By Eileen Love
This time of year we are treated to lots of retrospectives highlighting the year’s big events. We remember who made news, which awards were given, what the bestsellers were and which movies drew the biggest crowds. Isn’t it mind-boggling to reflect on all that can happen in a 12 month period? But all events are not equal. Some things - though paraded in front of us constantly - are frivolous and time-wasting. Is it part of being well-informed to be able to recite the details of the latest Hollywood breakup? Seems a lot of “investigative reporting” is of this type.
On the other hand, there have been many discussions this year on things that will have a lasting impact. These issues require our attention. We can’t afford to be ill-informed on decisions that will affect our lives, our freedoms and future generations. Some of the issues being debated these days threaten to undermine the Judeo-Christian ethos that is part of the fabric of America.
As we say in our ENDOW studies, “Whenever people gather to discuss the problems that ail humanity, the voice of the Church should be heard. “ That is why I am grateful for the recently released Manhattan Declaration. This letter is a formal statement by members of Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches to speak out in defense of the sanctity of life, the institution of marriage and religious liberty. The hope is that people who agree with these important words will sign off on this document to signal our agreement and lend our voices and names to the declaration.
Denver’s own Archbishop Chaput was not one of those who personally had a hand in drafting the document (the Catholic voice was provided by Professor Robert P. George of Princeton) but he was pleased to sign off on it. In a recent interview with Catholic News Agency, Chaput said, “Now and always, we need to trust in God; and then we also need to act. Right here, right now, in this country, the work of organizing and struggling in the public square for what we believe belongs to us. That means all of us, and each of us.” Access his article at the Catholic News Agency's website here.
In this midst of this time of preparation for Christmas festivity, do yourself a favor and carve out a few minutes to read the Manhattan Declaration at www.manhattandeclaration.org. Amidst all the media coverage of all that’s gone on this year, it would be a shame to overlook this. It really is a bright spot.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
ENDOW Saffers go on Retreat
By Eileen Love
This past weekend was one for the memory books! Seven of us went up to the mountains west of Vail for the first Annual ENDOW Staff Retreat. It was perfectly timed to coincide with the start of Advent. In an alpine setting, against a backdrop of gently falling snow, we were treated to a couple of days of recollection and spiritual quiet.
Father Jon Budke, LC, of Centennial, Colorado, was kind enough to drive two hours up the mountain to be the retreat director – he celebrated Mass, heard confessions and gave talks about the lay apostolate in the mission of the Church. During the talks, Father reflected with the ENDOW staff that prayer is essential to any Christian effort and he spoke about the attitudes of prayer: faith, trust, perseverance and determination. In another talk, Father spoke about the dynamics of evangelization and that it is key to meet people where they are. “You are offering them Christ,” he said, and that led to a discussion of how to share our faith with those who are tepid in their religious practice or un-churched altogether. It was a reminder of what ENDOW’s mission is: to educate women so as to help them know God better so they may love Him more.
Later on, we had our own impromptu “Theology on Tap” session – actually, it was between Sunday dinner and dessert - when we all peppered Father Jon with theological questions. These were often prefaced with “You know, this question came up in my ENDOW group…” and, “What do you think about…”
Not only did we come away with clarity on certain issues, we came away with a deeper appreciation for one another. Said Brigid Sweeney, Marketing Director, “Each person endeared herself to me.” Denise DeBartolomeis, ENDOW’s newest staff member, commented how interesting she found the mix of personalities “I’m still learning who’s who. Everyone’s so different and yet they all mesh together really well.”
ENDOW has grown immensely over the last six years, and a lot of attention has been paid to the business end of accomplishing our goals. But just as important is the on-going spiritual formation of each woman on the ENDOW team. As Father Jon made clear during the retreat, prayer and participation in the sacramental life are essential to the success of every Christian apostolate. On top of that, the weekend was fun. Terry Polakovic, ENDOW’s Executive Director said, “The retreat was fabulous! We work hard, so it was wonderful to slow down and just spend time together.”
All the ENDOW Staff would echo Terry’s sentiments. Yes, it was wonderful. We already have next year’s retreat penciled in on the calendar. Please pray for us that we may continue to serve The Lord and all of you, our sisters in Christ.
This past weekend was one for the memory books! Seven of us went up to the mountains west of Vail for the first Annual ENDOW Staff Retreat. It was perfectly timed to coincide with the start of Advent. In an alpine setting, against a backdrop of gently falling snow, we were treated to a couple of days of recollection and spiritual quiet.
Father Jon Budke, LC, of Centennial, Colorado, was kind enough to drive two hours up the mountain to be the retreat director – he celebrated Mass, heard confessions and gave talks about the lay apostolate in the mission of the Church. During the talks, Father reflected with the ENDOW staff that prayer is essential to any Christian effort and he spoke about the attitudes of prayer: faith, trust, perseverance and determination. In another talk, Father spoke about the dynamics of evangelization and that it is key to meet people where they are. “You are offering them Christ,” he said, and that led to a discussion of how to share our faith with those who are tepid in their religious practice or un-churched altogether. It was a reminder of what ENDOW’s mission is: to educate women so as to help them know God better so they may love Him more.
Later on, we had our own impromptu “Theology on Tap” session – actually, it was between Sunday dinner and dessert - when we all peppered Father Jon with theological questions. These were often prefaced with “You know, this question came up in my ENDOW group…” and, “What do you think about…”
Not only did we come away with clarity on certain issues, we came away with a deeper appreciation for one another. Said Brigid Sweeney, Marketing Director, “Each person endeared herself to me.” Denise DeBartolomeis, ENDOW’s newest staff member, commented how interesting she found the mix of personalities “I’m still learning who’s who. Everyone’s so different and yet they all mesh together really well.”
ENDOW has grown immensely over the last six years, and a lot of attention has been paid to the business end of accomplishing our goals. But just as important is the on-going spiritual formation of each woman on the ENDOW team. As Father Jon made clear during the retreat, prayer and participation in the sacramental life are essential to the success of every Christian apostolate. On top of that, the weekend was fun. Terry Polakovic, ENDOW’s Executive Director said, “The retreat was fabulous! We work hard, so it was wonderful to slow down and just spend time together.”
All the ENDOW Staff would echo Terry’s sentiments. Yes, it was wonderful. We already have next year’s retreat penciled in on the calendar. Please pray for us that we may continue to serve The Lord and all of you, our sisters in Christ.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Catholic experts clarify the teachings of JPII following Playboy model's comments
Denver, Colo., Dec 3, 2009 / 05:51 pm (CNA).- Joanna Krupa, the Polish model on the cover of this month's Playboy magazine has released a statement countering critics of her recent advertisement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in which she professes herself to be a practicing Catholic who is “working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God's creation.”
Krupa's comments came in response to statements made by Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, in reaction to Krupa's most recent ad campaign with PETA: “Be an angel for animals. Always Adopt. Never Buy.”
One of the ads features Krupa wearing angel wings and a digital halo while holding a large, elaborate cross which barely covers her nude figure. The other shows a topless Krupa, again with angel wings and a halo, holding a dog while a rosary dangles from her hand.
Donohue blasted PETA for a lack of reverence and an ignorance of ethics. "The fact is that cats and dogs are a lot safer in pet stores than they are in the hands of PETA employees," Donohue said in a statement. "Moreover, pet stores don't rip off Christian iconography and engage in cheap irreligious claims." "It also has a long and disgraceful record of exploiting Christian and Jewish themes to hawk its ugly services. Those who support this organization sorely need a reality check,” he continued.
“It's understandable that the Catholic League is wary of another sex scandal, but the sex we're talking about pertains to dogs and cats,” Krupa's statement reads. “In my heart I know that Jesus would never condone the suffering that results when dogs and cats are allowed to breed,” she added.
The model who appeared, unclad, in PETA's 2007 “I'd rather go naked than wear fur” campaign said, “As a practicing Catholic, I am shocked that the Catholic League is speaking out against my PETA ads, which I am very proud of.”
“I'm doing what the Catholic Church should be doing, working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God's creation. I am a voice for innocent animals who are being neglected and dumped by the millions at shelters,” she asserted.
Terry Polakovic, Executive Director of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) told CNA that if Krupa is “a serious Catholic, she might want to devote some time to catechesis.” Polakovic referred Krupa to John Paul II's, “'Theology of the Body,' wherein he explains how the human body speaks a language of its own.”
This article first appeared at Catholic News Agency. Click here to read the rest of Terry's interview.
Krupa's comments came in response to statements made by Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, in reaction to Krupa's most recent ad campaign with PETA: “Be an angel for animals. Always Adopt. Never Buy.”
One of the ads features Krupa wearing angel wings and a digital halo while holding a large, elaborate cross which barely covers her nude figure. The other shows a topless Krupa, again with angel wings and a halo, holding a dog while a rosary dangles from her hand.
Donohue blasted PETA for a lack of reverence and an ignorance of ethics. "The fact is that cats and dogs are a lot safer in pet stores than they are in the hands of PETA employees," Donohue said in a statement. "Moreover, pet stores don't rip off Christian iconography and engage in cheap irreligious claims." "It also has a long and disgraceful record of exploiting Christian and Jewish themes to hawk its ugly services. Those who support this organization sorely need a reality check,” he continued.
“It's understandable that the Catholic League is wary of another sex scandal, but the sex we're talking about pertains to dogs and cats,” Krupa's statement reads. “In my heart I know that Jesus would never condone the suffering that results when dogs and cats are allowed to breed,” she added.
The model who appeared, unclad, in PETA's 2007 “I'd rather go naked than wear fur” campaign said, “As a practicing Catholic, I am shocked that the Catholic League is speaking out against my PETA ads, which I am very proud of.”
“I'm doing what the Catholic Church should be doing, working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God's creation. I am a voice for innocent animals who are being neglected and dumped by the millions at shelters,” she asserted.
Terry Polakovic, Executive Director of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) told CNA that if Krupa is “a serious Catholic, she might want to devote some time to catechesis.” Polakovic referred Krupa to John Paul II's, “'Theology of the Body,' wherein he explains how the human body speaks a language of its own.”
This article first appeared at Catholic News Agency. Click here to read the rest of Terry's interview.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Our Advent Pilgrimage with Mary
By Terry Polakovic (click her to read more by Terry)
Once again, the season of Advent is upon us, and for this reason, we turn our gaze to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The greatest mystery of Christianity entered the world by way of a woman ~ this woman. For Catholic women like ourselves, Mary is the model of how we should live out our Advent. She teaches us anew how to trust, to love, and to wait in silent anticipation for the coming of Christ. Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, had a great devotion to Our Lady which he shared in his 1987 encyclical, Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer). He who has been called the most “Marian” pope in history entrusted both his pontificate and his entire life to her.
As we begin our 2009 Advent pilgrimage with Mary, let us remember that the greatest gift ever offered to the world is Jesus Christ. If we want to bring joy to others this Christmas, we have to bring them Christ. Certainly, we can buy them toys, clothes and gadgets, but if we aren’t giving them Christ, they are receiving nothing of lasting value.
As we bring this year to a close, I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported the efforts of ENDOW over this past year. You have made this program of study possible. As you know, our efforts are aimed at helping women know God better so they may love Him more. Our belief is that such love will express itself in service and will result in happier, more harmonious relationships with spouses, families, professional colleagues, and in parish life. We believe that changing the culture starts with one woman at a time.
Visit www.endowonline.com to get involved this Christmas Season with ENDOW!
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