Build communities with love, not exclusion

IN EXILE
By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
In a recent article in America magazine, Grant Kaplan, commenting on the challenge of the resurrection, makes this comment: “Unlike previous communities in which the bond among members forges itself through those it excludes and scapegoats, the gratuity of the resurrection allows for a community shaped by forgiven-forgivers.”
What he is saying, among other things, is that mostly we form community through demonizing and exclusion, that is, we bond with each other more on the basis of what we are against and what we hate than on the basis of what we are for and hold precious. The cross and the resurrection, and the message of Jesus in general, invite us to a deeper maturity within which we are invited to form community with each other on the basis of love and inclusion rather than upon hatred and demonization.
How do we scapegoat, demonise and exclude so as to form community with each other? A number of anthropologists, particularly Rene Girard and Gil Bailie, have given us some good insights on how scapegoating and demonization worked in ancient times and how they work today.
In brief, here’s how they work: Until we can bring ourselves to a certain level of maturity, both personal and collective, we will always form community by scapegoating. Imagine this scenario: A group of us (family or colleagues) are going to dinner. Almost always there will be some divisive tensions among us – personality clashes, jealousies, wounds from the past and religious, ideological and political differences. But these can remain under the surface and we can enjoy a nice dinner together.
How? By talking about other people whom we mutually dislike, despise, fear, or find weird or particularly eccentric. As we “demonize” them by emphasizing how awful, bad, weird, or eccentric they are, our own differences slide wonderfully under the surface and we form bonds of empathy and mutuality with each other. By demonizing others we find commonality among ourselves.  Of course, you’re reluctant to excuse yourself and go to the bathroom, for fear that, in your absence; you might well be the next item on the menu.
Moreover, we do that too in our individual lives to maintain balance. If we’re honest, we probably all have to admit the tendency within us to steady ourselves by blaming our anxieties and bad feelings on someone else.  For example: We go out some morning and for various reasons feel out of sorts, agitated and angry in some inchoate way. More often than not, it won’t take us long to pin that uneasiness on someone else by, consciously or unconsciously, blaming them for our bad feeling. Our sense is that except for that person we wouldn’t be feeling these things!
Someone else is blame for our agitation! Once we have done this we begin to feel better because we have just made someone else responsible for our pain. As a colorful commentary on this, I like to quote a friend who submits this axiom: If the first two people you meet in the morning are irritating and hard to get along with, there’s a very good chance that you’re the one who’s irritating and hard to get along with.
Sadly we see this played out in the world as a whole. Our churches and our politics thrive on this.  Both in our churches and in our civic communities, we tend to form community with our own kind by demonizing others. Our differences do not have to be dealt with, nor do we have to deal with the things within ourselves that help cause those differences, because we can blame someone else for our problems. Not infrequently church groups bond together by doing this, politicians are elected by doing this, and wars are justified and waged on this basis – and the rich, healthy concepts of loyalty, patriotism and religious affiliation then become unhealthy because they now root themselves in seeing differences primarily as a threat rather than seeing them as bringing a fuller revelation of God into our lives.
Granted, sometimes what’s different does pose a real threat, and that threat has to be met. But, even then, we must continue to look inside of ourselves and examine what in us might be complicit in causing that division, hatred, or jealousy, which is now being projected on us. Positive threat must be met, but it is best met the way Jesus met threats, namely, with love, empathy and forgiveness. Demonizing others to create community among ourselves is neither the way of Jesus nor the way of human maturity. Loyalty to one’s own, loyalty to one’s religion, loyalty to one’s country and loyalty to one’s moral values must be based upon what is good and precious within one’s family, community, religion, country and moral principles, and not on fear and negative feelings towards others.
The lesson in Jesus, especially in his death and resurrection, is that genuine religion, genuine maturity, genuine loyalty and genuine patriotism lie in letting ourselves be stretched by what does not emanate from our own kind.
(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher and award-winning author, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.)

Graham calls for conversion, prayer in politics at rally

JACKSON – Franklin Graham, son of iconic televangelist Billy Graham, stopped in Jackson on Wednesday, April 13, for the Mississippi leg of the Decision America Tour. Graham is making stops in every state capitol to call people to prayer and political activism.
The preacher reminded people they cannot depend on any political party to save the country. That, he said, would take faith in Jesus and hard work. In addition to inviting people to give themselves to Christ, Graham invited them to make a pledge to consider running for office or working for a campaign each person thought would advance Christian ideals.
The rallies combine old-fashioned music and prayer with a high-tech element. People who needed prayer or who wanted to sign the pledge could text their support to a number and someone from Graham’s organization would get back to them with local contacts and information. Several thousand people braved threatening skies for the noon-time rally on the Capitol steps.

Pastoral Ministries’ workshop offers new opportunity for ‘easy listening’

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Every year lay pastoral leaders gather for a week-long series of retreats and classes offered by the diocesan Department of Faith Formation. Most of them are going through a five-year certification program for catechists in the diocese, but this year, the Pastoral Ministries Workshop is open to anyone who wants to attend one of the classes, even if that person does not wish to enroll in the certification program at this time.
While the classes were never formally closed to other students, Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, wanted to make it especially clear this year that all are welcome.
“We heard at the listening sessions that people are hungry for good faith formation opportunities. We have some wonderful presenters and we want people who are interested in these topics to feel welcome,” said Lavelle.  Bishop Joseph Kopacz hosted a series of Listening Sessions in February to start the process of pastoral planning for the diocese. While the final results are still being processed, some departments are able to address some common themes that emerged immediately.
The workshop is at Lake Tia O’Kahata in Louisville, is June 6-9. Classes this year include:
– Effective communications in ministry taught by Leo Trahan, director of religious education for the Diocese of Biloxi.
– Developing, maintaining and balancing programs taught by Janet Masline, associate director of religious education for the Archdiocese of Mobile.
– Ministry and Canon Law, taught by Father Kevin Slattery, Vicar General for the Diocese of Jackson.
– Spiritual and Prayer Leadership in a Parish taught by Father John Bohn, pastor of Jackson St. Richard Parish.
– Lay Reflecting from a Prayerful Heart taught by Sheila Przesmicki, lay ecclesial minister of Booneville St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
The cost for the week-long workshop is $500, which includes a room, meals and materials. Those who wish to commute can pay $200 for meals and  materials. Scholarships to pay for a third of the cost are available to anyone who is in the diocesan lay ministry formation program.
In addition to classes, the Pastoral Ministries Workshop offers retreat opportunities for catechists. The Pastoral Ministries Retreat starts Sunday, June 5, at 3 p.m.  and ends Monday, June 6, after lunch. The cost is $120 for this guided retreat. This covers three meals, one night lodging, and program expense.
An extended retreat which begins Monday, June 6, after lunch will run through Thursday, June 9, after lunch.  Retreatants will meet as a group for guided reflections on the 2016 catechetical theme, “Prayer: The Faith Prayed.” Every year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) selects a different catechetical theme which parishes, schools and individuals can embrace and explore.
The cost for just this extended retreat is $400. This covers three nights lodging, 10 meals, and program expense. Participants may combine the Sunday/Monday retreat with the extended retreat for a reduced combo rate of $485. The retreat portion of this week is intended for catechists and those in the lay formation program.
Registrations for all classes are due May 23. To request a registration form, email Lavelle at Fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org or call her at 601-960-8473.

Birthright needs volunteers, offers free tour, training

“I am sitting there, waiting for the phone to ring. No one has called in the past hour. I start thinking about all the productive things I could be doing at home. Then, there is a knock at the door. It’s a young girl in her twenties. She looks weary and sad. I welcome her and invite her to sit with me for a moment.
She looks into my eyes, sees the smile on my face, and bursts into tears. She has kept this a secret and feels all alone. She is tormented by her circumstances and fear of what to do next. She thought no one would understand or love her again. But, then she found her way to me. Somehow she knew, just by being in my presence, that I would help her. I am here for her. She will make it through this after all. She is not alone!” This is the picture of a day at Birthright painted by Monica Walton, a Birthright volunteer for 21 years.
The organization needs new volunteers so it is hosting a training session in May.
Birthright believes “It is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth, and the right of every child to be born.” That has been the Birthright way since it was founded in 1968 by Louise Summerhill in Canada. Birthright of Jackson began in 1983. Every Birthright chapter adheres to the same charter which has remain unchanged since its inception.
“It’s a very narrow focus of helping a woman take care of herself so she can take care of her baby,” said Walton, who also serves as director of Birthright of Jackson. “We simply welcome each client as a friend. We run a free pregnancy test and sit with her, listening to her personal story. Whatever problem she feels is a stumbling block in the pregnancy, we help her make a plan to improve her circumstances. Then she feels better able to carry the child to term,” she added. Birthright offers love, hope, friendship, information, practical help and referrals for as long as a woman needs their services.
Last year, Birthright of Jackson had 350 counseling sessions with clients. Twenty-seven clients were considering abortion. Of the 16 pregnancy tests administered, 12 clients reported back with information on the birth of their child. The remaining four either had a miscarriage or abortion, or Birthright lost contact with the client.
“We don’t always get to hear the outcome of our interaction with these women,” said Walton. “Sometimes, their phone service is disconnected or they simply stop taking our calls. But, it is so wonderful when we do get to meet the babies and see the change of heart these mothers have experienced!”
“I had volunteered at the hospital and at hospice ministries, but I didn’t find either fulfilling,” said Lou Runnels, Birthright volunteer from Flowood St. Paul Parish. “Volunteering at Birthright filled a void in me, even though I didn’t know what was missing. Meeting clients makes me feel good. We make a connection and I know I have made a difference in their lives.”
Runnels, who has been a Birthright volunteer for two years, shared that she had an abortion at the age of 18. “I am able to give these girls information that wasn’t given to me 42 years ago when I had my abortion,” she said. “If I would have found a place like Birthright, I might have made a different decision,” she said.
“Helping with Birthright gives me peace of mind,” said Caroline Gaudet, who has been a Birthright volunteer, off and on for 20 years. “I know I am doing something for those who are very vulnerable, and I like Birthright because it’s non-judgmental and offers a sense of safety. That’s very important to me.” Gaudet is a member of Jackson St. Richard Parish.
Dennis Riecke has volunteered for Birthright as a board member for 20 years. He said Birthright is always in need of a variety of volunteers with different skill sets. “I wanted to do something in the pro-life movement, but I didn’t want to protest, lobby or be confrontational,” said Riecke, a member of Madison St. Francis Parish. “I’m not a counselor. I have taken minutes at board meetings and helped with fundraisers and other activities as needed.”
Volunteer training day will be Saturday, May 7, starting at 9 a.m. with coffee and a tour of the center at 644 Lakeland East Drive, Suite C in Flowood. We will discuss the services we offer, how easy and rewarding it is to volunteer, and conclude with a question/answer session and a light lunch. Everyone is encouraged to attend with no obligation. This is simply a chance to learn more, understand the needs of Birthright and their clients, and gauge your level of interest. Bring a friend!
Visit the Birthright website, www.birthright.org or contact Monica Walton by email:  birthrightofjackson@gmail.com or by calling 601-371-7711.

Disturbing new reality of pornography

Word on Fire
By Bishop Robert Barron
A recent issue of Time Magazine features a fascinating and deeply troubling article on the prevalence of pornography in our culture. The focus of the piece is on the generation of young men now coming of age, the first generation who grew up with unlimited access to hardcore pornography on the Internet.
The statistics on this score are absolutely startling. Most young men commence their pornography use at the age of eleven; there are approximately 107 million monthly visitors to adult websites in this country; 12 million hours a day are spent watching porn globally on the adult-video site Pornhub; 40 percent of boys in Great Britain say that they regularly consume pornography — and on and on.
All of this wanton viewing of live-action pornography has produced, many are arguing, an army of young men who are incapable of normal and satisfying sexual activity with real human beings. Many twenty-somethings are testifying that when they have the opportunity for sexual relations with their wives or girlfriends, they cannot perform.
And in the overwhelming majority of cases, this is not a physiological issue, which is proved by the fact that they can still become aroused easily by images on a computer screen. The sad truth is that for these young men, sexual stimulation is associated not with flesh and blood human beings, but with flickering pictures of physically perfect people in virtual reality.
Moreover, since they start so young, they have been compelled, as they get older, to turn to ever more bizarre and violent pornography in order to get the thrill that they desire. And this in turn makes them incapable of finding conventional, non-exotic sex even vaguely interesting.
This state of affairs has led a number of men from the affected generation to lead the charge to disenthrall their contemporaries from the curse of pornography. Following the example of various anti-addiction programs, they are setting up support groups, speaking out about the dangers of porn, advocating for restrictions on adult websites, getting addicts into contact with sponsors who will challenge them, etc. And all of this, it seems to me, is to the good.
But what really struck me in the Time article is that neither the author nor anyone that he interviewed or referenced ever spoke of pornography use as something morally objectionable. It has apparently come to the culture’s attention only because it has resulted in erectile dysfunction! The Catholic Church — and indeed all of decent society until about 40 years ago — sees pornography as, first and foremost, an ethical violation, a deep distortion of human sexuality, an unconscionable objectification of persons who should never be treated as anything less than subjects.
That this ethical distortion results in myriad problems, both physical and psychological, goes without saying, but the Catholic conviction is that those secondary consequences will not be adequately addressed unless the underlying issue be dealt with.
It is precisely on this point that we come up against a cultural block. Though Freud’s psychological theorizing has been largely discredited, a fundamental assumption of Freudianism remains an absolute bedrock of our culture. I’m referring to the conviction that most of our psychological suffering follows as a consequence from the suppression of our sexual desires. Once we have been liberated from old taboos regarding sex, this line of argument runs, we will overcome the neuroses and psychoses that so bedevil us. What was once the peculiar philosophy of a Viennese psychiatrist came to flower in the 1960’s, at least in the West, and then made its way into practically every nook and cranny of the culture.
How often have we heard some version of this argument: as long as you’re not hurting anyone else, you should be allowed to do whatever pleases you in the sexual arena. What the Time article articulates in regard to the specific issue of pornography has been, in point of fact, glaringly obvious for quite some time: Freud was wrong.
Complete sexual freedom has not made us psychologically healthier, just the contrary. It has deeply sickened our society. The valorization of unrestricted freedom in regard to sex — precisely because it is morally corrupt — proves psychologically debilitating as well.
Whereas Freud, in the manner of most modern thinkers, principally valorized freedom, the church valorizes love, which is to say, willing the good of the other. Just as moderns tend to reduce everything to freedom, the Church reduces everything to love, by which I mean, it puts all things in relation to love. Sex is, on the Biblical reading, good indeed, but its goodness is a function of its subordination to the demand of love.
When it loses that mooring — as it necessarily does when freedom is reverenced as the supreme value — it turns into something other than what it is meant to be. The laws governing sexual behavior, which the Freudian can read only as “taboos” and invitations to repression, are in fact the manner in which the relation between sex and love is maintained. And upon the maintenance of that relation depends our psychological and even physical health as well. That to me is the deepest lesson of the Time article.
(Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.)

Called to serve: vocations involve entire community

Guest Column
By Sister Constance Veit, lsp.
We Little Sisters spend our lives caring for the elderly, but I try to keep up with young people as much as I can. Last week I read a blog for young women about the impact of our throw-away culture on the quality of personal relationships. The more we move around, according to a recent study, the more likely we are to develop attitudes of disposability toward our material possessions – and we also come to perceive relationships in the same way.
An attitude of disposability promotes superficiality rather than deep personal relationships. Research suggests disposability is detrimental to our mental and physical health. It’s no wonder that while they often seem absorbed in their mobile devices, young people crave real community and truly meaningful relationships.
Pope Francis understands the hearts of the young. His message for this year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations, celebrated April 17, is based on the realization that vocations are born within the community that is the church. “The call of God comes to us by means of a mediation which is communal,” the pope wrote. “God calls us to become a part of the church and, after we have reached a certain maturity within it, he bestows on us a specific vocation. The vocational journey is undertaken together with the brothers and sisters whom the Lord has given to us: it is a con-vocation.”
Our Holy Father asserts that this “ecclesial dynamism” is a cure for the indifference and individualism too prevalent in our society. It establishes “the communion in which indifference is vanquished by love, because it demands that we go beyond ourselves and place our lives at the service of God’s plan, embracing the historical circumstances of his holy people.”
My conversations with women in discernment confirm that young people strongly desire life in community. At the same time, they want to give the best of themselves to the church. How important it is for us as a community of faith to journey with young people in discernment, and to support their first steps into the priesthood and consecrated life!
It is no less important to offer our friendship to mature priests and consecrated women and men who give of themselves each day for the sake of God’s people. I cannot begin to express how much the support of countless members of the church meant to us Little Sisters of the Poor in the months leading up to our recent Supreme Court case. Many people commended us for our courage, telling us that we were standing up for religious believers of all faiths. But we could never have done it without the prayerful support of so many!
As we celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis is calling on all the faithful to appreciate the ecclesial dynamism of vocations, “so that communities of faith can become, after the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, like a mother’s womb giving birth to new vocations. “The motherhood of the church finds expression in constant prayer for vocations and in the work of educating and accompanying all those who perceive God’s call,” the pope wrote. “The church is also the mother of vocations in her continual support of those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others.”
When people asked our foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, to pray for them, or when she wished to thank someone, she often suggested, “Let us say a Hail Mary together.” Let’s be mothers and fathers of vocations by offering a Hail Mary – or a whole rosary – for the priests and religious who have influenced us, and for the young people in whom we perceive the potential to be holy priests and consecrated women and men!
(Sister Constance Veit is the communications director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States.)

Paper seeks honorees

Mississippi Catholic is planning a graduation issue for early June. If your parish is honoring graduates at a liturgy or reception, or if your child has been honored by his or her school, please submit your stories and photos to editor@mississippicatholic.com by Tuesday, May 31.
The paper is also still seeking First Communion and Confirmation group photos from 2016.
The paper is unable to print photos taken with cell phones or tablets. Please send high-resolution photos from a camera.

Vacation Bible schools in the diocese

– Clarksdale St. Elizabeth Parish, June 13-17 from 8 a.m. – noon. Details and to volunteer: Sarah Cauthen, 662-645-6260.
– Cleveland Our Lady of Victories, June 13-17. To volunteer contact Sarah Cauthen, 662-645-6260.
– Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish, Monday- Wednesday, June 13-15, from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Details and to volunteer: Karen Worrell, 601-672-5817, kworrellcre@hotmail.com. Registration for attendees will begin in May.
– Grenada St. Peter Parish, “Birthday Blast” Sunday-Thursday- June 5-9. Details and to volunteer: call/text Tara Trost, 662-515-9126.
– Greenville Sacred Heart Parish, June 6-10.
– Greenville St. Joseph Parish, “Birthday Blast: A celebration of Life!” June 13-16, from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
– Jackson St. Richard Parish, June 6-9, from 9 a.m. – noon.
– Madison St. Francis of Assisi Parish, June 20-24 from 9 a.m. – noon for preK-fourth graders.
– Creative art camp for fifth and sixth graders at the same time. Details and to volunteer: Mary Catherine, mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
– Natchez St. Mary Basilica, “Cave Quest: Following Jesus, The Light of the World,” June 6-10, with a Mass celebration on Saturday, June 11, at 5 p.m. Details: Melinda, 601-597-7178. mlml2002@hotmail.com.

Youth Briefs & Gallery

CLARKSDALE Immaculate Conception Parish, after school spiritual and educational enrichment camp, May 9-12, from 4 – 6 p.m. for youth ages five-14 years old. Instructors will be Dr. Jyothi Gupta and Dave Chapman along with their grad students of the Department of Physical Therapy from St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota.
During the mornings they the youth will volunteer at the Care Station, SLA Jones Senior Activity Center, Clarksdale Physical Therapy, George H. Oliver Elementary School and The Clarksdale Children Clinic.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, deadline to sign up for the annual men and women’s retreat (open to all high school students) is Sunday, May 15. Meeting with participants and their parents, Wednesday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m.

JACKSON Holy Family Parish, Knights of Peter Claver Court #171 will distribute its annual scholarship to a deserving high school senior. Applications and criteria are available
now. Details:  Kathy Harris, 601-750-9063.

– St. Richard School Flight to the Finish, 5-K or one mile fun run, Saturday, May 7, hosted by the Cardinal Men’s Club.

Catholic camp
The Catholic camp for children in North East Mississippi will be held June 12-18 for boys and girls ages 8-11 years and June 19-25 for boys and girls ages 12-14.
This is a residential, over-night camp that includes daily Mass, sports, art and opportunities to meet other Catholic children in north MS. The cost is $100 per week. Scholarships and reduced fees are available. Application deadline is June 5. Details: your parish youth minister and Father Tim Murphy, 662-304-0087.

Summer camps
GREENVILLE St. Joseph School is offering the following summer camps:
– Mini cheer camp, May 31-June 2, from 8 a.m. – noon in the school’s gym for ages three to 12-years-old. Cost is $50 per student. Details: Perlita Dixon, 662-378-9711.
– Summer science camp, June 13-15 from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. for ages five to 12-years-old. Cost is $45 per student. Details: Missi Blackstock, 662-378-9711.
– Sport camps for ages five to 12-years-old boys and girls. Cost is $45 per camp. If attend all the four games cost is $160, three camps is $125..
Football, May 31-June 2 from 8 a.m. – noon. at the field house. Green/white game on Thursday, June 2, at 11:30 a.m. led by Coach John Baker.
Baseball, June 6-9 from 8 a.m. – noon in the baseball field, led by Coach Chris Williams. Thursday features special guest Reggie Smith of the Boston Red Sox.
Basketball,  June 6-9 from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the gymnasium, led by Coach James Hunter
Soccer, June 13-15 from 8 a.m. – noon at the practice field. Led by Coach Craig Mandolini. Green/white game on Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

Vocational visits

VICKSBURG – Father José de Jesús Sánchez, director of vocations for the Diocese of Jackson, visited classes at St. Aloysius School on Wednesday, April 20, the same week as World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
In Southaven, Father Quang Nguyen, SCJ, vice provincial and vocations director recently visited with seventh and eighth Sacred Heart School students to talk about vocations.
Father Quang shared his own journey into religious life and told students how to explore the possibility of whether life as a religious was right for them. He described the immense amount of study that was required after one committed to a consecrated life and bridged the gap between a career and a vocation.