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.
Showing posts with label Eileen Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eileen Love. Show all posts
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.
Friday, November 20, 2009
On Upholding Traditional Marriage
By Eileen Love
I got a call last night from a friend in another state. She was upset to learn that her bishop had donated a sizeable amount to help the state of Maine defeat “gay marriage.” “Why is he giving money to some effort across the country? We have needs right here!” “True,” I said, “but what happens in Maine impacts all of society. The collective effort to save marriage, look after the welfare of children, and acknowledge the family as the bedrock unit of society is worth supporting!” As we were talking, I wondered why she wasn’t equally upset by the State of Maine’s audacious action to redefine the institution of marriage. Many people were, among them Diocese of Portland Bishop Richard Malone who realizes full well what this portends for the culture. He and others inside the Church and beyond realize that it damages society and imperils the welfare of children when we choose to distort the sacred institution that is natural to human beings and was ordained by God.
To fill you in:
On November 3rd, voters in Maine repealed a law that permitted homosexuals to wed. A measure went on the ballot a few months after a law permitting gay marriage was passed by the state legislature and signed by Maine governor John Baldacci. In the wake of this, a concerted effort was mounted by a coalition of religious and secular groups who opposed the effort to undermine traditional marriage. Bishop Malone was in the forefront and invited the participation of his brother bishops. My friend’s bishop was one of many who offered spiritual and financial support.
After the victory in Maine, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, speaking for the USCCB, issued a statement which said in part:
And:
This is the part of the debate that does not always get heard. I suspect that Catholics get their news the way most people do – from TV and various media outlets which reflect the popular thinking of a select, vocal few. But whenever human beings are discussing what it means to be human, the voice of the Church should be heard. When it is, as in an ENDOW group, I have noticed that women are greatly surprised and even delighted to learn of the vast treasure of truth contained in Church teaching. An amazed look, accompanied by the statements: “Why didn’t I ever hear this? How come I don’t know this?” is typical.
The people in Maine have spoken. In their state at least, traditional marriage is safe for the moment. But the debate will continue. Catholics who want to have a say should be equipped with cogent arguments backed by solid teaching. I recommend reading the pastoral letter just released this month by the USCCB, called “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” It provides a much-needed catechesis on a topic that touches us all very deeply. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted.
Click to the link
I got a call last night from a friend in another state. She was upset to learn that her bishop had donated a sizeable amount to help the state of Maine defeat “gay marriage.” “Why is he giving money to some effort across the country? We have needs right here!” “True,” I said, “but what happens in Maine impacts all of society. The collective effort to save marriage, look after the welfare of children, and acknowledge the family as the bedrock unit of society is worth supporting!” As we were talking, I wondered why she wasn’t equally upset by the State of Maine’s audacious action to redefine the institution of marriage. Many people were, among them Diocese of Portland Bishop Richard Malone who realizes full well what this portends for the culture. He and others inside the Church and beyond realize that it damages society and imperils the welfare of children when we choose to distort the sacred institution that is natural to human beings and was ordained by God.
To fill you in:
On November 3rd, voters in Maine repealed a law that permitted homosexuals to wed. A measure went on the ballot a few months after a law permitting gay marriage was passed by the state legislature and signed by Maine governor John Baldacci. In the wake of this, a concerted effort was mounted by a coalition of religious and secular groups who opposed the effort to undermine traditional marriage. Bishop Malone was in the forefront and invited the participation of his brother bishops. My friend’s bishop was one of many who offered spiritual and financial support.
After the victory in Maine, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, speaking for the USCCB, issued a statement which said in part:
“The Church stands for the basic rights of all people, including homosexual persons…Protecting marriage between a man and a woman has nothing to do with denying basic rights to anyone, though it is often framed in such terms…Especially in our society where we see so many marriages fail, we should work to strengthen marriage rather than redefine it.”
And:
“Marriage must be protected and promoted today for what it is and what it is
meant to be: the lifelong, exclusive union between husband and wife. There are many ways to uphold the basic human rights of all people, but sacrificing marriage can never be one of them."
This is the part of the debate that does not always get heard. I suspect that Catholics get their news the way most people do – from TV and various media outlets which reflect the popular thinking of a select, vocal few. But whenever human beings are discussing what it means to be human, the voice of the Church should be heard. When it is, as in an ENDOW group, I have noticed that women are greatly surprised and even delighted to learn of the vast treasure of truth contained in Church teaching. An amazed look, accompanied by the statements: “Why didn’t I ever hear this? How come I don’t know this?” is typical.
The people in Maine have spoken. In their state at least, traditional marriage is safe for the moment. But the debate will continue. Catholics who want to have a say should be equipped with cogent arguments backed by solid teaching. I recommend reading the pastoral letter just released this month by the USCCB, called “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” It provides a much-needed catechesis on a topic that touches us all very deeply. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted.
Click to the link
Friday, October 23, 2009
Some thoughts as we wrap up Respect Life Month
By Eileen Love
This time of year, Respect Life Committees are hard at work making their message known.
No issue is more crucial than protecting innocent life. While all life is sacred and deserving of protection - surely, we are called to remember the elderly, the terminally ill, those incarcerated and in need of someone to minister to them - the life of the innocent unborn – the tiny voiceless creatures whose very lives depend on us are in most urgent need of protection. The basic right to life is the bedrock fundamental truth on which all the other truths will stand.
In our area, one Catholic parish places hundreds of tiny pink and blue flags (such as landscapers might use) on the hillside adjacent to the church. It is an arresting sight, reminding people of the ongoing horror of abortion and affirming that Christ’s healing love and reconciliation await all those affected by this sorrow.
In Denver we will host our Respect Life Conference on Saturday, October 24 at Christ the King Parish. If you can squeeze it into your schedule, do so! The theme is The Family: Hope for the Future- In addition to Mass being celebrated by Archbishop Chaput and Bishop Conley, we will have Keynote speaker Helen Alvare, pro-life feminist and good friend of ENDOW to give a global perspective on the family.
And how’s this for a God-moment? Praying the rosary in front of the local Planned Parenthood building, two women nodded to each other, both thinking the other looked familiar, but unable to place her. After an hour of prayer, and occasional snippets of conversation as they watched patrons come and go from that sad imposing structure in a fenced off area in a broken-down neighborhood, one of the women suddenly had a light bulb go on. “Wait a minute! Don’t you work at St. Luke’s Hospital?!” “Yes”, answered the other woman. “I’m a labor and delivery nurse. My name is Delaine.” The women stared at each other and slowly, a moment of joy crept up on them.
Said the first woman, “You delivered my baby seven years ago!”
This time of year, Respect Life Committees are hard at work making their message known.
No issue is more crucial than protecting innocent life. While all life is sacred and deserving of protection - surely, we are called to remember the elderly, the terminally ill, those incarcerated and in need of someone to minister to them - the life of the innocent unborn – the tiny voiceless creatures whose very lives depend on us are in most urgent need of protection. The basic right to life is the bedrock fundamental truth on which all the other truths will stand.
In our area, one Catholic parish places hundreds of tiny pink and blue flags (such as landscapers might use) on the hillside adjacent to the church. It is an arresting sight, reminding people of the ongoing horror of abortion and affirming that Christ’s healing love and reconciliation await all those affected by this sorrow.
In Denver we will host our Respect Life Conference on Saturday, October 24 at Christ the King Parish. If you can squeeze it into your schedule, do so! The theme is The Family: Hope for the Future- In addition to Mass being celebrated by Archbishop Chaput and Bishop Conley, we will have Keynote speaker Helen Alvare, pro-life feminist and good friend of ENDOW to give a global perspective on the family.
And how’s this for a God-moment? Praying the rosary in front of the local Planned Parenthood building, two women nodded to each other, both thinking the other looked familiar, but unable to place her. After an hour of prayer, and occasional snippets of conversation as they watched patrons come and go from that sad imposing structure in a fenced off area in a broken-down neighborhood, one of the women suddenly had a light bulb go on. “Wait a minute! Don’t you work at St. Luke’s Hospital?!” “Yes”, answered the other woman. “I’m a labor and delivery nurse. My name is Delaine.” The women stared at each other and slowly, a moment of joy crept up on them.
Said the first woman, “You delivered my baby seven years ago!”
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