of Columbus Brothers he is caught between living and dying. are in the midst of a fundraiser. Since To live is to help others. We are not we cannot have social gatherings and here for ourselves, but for our fellow most of the income for Knights of human beings. To die is to be with Columbus is raised by fish fry’s, Christ in fuller way. But God wants us bingo, crab feeds and the like, it is here for the time being. So, what is impossible to raise funds to meet their He asking of us? charitable obligations. They need your help. Here we are with COVID, fires and smoke, with job loss and economic $25 for dinner for 2 consists of 2 large downturn, with ongoing examples of burritos of your choice accompanied racism and the killing of black men, by a side of beans, chips and with climate change and continuous salsa. You order it and pick up from a change in the society. We can only local restaurant. Food vouchers are “conduct ourselves in a way worthy of good through the end of December. If the Gospel of Christ” until He decides you’re interested, please email to bring us home. In the meantime, [email protected] to place or we “entrust ourselves to a deeper inquire about orders. aliveness...and cast ourselves unto the mercy of Being itself.” (Cynthia This information will be in next Bourgeault) When we are one with week’s bulletin for your Jesus, the Way will become clear. reference. On behalf of the St. Ignatius of Antioch Knights of Being in that space in prayer is what it Columbus, I'd like to thank you.” is like to make our transition into Christ when it is “our time.” It is Justice Corner by Carolyn Krantz, seeing the whole world as the Divine Pastoral Associate Milieu as Teilhard de Chardin wrote. God's ways are far above ours. We It is seeing as God sees, full of love, cannot know them. The Psalm says, full of grace and truth. But we have “Who has known the mind of the small eyes. Our way of seeing often Lord? Who has been his counselor?” only is to look at how things affect us, We can only try to read the Scriptures not to desire to see as God sees. and walk humbly in His Presence. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth Some of us labor all the day long into and the Light.” We look to Him for the 80's and 90's. Others are taken up

22 into God as children or young adults. Coming. We do not know the mind of the Lord. His ways and His purpose are far Parish Perspective by above us. We can only trust and seek Peter Degl’Innocenti, Pastoral Him in all things for “He is generous Associate and forgiving. If anything, the A Bitter Sweet First readings of today teach us of His As time progresses and Covid-19 is generosity and love. starting to yield its stranglehold on our ways of life, more of the activities we I recently read an article by Melinda once did are starting to come to life. LeBlanc, a spiritual director, from Last month saw the start of in-person Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She used the worship being held outdoors. This idea of the hurricane which occurs month we had our first outdoor often in the South. She said the winds Funeral Liturgy at the church. blow and swirl in our spiritual life, but we must remain in the eye of the Eliefe Goncalves was a regular at the storm where the sky is blue and the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist. She was sun (Son) is shining. We must not be easily recognized by her large- blown around by the storms of the brimmed hats, usually encircled with day, but always know that our loving colorful flowers. Her ever-patient son, God has us in his arms. He will guide Jack, would escort her down the aisle and direct us for He is “the Way”. at the slow pace Eliefe’s 100 years of life would allow. Marie of the Incarnation said, “Leave it all to God, this God of ours who is Once seated she wasn’t the least bit so full of love.” This kind of trust is inhibited from greeting any and rare. That's what it comes down to: everyone around her with a smile as trusting God. This is our spiritual task big and broad as Texas. She brought a at this time in history. We must unique singular elegance to the abandon ourselves to God's assembly that only a person who has providence and trust He will see us lived through many eras of social through. We cannot grumble if we change can bring. She was a beacon of bear the days heat, or be envious if grace, faith, family, and love for God is generous with others. He waits Christ. for us to imitate Jesus in being of service to others. The Funeral Liturgy proceeded with no major glitches. The Funeral So, what I am encouraging all of us to Coordinator team members were do is to maintain an active prayer life. quick to shake-off any “rust” that Spend time in the Presence of Jesus. might have formed from inactivity. Fr. Then we will let Him convert our Robert was in top form; no rust will discouragement to trust, and our ever form to slow him down. I always worries to joy. Then “Christ will be listen to his funeral homilies with the magnified in our bodies whether by enthusiasm of an eager student on the life or by death.” In prayer, we stand first day of class. There is always in that in-between space awaiting His something to learn about the person,

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the liturgy, and the needs of people that only the context of a funeral can give.

Jack, imparting the Words of Remembrance, at the end of the liturgy was a shining example of what it means to have a “Heart of Gold.” His love of Christ, Church, and his mother all blended into one stirring and heartfelt moment. The emotional roller-coaster he endured; the tears he shed and the sweet words of love he spoke, were an inspiration to all in attendance. A finer mother Jack could never ask for, and a finer son Eliefe never had. God bless and reward them both.

This is what being Church is all about, caring for the human soul. Its nourishment, healing, growth, and ultimate salvation depends on what we do for each other. The world and all its troubles will pass away but the ones we hold in love, the soul of humanity molded and formed in the image of Christ will live forever.

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Catholic Vote 2020 St Anne Church Byron, CA. Issue 2 This series is for Catholic-Christians to reflect on the teachings of Jesus and his Church as we form our consciences in preparing to vote this November. And we will explore the 7 themes of Catholic social teaching. The Values that Guide Us “Our Citizenship is rom the world’s foundation the call of God to justice has been clear. The Law in heaven, and from F and the Prophets (the Old Testament) of ancient Israel preserve a deep tradition of it we also await a social justice. Jesus (in the New Testament) embodies a new kind of relationship savior, the Lord and society ruled by justice, love and charity—we name it the Reign of God. Jesus Christ.” The Letter to the Everything is Connected Philippians 3:20 Humans and creation are related and interdependent. From our bodies to the furthest star, all comes from the same material that burst forth at the “Big Bang.” The Scriptures define sin as a failure to attend to right relationship with others, creation and God. Sin isolates us into separated individual pieces. But God calls us to honor the inter-dependence that makes us whole and creation thrive.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself. Our lives are involved with one another, through innumerable interactions they are linked together. No one lives alone. No one sins alone. The lives of others continually spill over into mine; in what I think, say, do and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better and for worse.”

Justice and Charity The Scriptures call us not only to charity but also justice. It is not enough to merely drop in a basket or envelope spare change for a cause that benefits the needy. Jesus calls us to a radical discipleship—a life marked by daily care and concern for the poor and one another.

The Gospel of Mark tells the story of Jesus sitting opposite the collection box in the Temple in Jerusalem. He observes how the crowd put money in it. Many of the rich put in large sums. A poor widow comes by and drops two small coins worth only a few cents. There is some irony when Jesus comments that she gave more than all the rest of the contributors. The rich had contributed from their surplus but Jesus says she contributed all that she had to live on.

In his statement Jesus is not only commending the widow but is also criticizing the economic establishment. The Temple was big business. It employed thousands of people. The treasury was meant to support the livelihood of the priests but also to be used to care for the poor. Later, Jesus will accuse the rich leaders of devouring the houses of the poor and, as a cover, recite long prayers. Jesus says they will receive a severe condemnation.

Jesus was not only concerned with meeting the immediate needs of the poor through charity. But he also challenged the structures that lead to the oppression of the voiceless.

Charity and social justice are the two legs that hold up our witness to the values of the Reign of God. Charity seeks to meet basic needs and aids individuals. Social justice seeks to change structures in society that attack human dignity, oppress people, and contribute to poverty. Justice works for In ancient Rome the senator the rights of people, addresses economic and social causes, and works for Cicero defined justice as long term solutions for social change. giving each person in society what is due to them. Economics and People St Augustine warned what Jesus sent his disciples out into the world with the message of God’s mercy. happens to society when The Church cannot restrict its mission to the activities of the individual, or justice is forgotten: the private and personal. It cannot retreat to the sacristy; because Jesus calls us to be “yeast, salt and light for the world.” “If justice is set aside, then, what are kingdoms (nations) Economic and political systems do not only deal with technical issues. They but great bands of robbers? impact people as well. Pope Francis likes to remind us that people are not For what are bands of here to serve money and systems, but money and the economic system robbers but little kingdoms? must serve people. Economic systems are not givens of nature but human The band itself is made up of creations. They can be changed to serve human needs. men which is ruled by the authority of a ring-leader, is The current crisis of the COVID 19 has revealed the flaws in our economic knit together by a pact, and and political systems. When everything is monetized, only measured in divides the booty according terms of dollars, there is a diminishment of society and a kind of to a firm agreement among “amputation” of the human person. When globalization fails to see the them.”—The City of God IV,4 impact on local communities destroyed by the pursuit of greater profits, society loses it soul and becomes a heartless system.

Jesus said, “Blest are you poor; the reign of God is yours.” (Luke 6:20). It is our duty to ensure that all have access to shelter, food, education, health care and meaningful work. The mercy of God demands that we always consider economic decisions by their impact on every member of society. Mercy calls us to close the gap between rich and poor. And those with more have more responsibility to the common good.

Catholics are called by Christ to help create a more equitable society. When we go to the poles we must consider which candidates are just maintaining the status quo and those who will seek the changes society and the world need for life and survival.

NEXT: Life and Dignity of the Human Person Family, Community and Participation

The GOOD NEWS Letter Celebrating the families, volunteers and staff of Winter Nights Family Shelter, Inc. September 2020 Winter Nights “Re-Imagined”. The 17th Season of the Winter Nights Family Shelter We wanted to let you know, in case the news had not drifted your way, that due to COVID-19 restrictions, Winter Nights is “re-imagining” itself this season. We learned in August that Winter Nights could not operate a congregate shelter (living in one large space) unless we follow specific guidelines newly set by Contra Costa County. These include: • Rather than stay two weeks per site, the shelter will stay one month per site (four weeks) to minimize the number of locations. • To follow social-distancing rules, fewer clients than normal can be sheltered at a site. • Tents must be placed 12 feet apart. • Tables must be spaced 6 feet apart and used by only one family. • Clients must be COVID-tested and found free of the virus before entry into the program. • Daily screening for temperature and symptoms must be charted. • Masks, handwashing, and surface cleaning protocols must be scrupulously followed. • Clients must shelter-in-place except for essential trips to doctors or other key appointments. • No volunteers will be allowed inside the shelter. • Meals must be prepared in licensed restaurant kitchens, individually plated (no buffets), dropped off outside the shelter with no contact and served by staff. • Groceries delivered can be used by clients or staff to prepare breakfast and lunch. • Tents may not be disinfected and reused by another family. They must be taken by the family or discarded when a family leaves. What is the Plan for Season 17? The WN Executive Team, led by Executive Director Judy Stillman, has been working hard to identify congregations and other facilities who can accommodate the social distancing requirements, a need for outdoor space for kids to get out a bit, and can host for a full month. There are many congregations who are sadly unable to meet the shelter’s needs for time and space, especially if they have a preschool on their campus that is in operation. Sheltering in place means Winter Nights’ clients will be at the site 24/7, instead of from 5 pm –7 am, and their preschools need to spread out to provide socially distanced classrooms during the day. We understand and look forward to returning to their congregations when conditions change. Winter Nights Family Shelter will open November 2nd at a host congregation for all of November. Cohosts will help provide restaurant meals and groceries for the month. The shelter will then move to another confirmed site for December where cohosts will again help by purchasing prepared meals and groceries.

As of this writing in early September, there are eight other congregations working on plans and approvals to host for a month. From these possible sites, we are fairly confident that we will have a full schedule through mid-June. Fingers crossed.

Your support helps rebuild the lives of so many families. Thank you. Checks can be made out to: Winter Nights Family Shelter, Inc. and mailed to the address below.

Winter Nights Family Shelter, Inc., 404 Gregory Lane #7, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-414-3883 http://www.cccwinternights.org

Winter Nights Family Shelter, Inc is a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit. Tax ID # 84-4775540 Donations are tax deductible, and no goods or services are provided in exchange for a donation. The Season of Creation:

The Season of Creation spans five weeks between the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (September 1) and the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4). This “time for creation” offers, in the words of Pope Francis, “individual believers and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful

handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live."1 Below are some ways to live out these three dimensions of Pope Francis' call, both as individuals and as a community. Care for Creation in Action 1. Reaffirm Our Vocation as Stewards of Creation In 2017 the Diocese of As individuals and families: Counteract the "Throwaway Culture" Burlington, Vermont Laudato Si', celebrated a Year of In Pope Francis brings attention to our "throwaway culture," which "quickly reduces things to rubbish" (no. 22). In your daily Creation. The Year life, try to identify the ways in which you can choose included creation- reusables, rather than disposables, such as coffee mugs, themed liturgies, a reusable bags, or cloth napkins, and commit to making Catholic schools’ one change during this month. ecological awareness and action project, an As a community: Educational Program ecological justice Use the educational program “Befriend the Wolf” from the conference and an Catholic Climate Covenant to reflect on our vocation as initiative to “Laudato stewards of creation. The program is designed to help your Si-ify your Advent.” To community contemplate the connections between all learn more, please creatures under God our Creator. Visit bit.ly/CCC-BTF to visit bit.ly/YOC-VT. access this resource.

2. Thank God for His Wonderful Handiwork

As individuals and families: Meal Prayer Before and after meals, say a short prayer of thanksgiving for the lifegiving “The ecological food that sustains and nourishes us. Briefly consider how all nourishment conversion needed ultimately comes from the earth, and to bring about give thanks for all the human hands that lasting change is helped bring this food to your table. also a community May we recognize, as Laudato Si' has taught us, that this "moment of blessing, however brief, reminds us of our conversion.” dependence on God for life" (no. 227).

-Pope Francis

Laudato Si’, no. 219 1 Pope Francis, “Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis For the Establishment of the ‘World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” September 1, 2015.

As a community: Eucharistic Adoration One of the most meaningful ways we give thanks as Christians is through the sacrament of the Eucharist, a word which means "thanksgiving." As Laudato Si' proclaims, through the Eucharist, "the whole cosmos gives thanks to God" (no. 236). To celebrate this sacred reality during the Season of Creation, we recommend hosting a one-hour, care for creation-themed eucharistic adoration in your parish. Please visit bit.ly/PCJP-EA to access a resource created by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace for this purpose. Here are a few suggestions from the 3. Implore God's Help and Ask His Pardon

Diocese of Stockton, As individuals and families: Confession California on how to In calling for a deep "ecological conversion," Pope Francis has emphasized the care for creation: importance of examining one's own conscience, of recognizing one's sins against - Buy Fair Trade creation, however great or small. Seeing the interconnectedness of our world products to leads to an understanding that “[e]very support local violation of solidarity and civic friendship harms the environment” (Caritas in Veritate, artisans and no. 51). We invite you to bring these sins to farmers and protect confession and to perform a spiritual work the environment. of mercy for our common home, such as an - Store food in act of “grateful contemplation of God’s reusable world” (Laudato Si’, no. 214). containers, not As a community: Prayer Service plastic wrap or foil, One final suggestion for this time is to organize a prayer service in your parish. to reduce waste. The Catholic Climate Covenant has developed a four-part prayer service to be - Avoid using said after Mass each week. As we approach the beautiful autumn season, holding Styrofoam at your this service outside may allow for a rich experience. Please visit bit.ly/CCC-PS to parish functions. access this resource. Styrofoam can rarely be recycled, O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and it takes 500 years to and forgotten of this earth, decompose in who are so precious in your eyes… God of love, show us our place in this world landfills! as channels of your love (Excerpted from “10 for all the creatures of this earth, Practical Ways You Can God of mercy, may we receive your forgiveness Care for Creation” on and convey your mercy throughout our common home. togoforth.org. To see more, Praise be to you! please visit bit.ly/TGF-CC) Amen.

Source: Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, 2016 “There is a nobility in the duty to care For more resources related to care of creation, please visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic for creation through Bishops webpage on the Environment at usccb.org/environment. little daily actions.”

Copyright © 2017, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. This text may be Laudato -Pope Francis reproduced in whole or in part without alteration for nonprofit educational use, provided such Si’, no. 211 reprints are not sold and include this notice. All quotes from Popes and Vatican sources, copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV), Vatican City. All rights reserved.