September 3, 2000
THE GIFT
OF WORKÛ
For some, Labor Day is no more than the holiday that officially marks the end of summer.œFor others it is a time to support all laborers and to recognize the past and present achievementsœof labor unions. For the church, it is a time to look at the call to work and the gift to be able toœwork.
My mother, who had a very strong work ethic, used to tell us kids that being able to workœwas one of the great gifts that humans have. As a child, thinking of work as a gift seemed aœcontradiction! What Mom meant, on the one hand, was that it was great when people could findœthe right employment that would develop their skills and talents Ú
allow them to earn a wage.–
This attitude definitely flowed from her experience of the Great Depression when many of herœfamily could not find steady work.
On the other hand, however, Mom'
s statement about appreciation for work expressed herœacute awareness that it is in work that humans can find fulfillment. No, she was not a workaholicœnor did she think that people should work all the time. But she knew that when people can beœproductive, something wonderful happens for them.
This Labor Day, I intend to take some time to thank God for the gift of work and theœability to work. It is in our labors that we can be the hands of God in continuing the work of creation.
Fr. Herb
September 10, 2000
ANTI-CATHOLIC SENTIMENTÛ
Someone handed me a flier that her son received at work. It was entitled, ' Ten Reasonsœ NOT to be a Catholic.' I read it.
It was among the most stupid, ill-informed, and mean-spirited things that I have ever read!
Much of what was in the hand-out was an attempt to say that Catholicism is pagan, non-Christian, and driving people to hell. Most of it was the same trash that I first saw forty or more years ago. It seems that people enjoy spreading ignorance from one generation to the next, never bothering to try to learn anything about our church.
I share this with you because you also may have run into anti-Catholicism in the work place, in certain stores, or from your neighbors. Often it is more subtle than the document that was given me last week. Catholics, for some reason, are often prey to those who feel we are misguided. There are those who honestly worry about us and fear our loss of salvation. Others, however, simply want to attack our church. Unfortunately, Catholics don't always
know how to respond.
If you feel you don't know enough about your church, take the time to learn more. And just because someone tells you that your beliefs are not Christian, that doesn't mean they are right. Don't counter-attack, but don't be afraid to disagree with them.
Fr. Herb
September 17,2000
BARN PAINTING
Perhaps you have seen the Ohio Bicentennial signs appearing on various barns in the countryside. In preparation for Ohio's anniversary of statehood in the year 2003, various barns around–the state are being selected to bear a simple but beautiful banner that declares the state's heritage. Apparently, in exchange for advertizing the state's upcoming celebration, the owner gets the barnœ(at least one side of it) painted for free. Seeing those signs cropping up with such regularity, I was reminded of the old Mailpouch Tobacco signs that were common on barn for many
September 24, 2000
REGARDING THE BAPTISMAL FONT
I truly appreciate the generous feedback that I and the Liturgy Committee have been receivingœabout the location of the Baptismal Font. As many of you recall, back in June I published aœdiagram and some thoughts about moving the font. This was done with the hope of more parishœinterest. (Last fall there was an open meeting that almost no one attended.)Well, I certainly discovered there is parish interest in what location may be chosen. Althoughœthere are plenty who like the idea of moving the font to the center aisle near the main churchœdoors, those who oppose it came up with various reasons for not making the move. With only oneœnoted exception, those who disagree voiced their opinions gently, clearly, and charitably.Perhaps on the top of the list for not making a move is the appreciation that many have ofœBaptisms taking place during Mass. I was happy to hear this concern because it shows that folksœare realizing the significance of the community involvement in Baptism. A move, they said, wouldœprohibit the congregation's view and connection with the Baptism. Other reasons have included the fear of losing seating space in the back pews -- a total of 10 seatsœwould be lost; the cost of making the move; and moving a font that people have become used toœseeing near the altar. There were also those who felt that if the move was only being proposed toœmake room for the grand piano, there may be other ways to remedy the situations I promised everyone who spoke to me, I took all the concerns and opinions to the LiturgyœCommittee. We had a very fine and long discussion. The conclusion was to put on hold change while we continue to immerse ourselves in the theology and significance of Baptismal celebrations. final comment. We have a strong faith community and one that works well together. The lastœthing I want is something like this to become divisive. That does not mean opinions cannot beœaired, but it is always necessary for speakers also to be listeners. I hope what we are doing showsœwe are listening to you.
Fr. Herb
