FALL-WINTER 2013-14 Focus VOL. XVI | NO. 3 on FutureChurch

Raising Up Rights for the People of God

Pope Francis’s obvious commitment to changing group’s core committee. Schenk represented “business as usual” in the Vatican is also the ten U.S. reform organizations that changing the landscape of Church reform. sponsored Father Helmut Schüller’s fifteen- FutureChurch is poised to seize the moment city Catholic Tipping Point tour last summer. through networking with international priest The coalition committed itself to “developing leaders, working in coalition to adapt a Vatican an international network of priests and people survey for input to the Synod on the Family, and working for fundamental rights in the Church,” providing resources for claiming fundamental rights including the rights of women and all laity to and responsibilities for all of the People of God. participate in Church decision-making. Fr. Bernhard, Fr. Erich, Deb Rose-Milavec and Synod on Family online survey Fr. Helmut at October 11-13 international Rose-Milavec and Dr. Martha Heizer of In preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on meeting in Bregenz, Austria IMWAC led discussions about how to help the Family to be held in two sessions in October the Vatican include real families next 2014 and October 2015, the Vatican has asked national ’ October’s Synod on the Family just announced by . conferences around the world to seek the opinions of Catholics Rose-Milavec was quoted in the Austrian media: “It’s not enough to on a number of church issues including contraception, same- ordain women... I want all women, married, single, young and old to sex marriage and divorce and remarriage. Archbishop Lorenzo be able to participate in church decision-making. I want women at Baldisseri, secretary general of the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops, the Synod on the Family and I want women to help elect the next asked the bishops’ conferences to initiate a survey “immediately Pope.” Several priest groups intend to use educational brochures as widely as possible to deaneries and parishes so that input from from FutureChurch that address parishioner rights, how to appeal local sources can be received.” church closings and other advocacy tools as models for developing their own resources. An in-depth National Catholic Reporter article “It’s not enough to ordain women... I want all is available on the FutureChurch website. women...to participate in Church decision-making” Praise for G-8 focus on laity In the U.S., however, there was no immediate commitment from In an October 4 media release FutureChurch applauded Pope the Conference of Catholic Bishops to encourage its members to Francis and his group of eight cardinal advisors for paying seek feedback from ordinary Catholics. In other countries, notably significant attention to “the role and responsibility of the laity.” the United Kingdom, an online survey was made available to all The release asked Pope Francis “to invite international lay leaders, interested Catholics. both women and men, to the next meeting of the G-8” to be held December 3-5, 2013. Prior to the meeting FutureChurch leadership To help gather this important information, FutureChurch adapted sent a letter to Cardinal O’Malley delineating important issues that the original Vatican survey to allow Catholics, both inside and should be covered. outside the parish to share their experiences, sorrows and joys regarding family life. This effort is being done in coalition with A Million Voices 15 other reform organizations and sociologist Gay Rowzie, PhD. It is clear that this is the year to raise up the voices of the people On November 12th, FutureChurch Executive Director, Deborah of God and help our new Pope in his efforts to reform the Church. Rose-Milavec, participated in a press conference held at the annual To this end, FutureChurch is focusing especially on our A Million meeting of the US Bishops’ conference. She asked U.S. bishops to Voices initiative. This in-depth packet provides resources and gather input for the synod from all Catholics and not just those who strategies to promote discussion of important issues in the church typically agree with them. such as the rights and responsibilities of ordinary Catholics, women’s equality in Catholicism and how to resist common abuses International priest associations, lay leaders meet of authority at the parish and diocesan level. Available for download From October 10-12 FutureChurch Executive Director Deborah at www.futurechurch.org Rose-Milavec and Sr. Chris Schenk attended the first-ever

international meeting of leaders of reformist priest organizations Give your input to the Vatican for the Synod on the Family from six countries including Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Ireland, https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SynodOnFamilyUS Australia and the USA. Rose-Milavec has been invited to be on the From the Director’s Desk Focus on FutureChurch The is changing before our eyes and the Good News is being proclaimed once again. EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Deborah Rose-Milavec Through both example and the initiation of structural EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: Sr. Diana Culbertson OP change, Pope Francis is creating an atmosphere of BOARD OF TRUSTEES contagious openness to the voices of all Catholics, CHAIR: Marie Graf those who are still in our parishes and those who have VICE-CHAIR: Rita L. Houlihan left. Encouraging both young and old to, “dialogue, TREASURER: Jim Connell dialogue, dialogue” and to “make a mess,” we are SECRETARY: Barbara Guerin DEVELOPMENT CHAIR: Arline Nosse beginning to feel the welcome winds of change that FINANCE CHAIR: Jim Connell will bring about structural reforms rooted in love, PROGRAM CHAIR: Brother Tom Carroll, OFM justice and peace. PERSONNEL CHAIR: Bill Wisniewski MEDIA CHAIR: Mary Lou Hartman The recent decision by Pope Francis to call—a year before the regularly STRATEGIC ISSUES CHAIR: Rita L. Houlihan scheduled synod occurs—an extraordinary synod on the family with the express AT LARGE intent to gather input on tough questions is an example of meaningful dialogue Lisa Barczyk • Fr. Gerry Bechard that will lead to meaningful reform. FutureChurch is actively promoting and Br. Thomas Carroll, OFM • Jocelyn Collen strengthening this latest effort by Pope Francis. (See cover story.) Sr. Diana Culbertson OP • Bill Daly Mary Lou Hartman • Eugene Kramer • Arline Nosse As the Executive Director of Future Church, I am fully committed to the important EX OFFICIO work of reform that will promote the rights and responsibilities of all Catholics, Deborah Rose-Milavec bring women into full partnership and leadership in the Church, and build an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITA inclusive leadership and ministry model. In such a model the gifts of all the Sr. Christine Schenck, CSJ baptized can be fully realized in Eucharistic communities where we feed on OPTIONAL CELIBACY God’s dreams carrying out the work of the Gospel in a world sorely in need of NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE good news. Lisa Barczyk, Milwaukee, WI • Fr. Gerry Bechard, Detroit MI • Ron DuBois, Braintree, MA • Bill Daly, But my investment in this work has always been deeply personal too. As a Beaverton, OR • Rosanne Santos, Hanover, NH Sr. Christine Schenk, CSJ, Cleveland, OH Catholic woman, mother and grandmother, I have felt the pain of a Church Fr. Jim Sheil, Avon, OH • Bill Wisniewski, Ravenna, OH that excludes. Many of those I love deeply have not felt the welcome embrace WOMEN IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP of a church community. They have left because they cannot abide a church who NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE discounts them, their friends, and their sense of what is just and right. Turned off Marianne Bernard, Clarkston, MI • Tom Blanks, and out by the voices of condemnation, they have chosen to stay away. Hercules, CA • Jocelyn Collen, Fairfield, CT Patricia Gomez,Tewksbury, MA As I read the official letter that accompanied the survey I felt tears of both lived Rita L. Houlihan, New York, NY • Elizabeth McGahan, pain and hopeful joy well up: “many children and young people will never see St. John’s New Brunswick, Canada Robin Senior, Syossett, NY their parents receive the sacraments…, we understand just how urgent are the challenges to evangelization arising from the current situation.” Maybe, just Focus on FutureChurch is a semiannual publication maybe, we are finally seeing a reversal from the “smaller and purer” exclusionary of FutureChurch, a national organization of parish centered Catholics working for full participation of vision of Church that has built walls and dulled hearts, to the messy, beautiful all Catholics in the life of the Church. The newsletter and radical love that is poured out on all by our God. features information and commentary related to the mission of FutureChurch and reports on Church This work is personal. And I pray that God’s love will continue to burst through reform issues not prominently covered elsewhere. all our defenses so that may we become one in the life and work of love, justice, No advertisements are accepted, though letters compassion and peacemaking to which we are called in Jesus Christ! to the editor are always welcome. FutureChurch is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profitorganization. Parts of this publication may bereprinted after obtaining written DEBORAH ROSE-MILAVEC permission from FutureChurch. Executive Director ©FutureChurch 2013 ART DIRECTION: Walter Greene + Co. GRAPHIC DESIGN: Maryanne Hiti Design Printed on Recycled Paper FutureChurch 17307 Madison Avenue Lakewood OH 44107 216-228-0869 email: [email protected] Visit our website www.futurechurch.org FutureChurch trustees from Irvine, CA, Milwaukee, New York City and Cleveland celebrate October 4 leadership transition

TWO | FALL-WINTER 2013-14 Living the Legacy of Vatican II: Part One On October 4 and 5 over 200 FutureChurch supporters remembered the past and began looking to the future. On Friday evening the organization presented FutureChurch’s founding director, Sr. Christine Schenk with the Louis J. Trivison award and welcomed Deborah Rose-Milavec as the organization’s new Executive Director. The honor is named after the late Fr. Louis J. Trivison, a co-founder and spiritual father of the Deb Rose-Milavec, Gumbleton and Next generation leaders Christine Nelson organization. It is offered to those who Chris Schenk and Matt Wallenhorst with Jamie Manson exhibit outstanding leadership in advancing a friend of both women, presided. Board NCR award-winning columnist Jamie the FutureChurch mission and vision. members intoned specially created blessing Manson’s keynote set the stage for the Schenk publicly recognized the prayers while the assembly raised hands in evening and the following day: “My vision Congregation of St. Joseph for their affirmation. One blessing for Sr. Chris read: for the future of Vatican II’s legacy is staunch support over 20 years. Rose- “Like Sor Juana the 17th century Mexican that we use it to empower young people Milavec called the task of filling Schenk’s sister and ‘first feminist of the Americas,’ to see that God works through all of us shoes “awesome and humbling” saying: may your poetic and literary gifts flourish sacramentally, and not only through all of “The only sensible way to follow is to do during this coming year of reflection and us. God works through the poor, God works what Chris did… walk humbly, discern writing about women’s leadership in the through the broken—that all of our work prayerfully, and act fearlessly, trusting that early Church.” Another for Deborah asked: can be an instrument of God’s grace.” God who inspired this work will help us to “Like Prisca, Nympha, Lydia and Phoebe, Manson spoke to the need for “older carry it forward.” may you serve the far-flung communities of FutureChurch in fidelity to our faithful, spiritual leaders and those emerging As Rose-Milavec had requested, the provident God in whose image both women from the new generation to enter into leadership transfer occurred in a context and men are made.” true dialogue, marked by respectful of prayer. Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton, listening, an appreciation for the wisdom Bishop Gumbleton’s final prayer was of all generations, in shared writing and especially meaningful: “In the name of God speaking projects.” And that is exactly what who is all Love, I enjoin you Deborah and happened on Saturday October 5 when all at FutureChurch to faithful service to the Cleveland’s “Vatican II Veterans” and “Next People of God, to fidelity and obedience Generation Vatican II Leaders” focused to the Holy Spirit, and to respectful on how clergy and laity working together relationships with the lawful authorities made Vatican II happen in Cleveland and of our Church, as you fulfill your mission what the Council means today. Saturday’s working for changes so that all Catholics program will be covered in greater depth in have the opportunity to participate fully in our next issue. An enthusiastic crowd blesses Chris and Deb Church life and leadership.” Is Optional Celibacy on the Horizon? In response to a question from a Venezuelan as Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy average of $56,142 in compensation. A journalist, the new Vatican Secretary of State, to the . Archbishop 2009 survey of salaries in US Protestant Archbishop said in early was appointed prefect Churches found that ordained pastors September that the tradition of priestly in his place. According to veteran Vatican and associates average $57,132. That celibacy is not dogma and is therefore open correspondent, John Allen, Stella, “is a same year, US diocesan priests averaged to discussion. In 2006, after Brazilian veteran diplomat seen as moderate and $44,033 in salary and salary equivalents. Cardinal Claudio Hummes made a similar pragmatic, and thus arguably better in sync It is likely that Catholic parishes could find statement before assuming his post as with the outlook of the new pope” an additional $13,000 annually to attract head of the Vatican’s Congregation for (USA Today, 9/21/13). or avoid losing a priest in residence. All Clergy, he was required to issue a statement data from a 2009 study conducted by the saying that priestly celibacy was not up for How would we pay for married priests? National Association of Church Personnel How would we pay for married priests? discussion. So far, Archbishop Parolin has Administrators. Compensating married priests fairly not been asked to backtrack. Meanwhile, should be manageable for most parishes. SEND A POSTCARD for Optional Celibacy on September 21, Pope Francis moved A 2009 study found that 17 married We are visiting Vatican offices in March! a known opponent of optional celibacy, priests in 12 US dioceses received an Visit www.futurechurch.org and click on Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, from his position the optional celibacy icon.

FALL-WINTER 2013-14 | THREE Women of Vatican II Honored at Magdala Celebrations

Whether in a cave in France, a college in Here are some highlights: Chestnut Hill, MA St. Louis, Missouri This year’s or a packed church, celebration followed the Women St. Mary of Magdala of Vatican II theme. Sister Joan celebrations once Delaplane contrasted the church again inspired at the time of Vatican II and the thousands this past church of today. Sister Sue Rogers, summer. Nearly SL, who knew Mary Luke Tobin, 350 organizers held spoke about Sr. Luke at the council celebrations this Middleton, KY: Church of the and how the Council impacted the year to celebrate : Tom Groome, Rita Houlihan, Sandra Schneiders, Melinda Donovan Epiphany celebration lives of Catholic sisters. Laura Law, her July 22 feast. a pastoral associate at St. Ambrose parish in St Louis, spoke Twenty-three were held outside the United States frankly about the reality of women in ministry. including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Philippines, United Glasgow, Scotland A celebration was held for the Feast of Kingdom, and Singapore. Catholic parishes, religious St Mary Magdala at St. Anne’s church in Glasgow, Scotland. orders, Catholic colleges and Church renewal Fifty people from different parishes—and from all over the organizations including Call To Action, DignityUSA archdiocese participated. Various women religious came and Voice of the Faithful were among those sponsoring as well as parish priests. The younger generation was celebrations. represented by two girls Hannah and Lucy—who took charge of distributing service sheets and candles. Participants Scores honored the legacy of Mary of Magdala by commented on how prayerful and informative the ceremony remembering the 23 women—all but unknown—who had been. Few had ever heard of the 23 women auditors at attended the Second Vatican Council as auditors. Just as Vatican II and were keen to learn more. St Mary of Magdala, proclaimed good news to the world, as the Apostle to the Apostles, so in the 20th century, the Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts A sold-out crowd of over women at Vatican II brought the good news of God’s life- 250 gathered for Boston College’s annual Mary of Magdala giving love to the Council. celebration featuring Sandra Schneiders. See the video: http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/schools/stm/edevnts/ During this 50th anniversary of Vatican II, FutureChurch CampusEvents/ Resources/mary_magdala_lecture.html honored these modern day “Apostles to the Apostles” Cincinnati, Ohio The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati hosted who were ambassadors from the “world of women” to an inter-community Mary of Magdala Prayer Service on Monday, the body of bishops. Women such as Rosemary Goldie, July 22, 2013. About 150 people were there for a special Sr. Mary Luke Tobin, Luz-Marie Alvarez-Icaza and so service that featured good music and preaching by Dr. Jessie many others helped develop the Vatican II vision of a Thomas, an African American lay ecclesial minister. She new Church—unified, discussed St. Mary of Magdala’s leadership and consequent egalitarian, accepting struggles to be heard and valued by those around her and and loving. Their work ended with her own struggles. The message was powerful. is apparent in the words of Gaudium et Hampton Bays, New York An estimated 130 people gathered Spes: “Every type of on their Parish Veranda to celebrate the Feast of St. Mary of discrimination, whether Magdala. Their bi-lingual service featured a children’s choir. social or cultural, For a copy of the whether based on sex, celebration that gives color, social condition, voice to the story of language, or religion these women and could is to be overcome and help educate your eradicated as contrary to community, contact God’s intent” (29). [email protected]

Cincinnati: Dr. Jessie Thomas, lay ecclesial Fr. Helmut Schuller presentation minister, preaching

FOUR | FALL-WINTER 2013-14 FutureChurch Gains Allies in Push for Female Diaconate FutureChurch’s Women Deacons: Why Not Now? to their work is the Women Deacons: Why Not Now? initiative is gathering important allies in a developing packet that provides concrete education and advocacy groundswell working for female permanent deacons. tools geared to creating a broad base of support.

This past summer, the Association of US Catholic There are increasing calls globally for women to be priests (AUSCP), passed a resolution asking the U.S. recognized for the diaconal service they already Bishops’ Conference to publicly support ordaining provide: serving the poor, feeding the hungry, women to the permanent diaconate. The Association accompanying the sick and dying, and teaching in also requested “the amendment of 1024 that parish schools of religion. In the U.S. an estimated restricts valid sacred ordination to baptized males 80 percent of over 30,000 lay ecclesial ministers are alone.” Currently the AUSCP numbers over 1,000 women, most of whom already have the qualifications priest members. (To learn more about canon 1024 and to be ordained permanent deacons. Sadly, until how it can be amended, email [email protected].) that happens, none can preach on a Sunday. This restriction deprives the Catholic community of Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) has a special “Roles of hearing the Gospel proclaimed through the lens Women in the Church” program that is also promoting of female experience. the permanent diaconate for women. You can read VOTF’s white paper, Women Deacons: How Long Will It Take the Church to Open With the help of all those who work with us, we hope to hasten the day This Door at www.votf.org when women are ordained to the permanent diaconate so that their preaching and diaconal service are fully part of Catholic parish practice. “There are increasing calls globally for women Advocate for Women Deacons to be recognized for the diaconal service they ORGANIZE AT HOME already provide...” Women Deacons: Why Not Now Resource Packet: $10 print; $5 download FutureChurch is developing a network of local organizers in the US SEND A POSTCARD TO ROME and worldwide to reach our goal of surfacing female candidates to Visit www.futurechurch.org and click on the Women and the permanent diaconate in 8-10 dioceses. Currently 37 organizers the Word icon. in 6 countries have started the process of educating their parishes, For more info email [email protected] finding candidates, and meeting with their bishop. Foundational

Yes you CAN change Vatican policy no longer explain itself on issues that matter to faith-filled people, In early November, two we must be the sparks that light the fire of new life to come.” appreciative audiences Liz preached on John 6: 37 Everything that God gives me will heard canon lawyer Sr. Kate come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me. “When Kuenstler and Sr. Chris I read this passage, I could not help but think of the radical Schenk share the story of nature of the Love of God,” Liz said. She recounted a time when FutureChurch’s Save Our Parish her two year-old twin son refused to leave McDonald’s PlayPlace: Community (SOPC) initiative at “As he swung his head about, flailing his arms, he yelled, ‘No, Call To Action’s national conference held in Milwaukee. As of 2012, no no, I want to stay, I want to live at the PlayPlace.’ I just kept Catholics from 28 U.S. parishes in 6 US dioceses successfully won repeating, ‘Mommy loves you and needs you to come home’ as appeals to keep their churches open. During conference sessions I held him walking back to the car. When I reached for my keys Catholics from over 15 North American dioceses shared details of their he slapped me in the face [saying], ‘You can’t, you don’t love me.’ own diocesan reconfiguration plans and learned about their canonical I grabbed him by the shoulders, pressed his adorable little body right to resist closing vibrant churches. After the presentation, Call against the car and yelled: ‘I love you, I will always love you, you To Action New York City, invited Sr. Kate and Sr. Chris to share their cannot tell me not to love you. There is no other thing I can do but expertise with Catholics in the Archdiocese of New York. love you. You are mine, I HAVE to love you. There is no possibility I won’t love you.’ ...I put him in the car and drove home ...He caught Unheard homilies of Catholic women my eye: ‘I love you too Mommy,’ he said. Tears streamed down my At a special morning prayer service at Call To Action on November face. Radical Love.” 2, FutureChurch program coordinator Liz England and board member Lisa Barczyk gave homilies they would love to preach at Left: FutureChurch Mass if only Church rules permitted. Here are excerpts: program coordinator Liz England Lisa preached on Wisdom 3:7 In the time of their judgment they Right: FutureChurch shall shine and dart about as sparks through stubble: “When we board member, find our church in a state of stubble—cut down so far that it can Lisa Barczyk

FALL-WINTER 2013-14 | FIVE News Briefs

Synod structure to be vehicle of “permanent services are conducted without a priest, compared to 19 percent just five years ago. The number of priests in France has decreased consultation” According to Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, Pope Francis plans to significantly empower the international synod by roughly half over the past 15 years. (The Tablet 11/2/13). of Bishops. “Up to now the Synod gathers for three weeks ...but St. James Saved A Year Later More than a year after Bishop Bergoglio would like it to be an instrument that works for three Richard Lennon reversed his decision to close St. James Parish in years with permanent—and if necessary—daily consultations using Lakewood, Ohio membership is steadily climbing. And activities the internet.” Maradiaga is the coordinator of the Council of Eight at the Detroit Avenue parish are in full swing (Lakewood Patch Cardinals advising the Pope (The Tablet 10/12/13). 9/3/2013). Francis appoints progressive liturgical consultants Pope Philadelphia Archdiocese to close or merge 72 Francis has appointed five new consultants who reject the so-called parishes Citing declining membership, the Archdiocese of “reform of the reform” movement to change contemporary liturgical Philadelphia has announced plans to merge to merge or close practices favored by his predecessor, Pope Benedict. All five a total of 72 parishes. “I have no faith in it,” said Carol Ann studied at San Anselmo in Rome, home of the Pontifical Liturgical Houmeidan, who attends one of the parishes named. “I do believe Institute and an influential center for promoting the Vatican II it’s gonna be closed....” (Philadelphia Inquirer 6/4/13 and David liturgical renewal.The liturgists are responsible for planning and Chang, NBC Channel 10 9/17/13 ). overseeing all of the Pope’s celebrations. They were named on September 26 (The Tablet 10/5/13). German Archdiocese to allow communion for divorced FutureChurch supports sisters at and remarried. Vatican doctrinal head objects In early LCWR assembly October, just hours after Pope Francis called for an extraordinary FutureChurch again exhibited at LCWR’s annual assembly held synod on the family for October 2014, the Archdiocese of Freiburg announced it would begin administering sacraments to divorced this year August 13-15 in Orlando Florida . Again and again and remarried Catholics in individual cases after consultation with leaders of religious congregations stopped to thank us for making a priest or deacon. A 14-page handout was sent to all priests and visible the outstanding support of the People of God during this deacons as well as other dioceses in and outside Germany. Within painful time. In an August 19 press statement the LCWR board days, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, cited a “profound and honest sharing of views” with Archbishop Archbishop Gerhard Müller published a 4600-word article in Sartain. You can still write to church authorities and support the several languages in L’Osservatore Romano warning that the Church sisters at www.nunjustice.org cannot accept proposals “argued in terms of mercy” to readmit the divorced and remarried to the sacraments. The Freiburg Archdiocese has said nothing about rescinding its decision. FutureChurch Teleconference Pastoral care of the divorced and remarried is a central topic for with Fr. Don Cozzens the synod on the family (The Tablet 10/12/13 and 10/26/13). FutureChurch’s teleconferences returned Theologian calls for discussion of a “theology by in 2013 with a three-part series focused and for women” at Pontifical Council of Laity A on empowering callers to find their own voice highly respected British theologian, Tina Beattie, has called on and advocate for justice in their diocese. On November 20, the Women’s Section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity to we hosted Fr. Donald Cozzens. This author, professor, and begin discussion of “a deep theology of woman ...which learns pastor spoke on the future of priestly celibacy. His experiences from women’s visions and struggles in terms of justice and ethics, sexuality and motherhood, sacramentality and prayer.” are recorded in his recent book: Notes from the Underground: Beattie believes that the Vatican’s credibility “will continue to be The Spiritual Journal of a Secular Priest (Orbis Books, 2013). undermined unless it also engages in constructive dialogue within Podcasts of Fr. Cozzens’ presentation and of other the UN and other agencies about maternal mortality, reproductive teleconferences are available at futurechurch.org. health, gender-based violence and women’s rights” (The Tablet 10/13/13). Stay tuned to our website and emails for dates of future Poll: majority of weekly Mass-goers support same-sex teleconferences, including one by Sr. Sandra Schneiders. Or contact [email protected] marriage, women’s ordination According to a Quinnipiac University survey released October 4, a majority of Catholics in the United States who attend Mass weekly support same-sex marriage and the ordination of women to the priesthood (Catholic World Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost: News 10/7/13). Put Women back in the biblical picture! Liturgical Year A, lectionary and prayer resources for Lent, More lay ministers lead funerals in France A recent Good Friday, the Easter Season and Pentecost. Catholic survey in France found that 32 percent of church funeral Order now at www.futurechurch.org

SIX | FALL-WINTER 2013-14 Books for Children: Two Reviews

by Rita Houlihan, Vice Chair of the FutureChurch Board of Trustees Great Women of Faith: Inspiration for Action The Look and See Bible by Sue Stanton, illustrations by Charlie Craig, Mahwah, by Sally Ann Wright, illustrations, Moira Maclean Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 105 pp; ages 12-16 New Jersey: Paulist Press, 94pp; ages 5-8) Sue Stanton presents brief biographies of 34 women some well known, I must give this book a ‘Don’t Buy.’, which is unfortunate. The first e.g., Mother Teresa and Rosa Parks and some not so well known, story, “A Beautiful World” sets the stage for a lovely children’s e.g., Sr. Jose Hobday and Sr. Agneta Chang and some from book with its description of God’s delight in creation and God’s other denominations such as Sojourner Truth, Jane Addams, and friendship with the first woman and man. Noah and the Great Lois Wilson (a co-founder of Al-Anon.) Their range of spiritual, Flood is next, illustrating how people had changed, caring only charitable, and material accomplishments is striking. Her is for themselves, making the world an unhappy place. The story of straightforward, presenting the core facts in an understated manner Abraham and Sarah follows with no reference connecting it to Noah while including insights into the transformative power of each or God’s plan and promise. I found the rest of the stories disjointed woman. We see Lois Wilson’s determination and often disappointing. There is not space to turn emotional and spiritual pain into a here to review each one so I’ll highlight one war legacy of caring and commitment to others. story, Samson’s and three stories with women The mystery of Divine Mercy experienced heroes: Deborah, Miriam and Mary Magdalene. by St. Maria Faustina (Kowalski) comes alive in the narrative of her simple spiritual Samson’s destruction of the Philistine’s temple life. The prison and death penalty reform killed “thousands of God’s enemies” (p.26). work of Sr. Elaine Roulet, csj and Sr. Helen This raises serious questions. How do we know Prejean, csj, presented without drama who are God’s enemies and if we think we highlights the urgency of their work and know, does that justify a religious war? The the need for American citizens to work text for Deborah is adequate but I could barely for change. see her in the vivid illustration; the horses and the enemy king and army chief get center stage. The story of Moses in the reed It was a pleasure to meet so many new women along with the basket is told in a flat narrative with no mention of the energizing more familiar. I want to give this book an A+ but have one serious courage and wisdom of Miriam and her mother. And most concern. St. Maria Goretti is included, which is problematic regrettably, Luke’s resurrection narrative is used for this central in a book for adolescents. Presenting her as “. . . a saint for event in Christian life. Luke’s is the only gospel in which St. Mary individuals trying to keep their purity despite outside pressure” Magdalene either alone (John) or with other women (Matthew and (p. 33) compounds my concern. Even if her assailant had sexually Mark) does not witness Jesus directly. It’s a real loss that Jesus’ abused her, Maria would have remained pure – only our actions announcement of the new covenant, that ‘his God is now our God, can make us ‘impure’ not the actions of others. This message his Father is now our Father’ is not included and that readers of of ‘impure”, I believe, adds to the damage of sexual abuse and this bible collection will not learn that Jesus selected women to leads to the self-loathing that often haunts victims. If this book proclaim his revolutionary good news to the world. Other children’s is selected, this chapter should be discussed with the adolescent bibles will be reviewed here in the future. who reads it. I wish the story could be removed from an otherwise excellent collection. $ Yes! I want to support the FutureChurch Mission and Vision Here is my donation of m $50 m $100 m $250 m $500 m $1,000 m Other $ Make me a member of FutureChurch m $50 Individual m $75 Family m $150 Sustainer Sign me up for the monthly giving program $ Monthly Can be processed as an automatic debit from your checking account or from your credit card. If debits are taken from your checking account, please enclose a voided check. Your monthly donation saves us administrative costs and provides a steady stream of income. Name Phone Address City State Zip Email m My check payable to FutureChurch is enclosed. m Please charge my MASTERCARD VISA DISCOVER (circle one) Card # Exp. Date 3 Digit Security Code (on back of card) Signature Mail donations and memberships to FutureChurch, 17307 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107 Donations and memberships can be processed via the internet at www.futurechurch.org • Click Donate and then Apply Online

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Our US Postal PAPER newsletter Quotable Quote: is now being printed just two or “I’d prefer a Church that makes mistakes for doing something, instead three times each year. Please sign up TODAY for our in depth monthly of one that becomes sick for being closed in on itself.” E-Newsletter at Pope Francis (the Tablet 6/15/13) www.futurechurch.org

A LOOK AHEAD A Great Christmas Gift!

January 26, 2014 / New York, NY April 24, 2014 / Lima, OH Preserving Parish Communities Save the Date! in a Time of Fewer Priests. Sr. Chris Schenk addresses Serra Club, Canon lawyer Sr. Kate Kuenstler and Lima, Ohio at 5:45 pm. For info email FutureChurch’s ED Emerita, Sr. Chris [email protected] Schenk. Manhatten. Sponsored by CTA: New York City. For details and info August 14, 2014 / Cleveland, OH email Art McGrath [email protected] Save the Date! The Women You Never Knew: The Women of Vatican II February 1, 2014 / Hartford, CT 9:00 am - 11:30 am FutureChurch You can’t quench the Spirit: faith and Executive Director, Deborah Rose- the future of the Church. Milavec. At River’s Edge 3430 Rocky Sr. Christine Schenk from 12:30-4:00 pm River Drive, Cleveland, OH. at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, http://www.riversedgecleveland.com 285 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Sponsored by Women of Hope: Vibrant Voices. For more info: 860-756-4034. TELL THE VATICAN WHAT March 20-27, 2014 / Rome and Ostia YOU THINK: Take the Survey! A Pilgrimage to Archaeological Sites of Women Leaders in Women Leaders in the Early Church October 5-19, 2014. Vatican City Early Christianity Sign up soon! Last year’s pilgrimage Extraordinary Synod on the Family. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ CD and Presenter’s Guide sold out early! For more information www.futurechurch.org call Liz tel: 800-206-TOUR (8687) SynodOnFamilyUS or email: [email protected]