Youth on Fire for Jesus
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June 12, 2020 Vol. 120 No. 19 ALBURQUERQUE, New Mexico — Amid growing calls for meaningful digital resources, these media ministries are responding daily with content that feeds the soul. A 100-year-old cottonwood tree at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has continually inspired the center’s founder, Richard Rohr, OFM, to meditate on life’s interconnectedness. Story page 2. (The Center for Action and Contemplation photo) SAINT JOHN — After months of celebrating masses, Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC of the Diocese of Saint John greeted a crowd of faithful at the Cathedral of the Immaculate SAINT JOHN — L’Arche Saint John celebrated 15 years of Conception in Saint John, for the Solemnity of the Most success in Saint John. Story page 7. (Natasha Mazerolle photo) Holy Trinity, June 7. Story page 3. (Natasha Mazerolle photo) Spiritual nourishment in a digital world By DANIEL IMWALLE spection and outward expressions of respond- The and CHRISTOPHER HEFFRON ing to the Gospel call. Not long after moving New Freeman to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fr. Rohr es- Reprinted with permission tablished the CAC in 1986. One Bayard Drive St. Anthony Messenger, June 2020 Popular events such as CONSPIRE — an Saint John, NB E2L 3L5 Tel: (506) 653-6806 in-depth, three day conference on contem- Fax: (506) 653-6818 Just as uplifting news stories seem to get plative living — and the two-year Living E-mail: [email protected] buried under the more salacious and exploita- School program have attracted thousands of tive items, the efforts to spread goodness and participants interested in the center’s inclu- Office Hours: well-being via technology are often overshad- sive and welcoming ministry Calling to mind Telephone or email only owed by mind-numbing games and unhealthy Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, the location seems use of social media. Although we ought to a fitting backdrop for an institution focused tread carefully in the web-based world of on mindfulness and soul-searching. And, again Publisher: content, we should also keep an open mind mirroring the life of Christ, whose ministry Most Rev. Christian Riesbeck, CC to where it can be beneficial to our psyches followed his time of self-discovery in the and spirits. Indeed, Pope Francis, though cau- desert, the CAC encourages those who en- Managing Editor: Margie Trafton tious, was optimistic when he stated that “a bet- gage with its content to apply what is gained ter world is possible thanks to technological through contemplation back in the “real Correspondents: progress, if this is accompanied by an ethic in- world.” According to the center’s website, Fredericton: vacant spired by a vision of the common good, an ethic their mission is to “open the door for a criti- of freedom, responsibility, and fraternity, capa- cal mass of spiritual seekers to experience Miramichi: Shawn McCarthy ble of fostering the full development of people in the transformative wisdom of the Christian [email protected] relation to others and to the whole of creation” contemplative tradition and nurture its emer- (audience at the Vatican, September 2019). gence in service to the healing of our world.” Saint John: Natasha Mazerolle There is a growing wave of people who Although visiting the CAC in person for its [email protected] are seeking more from their experience with many retreats and seminars remains a popu- digital media, something that connects them lar draw, it has increasingly offered a variety Single Copy: $1.00 to faith, meaning, and healthier relationships. of resources online. Four podcasts, e-learn- Annual Subscription: Canada To meet this need, apps, podcasts, YouTube ing courses, daily e-mail meditations from Fr. (NB; NS; NL; ON; PE) channels, blogs, and many other virtual spaces Rohr, and an online bookstore are just a few $25.00 (HST included) are springing up — so many, in fact, that it’s of the items on the CAC website. One of the Elsewhere in Canada: getting to be somewhat of a challenge to podcasts, Another Name for Everything, fea- $23.25 (GST included) know where to start. To help you navigate tures weekly conversations between Fr. Rohr USA/Other Countries: $35.00 this ever-changing digital landscape, here are and the two hosts, Brie Stoner and Paul Advertising Rate: six examples of the emerging presence of Swanson, on a plethora of topics that unpack $15.00 per column inch for most ads. meaningful media the concept of contemplative living. Ever in tune with the times, Another Name Publishing Date: Friday The Center for Action for Everything doesn’t shy away from ad- Deadline: Monday noon prior to the and Contemplation dressing current issues, such as living out our publishing date. The brainchild of Richard Rohr, OFM, the faith in an era of globalization and practising Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) mindfulness during the coronavirus pandemic. Printed & Distributed by strives to enrich the lives of spiritual seekers In a fast-paced culture that is increasingly fix- St. Croix Printing Co. Ltd. by striking a balance between healthy intro- ated on immediate results, the CAC is an oa- sis of calm for the world-weary. We acknowledge the financial support cac.org of the Government of Canada. The One You Feed It all started with a parable. In it, a grandfa- ther tells his grandson about the two wolves The New Freeman is a that are in a constant struggle within us — not-for-profit organization. one that represents kindness, bravery, and love, The opinions expressed in letters/commentaries and another that represents greed, hatred, and published in The New Freeman, do not fear. The grandson asks which wolf will win necessarily represent the views of the battle, and his grandfather responds, “The The New Freeman, its publisher, staff, board one you feed.” This parable is central to the of directors or the Diocese of Saint John. ethos of the website and podcast named after All submissions , including advertising, are the grandfather’s answer to his grandson. subject to review and editing. Father Richard Rohr, OFM (continued on page 8) Page 2 Voice of the Diocese of Saint John since 1900. June 12, 2020 Trinity Sunday is ‘not to figure out the Trinity, but realize the depth’s of God’s love’ By NATASHA MAZEROLLE this mass was different. Parishioners were days of uncertainty. Correspondent seated in pre-determined pews to maintain Each person needs to be connected to this physical distance. All were instructed not to perfect love that casts out all fear. “The point SAINT JOHN — This past Sunday, after sing, and Communion was distributed after of this feast is not to try and figure out the months of celebrating masses alone in his the final blessing, so that congregants could Trinity, but to make us realize the depth of chapel, Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC of the exit the church immediately after receiving. God’s love for us,” Bishop Christian told the Diocese of Saint John greeted a crowd of Masks, protocols and physical distancing can congregation. “We surrender our way to him faithful at the Cathedral of the Immaculate make individuals feel disconnected from each in faith, we allow him to reveal himself to Conception in Saint John, for the Solemnity other, but there is one very profound thing us.” Each person has been asked to give so of the Most Holy Trinity. that unites — God. The love for him and his much in these days, but through it all God The doors to churches throughout the dio- love for all, lived in community. continues to offer himself to all in a deeply cese and New Brunswick were opened and Pope Francis reminded everyone last week personal way. ready to welcome parishioners within the on the Solemnity of Pentecost that, “the Spirit “God wants to be in a personal relationship current government guidelines. Seeing restric- does not want the memory of the Master to with each one of us,” Bishop Riesbeck said. tions lifted in many other parts of life, the be cultivated in small groups locked in upper “In fact, he loves us so much, he wants us to faithful had eagerly awaited this day when rooms where it is easy to ‘nest’.” For the spend eternity with him.” There is still great they could gather once again as a community apostles, those early days of going out were cause for joy, even in the midst of so many to celebrate the Eucharist. Truly it was a cause filled with confusion and difficulty too. But obstacles. The unique challenges that each for celebration. they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and re- person faced to be together in this moment Bishop Riesbeck addressed the congrega- sponded to a burning desire on their hearts. can either be a distraction, or a catalyst, forc- tion of nearly 50 saying, “we’re overjoyed to Through the difficulty that this pandemic con- ing oneself out of preconceived notions about open our churches for public worship in New tinues to pose, many can identify in a new what it means to worship, and opening hearts Brunswick.” He also greeted those following way with these followers of the early Church. to Jesus in a new way. via the Diocesan YouTube Channel saying, Parishioners have been closed up, locked into “we want to continue to minister to those of homes for fear of an unknown virus that has Natasha Mazerolle is the Saint John Re- you who are unable to come at this time, many turned the world upside down. Indeed now gion correspondent for The New Freeman. of you who are part of the vulnerable is the time to celebrate with joy being sent out She can be reached at natasha@maz- population…we hope to welcome you when- full of the Spirit, to worship together and share family.com.