From the Desk - 2005
December 25, 2005 Christmas Blessings to All!
This is a season to count blessings and reach out when we might not usually do so. Christmas is truly a season of grace. “Peace on earth through good will” that is the grace of making the season vital.
The SVF Christmas ‘05 is a little different from others because the end—Epiphany Sunday—becomes our biggest celebration. On January 8th at the 11 am Mass, Cardinal George and Dominican Provincial, Fr. Michael Mascari, will be with us for the beginning of our 75th Jubilee as a parish. Remember that the church holds a thousand people—all are welcome.
The other event coming fast is the Jubilee Dinner Dance you have seen mentioned in the bulletin. Please feel welcome. This is not a couples-only event. Many of our parishioners are not “couples”. Tickets are by table as well as individual.
In the spirit of Christmas giving please continue to remember the forgotten and less fortunate. SVF parish gave nearly $15,000 to Katrina peoples. That is wonderful! The needs continue: our closest Catholic Charities is on south Austin by St Frances of Rome. The Extension Society reports nearly 60 church buildings either damaged or destroyed by Katrina and Rita in four southern states. Extension’s web is www.catholicextension.org. Their phone is 312-236-7240.
The Christmas holy season makes virtue seem magical. May your blessings in family and beyond be grace upon grace. From our dedicated priests and deacons, the very hard working staff, and myself: Blessings of peace now and eternally.
Gratefully,
Fr. Tom
December 11, 2005 The ME world and the WE world
Dear Parishioners,
We are in high energy days on our fragile planet which should always take us to spiritual reflection. I wrote several weeks ago about the high stress people undergo during this time of the season. A great story comes to mind from a teenage boy as he encapsulated a session we were doing on how we see life. Narcissism seems to be one of the leading culprits undermining our culture; that was the topic at hand. He used the metaphor of ME and WE. Contrasting the M and the W, he explained how in the W world of WE the letter becomes a container and is open to what comes down and what enters in. By contrast the M in ME is a closed out system or person not allowing anything to enter. Truly a very insightful reflection on a complex issue.
Our consumer culture has moved into conspicuous consumption. We are marketed into the ME world. “What’s in it for me?” “I did it my way” “at least I am safe and warm.” We are encouraged even to brag on paying outrageous amounts for non-essentials in our life. (Some of you may have seen the news story on the Catholic school out east canceling the prom over the out-of-control decadence.) Consumerism can breed narcissism. We start to confuse what we need with what we want. It is always about us. We become coddled, pampered and self-serving.
When you encounter a difficult person or situation, realize they do not care about you. Their focus will be themselves—only themselves. You are simply a blip on their radar screen; your importance is only in proportion of you getting between them and what they want. I know this can sound like child-rearing language, but it is business office language, family language, church dynamics, politics—you get the picture.
In the ME world the common good is lost. Whether we are talking local or global, the profile remains. Our spiritual life is the answer, not the private property of ME world. Yes, we can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but He will jettison us into life with one another. Jesus was always in the WE world. He took us as friends into and beyond the world of the enemy. Timely language for our present days. The ME narcissism world of the bullying, entitlement, terrorizing, etc. are the sins against the common good. This WE world will take us to the common good—not the corporate good or the politically correct good or the “looking good”—the common good.
“Thy kingdom come” is about the WE world. The investment gospels on talents and coins we have been hearing these weeks are about a common kingdom brought about by us now that the master is returning. It is about the WE world of filling up from each other. Filling each other’s worlds is the common good. Sometimes family life is about one person taking all the attention or should I even dare say the cat or dog. Getting into the good of one another is the greatest good. The more we get caught up in ourselves the smaller our world becomes.
In the ME world there is spin on everything, gossip to self appraise, bullying of ideas, disrespect for systems outside our ego turf, etc. The filler is all measured by the world of ME. In the WE world the common good happens with service being the blessing we seek filling the soul. Compromise, boundaries, negotiating, quest of deeper virtue, etc. become the fillers.
So in your reflections through the narrow gate of narcissism to the WE world, some basic holy questions arise: Who fills me up? (Sounds like a commercial!!) When does that filling take place?...how often?...what mood and which space allowing the filling?...where is the gauge now? The W holds a lot but fills slowly. Lots of competition in this ME world of ours.
Advent is the adventure of WE. That is how He comes—in us and through us. It is a season filling not just stockings and tummies but souls. My prayer is that this season is very filling for all of us. …out of the mouths of babes…or as Isaiah says “…and a little child will lead them.” May our biggest blessing be filling the emptiness of someone else: WE world.
Blessed Advent,
Fr Tom
November 27, 2005 Church modification
Dear parishioners,
You may have already noticed that the space in the church has undergone a bit of rearranging. This is in a effort to increase the available seating for those less mobile and the music ministry expansion.
We are expanding to seven areas for those less mobile where Holy Communion will be brought to them. The space at the cross aisle remains. The front benches on each side are now added. The cushioned chairs on the west side remain but one alcove north. In the back of the church the seating remains as before. At the cross aisle the panel was removed because some felt it too tight getting in and out. The panel is moved to the front of the church where folks have been requesting a place to kneel. Here there is enough space to park a wheel chair between the pew and panel.
The expansion of the music ministry area is because of more musicians and instruments. At some Masses our youth are coming forth to play in music ministry. We simply need more room for this ministry. Behind the rail is too cramped; plus the traffic flow at Communion dividing them is most distracting to their being able to stay together while playing. Some ask what about the loft area for all this. That is still needed. There is no piano in the loft just the organ. Both spaces are needed at different times for different styles of music ministry.
Communion procession flow needs to go behind the pillar in the music ministry area. This does work nicely already. Communion ministers will bring the Sacrament to the designated areas where the less mobile are seated. The Cup ministers need to be against the pillars to maximize the space and not block the aisle.
Modifying our habits takes a bit of energy. This will help us all pray better. Your continued input is always welcome. The diagram attached maybe makes more sense than my writings.
Blessings,
Fr Tom
November 20, 2005 Advent 2005
Dear Parishioners,
Some of you have asked why the crib is not being put up at Thanksgiving as in years gone by. The best answer it is to reflect on the liturgical calendar of the church.
Advent is four Sundays. It is not four weeks. Advent prepares for the coming of Christ. Did you notice I did not say “Christmas?” Advent is a double layering because the coming of Christ is double layered. In Advent we observe Christ coming at the end of time and also into history. These are commonly referred to as the first coming and the second coming.
Advent is the liturgical season taking us through these mysteries in prayer. “Advent I” begins with the second coming of Christ. The readings reflect the end times, the final trumpet, etc. Sometimes we can be in a really Christmassy mood and find Church depressing. “Where do they come up with this stuff?” we say hearing the proclamation of judgment, accountability, etc.
On December 17th we enter into “Advent II.” This now is the novena preparing for the first coming of Christ into history. The historical Jesus we celebrate annually—not like a baby shower for Jesus. We celebrate his redefining of history once forever!
When I saw the crib put up after Thanksgiving I was surprised and asked why. It was a new experience for me as a Catholic. The answer I got was that the people loved the crib and that it was a really beautiful crib. I totally agree on both counts.
Once the crib is up it is hard to hear the Advent I catechesis. On the 17th, when the “O antiphons" begin — the one per day of the titles of Jesus— we put up the crib buildings free of all figurines of people. The people get placed from Christmas Eve until the end of the Christmas season.
In the commercial world Christmas is over on the 26th of December. In the church it goes into the Baptism of the Lord. That is into the third week of January. Last year we had a January wedding asking for the Christmas environment to continue one week. We obliged. Church Christmas can be extended easier than being anticipated.
Advent is full of great stories of Christ. His coming; His coming again; and His constant coming into our lives. Life is Advent in Christ.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom
November 13, 2005 ‘Tis the season
Dear Parishioners,
We now move into the holiday season. Recently I saw a cartoon that referred to the “hallowthanksmas”—running all the words from Halloween to Christmas into one. Granted this is commercial marketing but that is the world we live in. What comes to mind with this season is my years with the VA Hospital working in mental hygiene. When the holidays started our work increased. From fall until spring sprung the numbers of folks with depression, suicide, domestic violence, etc. went way up.
These stats still remain true in our lives. Since the 9/11 trauma, the nation and world are in an emotionally fragile and vulnerable space. This does affect our spiritual lives. Most folks are stressed before even entering into this holiday season. Holidays imply happy times. Nothing is more demanding than being pressured to be happy. There is a litany of ills that we are all struggling with: the tsunami, the multiple hurricanes, the mid-east war, the earthquakes, plus all the terror threats and realities. I have not even mentioned the church, government and economic scandals. This all takes a toll on the soul of the healthiest person. We are entering a tough season already burdened.
Some of the symptoms of our “season” can be overly agitated, eager to judge and bicker, picking up or not getting rid of those annoying winter buggies, not wanting to go to work, withdrawal from time alone and even prayer, an exhausting schedule, not much time with your own household, lashing out, feeling sorry for yourself, triggered by things that usually do not bother us, road rage, etc. The comment I remember so clearly from many of our patients (suffering mostly from Viet Nam delay stress syndrome), was that they hated the holidays. They just wanted them over. Some would say that they could handle Thanksgiving because there was less hype and not gift pressure. Christmas was the most unhappy holiday with the commercial demands and family disappointments. So we are back to the old adage of putting Christ back into Christmas.
When our outer world is a monster out of hand, the best response is to go to the inner world. When we suffer compassion fatigue, we need to turn within. Going to the basics and nurturing those basics can retune us. Are we getting the sleep we need? What about our time with our own self? Am I dating my spouse weekly? Is there meal time with those I live with? Does a holy season increase my prayer time? Is the season fun in a simple way? Am I overly saturated with the daily news traumas? You get the picture. Under pressure we do best when we do less. We raise our consciousness of who we are and what we are about.
Tis the season! Yes, even this annual season of what can be a real toughie need not be. Starting on the inside with that Christ grace and energy we have, the outer world is tolerable and even manageable. There is so much happening over which we are powerless. Our powers and strength come from the inside. Cutting back is not just a money statement—it is a management of time, energy, exposure, moods, emotions, etc. It is the quality control of the soul. Be around those who are building from the inside. Enjoy those who enjoy less and talk about it. Conserve your health of soul, mind and body during these next months until spring. Be at peace in a world that is not.
Blessings in the valley!
Fr. Tom
November 6, 2005 On the finances
Dear parishioners,
Last week’s bulletin carried the 2004/5 financial statistics plus the annual letter from your Finance Board. Hope you read it and that it all makes sense. They work hard on all this. Some of you keep asking me when I am going to preach to everyone on Church support. I have not spoken on money to the parish since I have been either administrator or pastor. My present plan is not to do so. Does that mean we are solvent financially? No way! Our parish is in a rich area but we are not a rich parish. We are well over one-half million in debt from the Millennium Campaign. You have already read all of that last week. The $85,000 payment comes due this year.
Here’s my thinking: about one fourth of the claimed membership support SVFP. That quarter is very generous and usually the same group who are already in church. To preach to them—you who are reading this being the same folk—are not the ones who need to be catechized on fiscal giving. I am the pastor first and CEO second. What I have come to realize is that SVFP is both parish and shrine. Parishioners take ownership and “pay” all the dues of membership: time, talent and treasure. Those who see SVFP as a shrine use it for events in their lives or come here to pray on a devotional basis. God bless them. They are welcome. Let me show this in statistics: one-half of the weddings, one-half of the funerals, and one-half of the baptisms are for non-members. Yes, they must have letters from their pastors for the sacraments here, but the fact remains we have a layered community of users.
Folks give. They even increase their giving with the inflation of the times. They understand that even though a parish is a spiritual establishment, there are bills to be paid and lots of them—like the projected $20,000 increase in the gas bill. Yikes!
Some of you asked about the second collections and the volume of them. There are those second collections that are from the USCCB or the Archdiocese-designated charities. These are options not just for charity but also prayer. Charitable giving is never an option for a Christian—the charity is the option. Many folks favor certain charities to support. If it is not your financial preference, make certain that it is on your prayer list. Two of the regular second collections are for the parish: one is the parish school and the other the parish plant itself— the buildings collection. These two second collections are the two largest expenses for the operation of SVFP.
Our culture thinks in money. Money is power. Money is control. If SVFP were given millions and millions of dollars, would our problems be gone and we be in control? I do not think so. Actually I think that could weaken us. My experience is that money follows faith—not faith following money. If our faith brought us to Sunday Eucharist, our bench volume would be greater and therefore the collection. Family life USA style is not finding its power and control in faith. Religion is optional. Most in the USA practice freedom from religion. In both of our schools of religion and also our day school here at SVFP, the vast majority of children are not being formed in the habit of Sunday worship. To me, this is where we are bankrupt. My heart breaks for the confusion of these children.
Stereotypically, some folks think that all a priest can talk about is money. Here at SVFP finances will continue in bulletin awareness, second collections will be in the announcements. Definitely meetings, boards and committees will continue to address financial opportunities. Also in letters of awareness to members—but never the preaching. Any money problems we have are symptoms of other concerns. You can exhale. I am not going to do a marathon on money. Our treasury is the sacraments. When that light goes on—pun intended, all will be well. In the meantime, we continue hoping the riches of the kingdom of Christ be our interest.
Blessings as always!
Fr Tom
November 6, 2005 Funeral Varia
Dear parishioners,
Recently the Archdiocese did an update brochure for the preparing of Catholic funerals called In Sure and Certain Hope. This is needed from time to time because with many of our sacraments, we begin to model them after the culture or other religions rather than allowing them to be true to our Catholic traditions.
The areas of the teaching that I am directly placing before you are on: eulogies, cremation, care for miscarriages, and amputated extremities (see paragraphs below, from the brochure). Restating the Catholic norm: the funeral liturgy is usually the Mass. The visitation usually has a wake service. The Church has in her Rites of Funerals other prayers for the deceased that can be offered.
“Eulogies are best given at the Vigil Service or at some appropriate time during the wake” (from the brochure). The Church has wiggled from this saying a tolerated eulogy after communion at the Mass of Christian burial may be done. The toleration being—one person only, given in writing to priest prior, church-worthy content, and only several minutes in length. Well, after nearly a hundred funerals here at SVFP using these pastoral options, I can say that it simply has yet to work. For the sake of the integrity of the liturgy, we will stay with the original norm on eulogies; namely, not in church.
In our Religious Orders—the Dominican sisters and brothers—we have a time of memory following the wake service. It is an open lectern for those who wish to say what they feel needs to be said of the deceased. These have been very positive experiences.
On the web site of the parish, svfparish.org, there are many other helps of information with sacred music, liturgical readings, etc. The Archdiocesan brochure in its fullness is at http://www.svfparish.org/sureandcertain.htm
We never need apologize for being Catholic. Our customs and rites know the worship of the ages. Use this for catechesis now, not at the hour of death when you are planning a loved one’s services.
Blessings as always!
Fr Tom
FROM IN SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE:
EULOGIES AT FUNERAL MASSES
Eulogies and personal remembrances have their place at the wake service but not, as such, in the funeral Mass itself. The Mass is offered for the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of the soul of the departed. The liturgy speaks of the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection, which gives the deepest meaning to the life of the deceased.
CREMATION
The Church prefers to bury the body of the deceased in consecrated ground. For a variety of reasons, some people may prefer to have the body of the deceased cremated before it is buried. This is allowed, as long as there is no intentional denial of the final Resurrection of the body.
The burial or inurnment in a cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium should occur as soon as possible after the Funeral Mass, so that the cremated remains of the body are not kept in the funeral home or family home. Out of respect for the body, the Church does not permit the cremated remains of the body to be scattered over water or some favorite place. Cremated remains are to be given the same respect as the body they were.
CARE FOR MISCARRIAGES
All life is sacred and the remains of fetuses or stillborns are to be given reverent Christian burial, preferably in a Catholic cemetery.
The Chaplain's Office at Catholic hospitals works closely with families in preparing such burials by contacting a funeral director when necessary as well as the parish of the family involved. When these burials are not handled directly through Catholic hospitals, families should make arrangements with a local funeral director.
AMPUTATED EXTREMITIES
Amputated extremities of Catholics are to be given reverent Christian burial. The local funeral director should be contacted in dealing with these situations. Assistance is also available through the Office of Catholic Cemeteries.
October 23, 2005 Katrina, New Books
Dear Parishioners,
Your generosity to the Katrina hurricane victims was much appreciated. The two Sundays when the parish children collected moneys from you—those went to the Catholic Charities designated for Katrina peoples. At the beginning of this school year at the grandparent Mass, a collection was marked for peoples effected by Katrina connected with the school. There were also folks who gave alms to me directly for the in-parish Katrina peoples. The number of recipients was twenty-nine. I had the privilege of distributing these latter moneys from school and parish. What an outpouring of gratitude. Your generosity brought tears to these folks. They were deeply touched. Thank you!
If any of you wish still to give to the in-parish peoples or want to make a donation to Catholic Charities, feel free to do so. We can have a short memory with events like this, but the history of the coastal southern United States is forever redefined. Charity will be welcome years from now in the rebuilding. Much can never be rebuilt with money.
On another note: Recently I gave a reflection to Deanery IV on “Catholicism—Chicago Style”. I used a couple of books you may be interested in reading. Also the full present issue of Chicago Magazine is on Chicago Catholics. It does reflect well our diversity here in the city. The other two books I suggest is Swimming with Scapulars—True Confessions of a Young Catholic. This is the reflections of Matthew Lickona on his journey of faith in the Church. The second book is a Phillips Journalism Fellowship writer, Colleen Carroll, who writes with stories and a plethora of statistics The New Faithful: Why Young Adults Are Embracing Christian Orthodoxy. Both authors are in their 20’s. Both books will lift your spirits on where we are and where we are going. “Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore” on 7419 W. Madison St. carries them. Owner Augi Aleksy, Jr. is one of your fellow parishioners.
As the season cools us into autumn, it becomes time for good reading, …even a good season for soup.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom
October 2, 2005 Katrina's Blessing
Dear Parishioners,
There are blessings even in the worst of tragedies. Katrina's displacement of peoples has blessed us here at SVFP. Those of you who were in our chruch at the September 16th National Day of Prayer got to meet the families now with us from New Orleans. One of those families is the Edwards Family. They are seven strong: mom, dad and children from 8 to 16; the entire Family is musically gifted. Dad, Steve, is skilled in church liturgy and is/was the director of Music Ministries for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish on the Loyola University Campus in New Orleans. Mom, Marta, is a doctor in string instrument pedagogy. Now you understand why the five children are musicians of a higher order.
Steve will be taking the part-time position opened by the resignation of Vince Zaprzal. SVFP will be blessed with Steve Edwards for as long as he is here. That may be a short time, each day brings a little more information of what was left behind and what is the future. Katrina transitions are volatile to say the least. As parish we will journey with them through this.
You can call whoever is in music ministry "Steve" and likely be correct. Steve Senski remains in charge of the worship department in the only full-time position. He will have a space to exhale now with Steve Edwards' presence.
My hope is that with our 75th around the corner, Steve Edwards can help us on the booklet/calendar of the 2006 events. That in itself will be a major job.
In the next column is a picture and bio of Steve. Please warmly welcome him as a blessing to us in his (and his family's) time of great trial.
Blessings,
Fr. Tom
September 25, 2005 Why no choirs?
Dear Parishioners,
Some have asked why I or Steve Senski, our parish liturgist, have done away with the choirs. either of us have. Perhaps a recap of the last year may help.
Steve is in his new position just under one year. In October of last year he was hired to direct an adult choir, a bell choir and the children's choir. These choirs have had announcements for rehearsals. The response has been only several people-if that-at any one time.
For decades Steve' entire academic and church life has been directing choirs. Being without that is not only different from what we at SVFP advertised but a huge burden for him to carry personally. Not being able to direct when you are a director is no small matter. It is also taking a toll on his health. He is doing a minimum of five weekend Masses-usually two to three more with the weddings and funerals. The job Steve is doing and the one he was hired for are not the same.
There have been some youth who have come forward in music ministry; some as cantors, some with instruments. Some of the youth are using this ministry as
service projects. That is all wonderful.
In no uncertain terms I have been told over and over that SVFP does not sing. "If you want singing, go hire someone from the Lyric." You have no idea how often I have been told that. This is also true with hiring instruments. Well, it is not going to happen. Liturgy is of the assembly; it is created by them and comes from them. Anything else would be an entertainment model. Many are wanting that but that is not our church norms. Even the best choir is to lead the assembly in song. They are not there to entertain, sing to them or for them.
... so will SVFP have choirs? I hope and pray yes! As you can tell, Steve prays and hopes that even more. Again, these next weeks’ bulletins will have options for parish music from the talents of the parishioners. We hope; we pray. Liturgical song is not about perfection and performance. It is about us praying simply to our God.
The choir space of the loft has had much attention this last year. Risers have been installed. Also, there is a railing now on the front of the loft for greater safety. The choir robes were asked about; we still have them and they are in good shape.
The SVFP space is a privilege for anyone in sound. Lectors, cantors, choirs, etc. all enjoy the acoustical liveliness of the room. So many hard surfaces to bounce off and also such vast space — it truly makes a great space to praise God. When we sing, we pray twice.
Blessings
Fr. Tom
September 4, 2005 - Why don't people genuflect?
Dear Parishioners,
Today’s questions are from folks who are wondering what is liturgically correct when entering church. Many just walk to their pew when entering. Our Catholic custom is to reverence the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle when entering and leaving church. This is done with a genuflection on one knee. Some have trouble doing this physically; so, a waist bow or even a head bow is acceptable. They may go down but not get up. The importance is that one of these reverential actions is appropriate. No, this has not changed. We have. Sometimes we just become lax, forgetting where we are and who we are. This is not like finding a seat at a movie or ball game.
The akin question is about the use of the middle aisle. Once the Mass begins with the start of the procession until the priest leaves the church, the middle aisle should be empty. While Mass is in process, the center aisle is used only for processions. The gifts of bread, wine and money offering are walked down the middle aisle. (Note that the ushers use the side aisles to pass the collection baskets.) The communion procession for reception of the sacrament is the entire assembly coming down the middle aisle. Any movement by late-comers and early-goers needs to be done using the side aisles. Again, this is not a change but a custom of liturgy. There is a common sense that goes with it also. Any movement in the middle aisle brings attention to the person distracting away from the Mass.
Mass begins with the opening hymn. Mass ends with the priest leaving the church building. The assembly remains in the bench during the Mass with the exception of the preparation and communion processions. Some churches do not allow seating once the opening prayer begins. In these places, if someone comes in during the readings, they stand in the back until the gospel acclamation when the assembly stands. Then they take their seat. This causes minimal distraction to the Word of God being proclaimed.
Prayer is work. Focusing from distractions in church is work. When we gather as an assembly it takes work to be on the same page offering God the attention only. None of us is invisible in the assembly. It is good for us to be seen praying.
So, some of you may read this and think “he’s not going to tell me what to do.” You’re correct, I am not. Actually everything mentioned here is answering questions. It is catechesis of our faith and our liturgy. There is no “cop” enforcement of what I have said. We are the ones who make our space holier and holier. Prayer is contagious. Reverence is contagious. We are always catechizing our younger generations of what we do and why we do it.
Ingredere in templorum Dei. This is the Latin on the baptismal gates now installed framing the front left alcove. It would translate “to enter into the temple of God.” These gates were stored in the garage when the old baptistery was converted into the bride’s room.
God’s best blessings to you,
Fr Tom
August 28, 2005, Some Modifications
Dear Parishioners,
Permit me to mention a couple of modifications that have been done in the last weeks: two on the web and also in church.
The parish web site, svfparish.org, is a bit overhauled in its presentation. It is more user-friendly. The content is the same. What is different is the indices that one uses to enter the options of the site.
The other section updated is the marriage/family site on the web. This was introduced in July of 2004. The kudos on it have been great. Younger folks read the web to reach out to life itself. While the content is mostly the same, the site now categorizes and also prioritizes what is there. The major distinctions in this are between marriage and wedding — the former a lifetime and latter a day. The other distinction is between levels of prep: namely, Archdiocesan guidelines and parish guidelines. The added perk on this is that there are some pictures of weddings in our church.
The church building modifications are first, the extension of the rail in the choir loft. This is simply for safety. Many think that it has always been there. That is the greatest compliment that can be made.
The second is the baptismal gates in the baptistery area. Some of you may remember the old baptistery when the church was built. It was located where the present bride’s room is. When that transition occurred, the gates were put in the garage. I saw them and knew they belonged in the church. All of the baptismal symbols are now in one area: the holy water, the ambry with the holy oils, the font, the paschal candle, and now the gates. So, can you translate the Latin written in the brass on the gates? They are worth the loitering to examine.
We are gearing up for the 2005/6 school year with both schools of religion on Wednesdays and Sundays plus the day school. Spread word about registering. Keep these little ones in your prayers.
Blessings,
Fr Tom
August 21, 2005 Photography/Videography and Sacraments
Dear Folk,
This question has come up frequently on what is acceptable. It also carries with it the diversity of customs in various churches.
Let’s do a little history: Pictures in family albums were limited because of the science being developed. Wedding photographs of our ancestors were done in studios. I have pictures of five generations of weddings from our family. Only the last generation’s photos are in church buildings. Part of the wedding day used to be going to the studio. There was better control of light, environment, etc.
There is more to be considered here. The “say cheese” photo shoot in church treats it like a studio forgetting that we are in church and the Blessed Sacrament presence. Often the photographer and the crowd are an embarrassment to the space with shouting, camera gimmicks, noise levels, standing on furniture, crossing into the sanctuary, etc One professional photographer had the groomsmen sitting on the Communion rail as though it were a fence. He acted confused when I told him this was sacred to us; using it for someones’ bottom was offensive. Yes, he was Catholic telling me even earlier he knew all the Catholic rules.
Now let’s do a little sacramental theology: a sacrament is an experience of God. It is an occasion of grace. No photograph will ever capture the experience of the soul. Actually if the truth be known, the best coverage leaves the memory wanting. The mystical and transcendent are not captured by any external lens. We cannot pray and take photos at the same time. Watching Mass on TV is not the same as going to Mass.
Our digital culture has attempted to capture the experience. Church events can become staged, produced, and covered with the paparazzi-style milling around creating a loss of the sacred. This makes the sacraments into shows of grandstanding. It also drains the praying potential of the assembly. People pray differently with a camera on them.
Let me give two photo stories: there were 60 some little ones who made their First Communion here this last year. Some parents were concerned about the length of the ceremony with such a large group. The Mass lasted about 55 minutes; pictures after were close to an hour and half. Recently I baptized 7 babies in one service. It lasted 35 minutes; the photo sessions following were longer. Most wedding photos are longer than the wedding. We have entered a new way of imaging the events of our lives. Yes, we need the photos for the family album. We also need reverence for our sacraments. Both can be done compatibly.
The norms on photography and videography which the (NCCB) National Council of Catholic Bishops has made are very simple: photography should in no way distract from the sacrament. Here at SVFP our response is open photography by anyone during processions. People need to remain in their pews. Once the sacrament begins, only professional photographers are used with no distracting movement causing the assembly to loose their focus in prayer. This is the best of both worlds.
Some churches have no norms and trust folk’s common sense. It does not work. Our struggle now and in the future is to make certain what is the more important—the sacrament or the picture. Both are important but one leaves an indelible mark on the soul and heart and memory. God develops that print.
There is a parish tri-fold on photography and videography in the literature section of the church. Also the website has a page designed for professionals. This is in the marriage section. “Say cheese!”
Blessings
Fr Tom
August 14, 2005 Pastor's Delegation
Dear Parishioners,
A recurring question I get is “when is the pastor’s Mass?”. There is no such reality. The way that the four priests of SVFP are scheduled is by simple rotation. Sometimes a priest might have the same Mass two weeks in a row. That is only because of some pastoral need that may have made an interruption in the scheduling. Normally if you go to the same Mass every week, in theory you would have no repeat presiders until the fifth week.
Baptisms are scheduled each Sunday at 1 pm. With the three deacons and four priests, this schedule moves to a seven week rotation. Again, requests, clergy schedules, etc. can change this rotation.
Another common question is for the process of asking clergy not assigned to SVFP for funerals, baptisms, and weddings. Priests and deacons on staff already have the canonical faculties to serve any of the sacraments. Presiding at a sacrament is not just any priest any place. The faculties of serving a specific place and time are assigned by the Ordinary (Cardinal George). Once we move beyond that resource of the SVFP clergy, the pastor needs to be giving delegation. The pastor should be the one asking the outside clergy to the sacrament requested. This is normal and universal to the Catholic Church canons.
Clergy outside the Archdiocese of Chicago require extensively more paperwork for delegation to happen. As you might imagine in the shadows of the Church scandals, any movement of clergy—even for one service—must follow this format. Cardinal George is crystal clear to us in this regard.
Pastor delegation is a very real dimension of church life not to be presumed. Some years back when my nephew got married, the pastor chose to not give me delegation. I was allowed to concelebrate but not preside or witness the wedding. He was within his legal bounds one hundred percent. He said the family was very close to him but he’d like me to attend. It was a bit awkward and disappointing for us all, but canon law is thicker than blood.
Here at SVFP we clergy are often “informed” of whom someone might want to preside. This is not the correct process. I am extraordinarily generous on delegation. I have declined no one. Guest clergy are to follow the parish customs of the sacrament.
Next week I will address questions on photography and sacraments. Enjoy the summer as it comes to a close. Pray for the blessing of rain.
In Christ,
Fr Tom
July 31, 2005 Summer Notes
Dear Parishioners,
We continue in our drought and continue praying especially for those whose jobs are effected by this. Soon we will see the effects of all this in the market when we shop. Some years are lean; some fat. My Iowa farm relatives certainly know this only too well.
A reminder on ministries for the summer. Please never underestimate your importance to the praying community. Even though the numbers of ministers have increased in our ministries, the responsibility of getting substitutes is dwindling. One Mass last week had NO extraordinary ministers of communion show up. (Remember that Communion at the cross aisle is directly dependent upon the number of ministers showing up.) When no subs are to be found, a message on the general line or x121 is always welcome. It is a heads-up for us going into that liturgy to search out the assembly. Some of our new servers have already caught on to this most responsibly already. It is most welcome and impressive.
The State of the Parish Report 2005 is on our web site. I released it July 1st. Also as of the last parish council meeting we are putting on the web a long range parish goals and planning released in 1995. The latter will be there for only a couple weeks.
Vince Zaprzal will be going to his mother parish as of the 8th of August. Vince came to SVFP staff at the end of his sophomore year at Dominican University. You are most use to experiencing him in the music ministry. The job offer he got—an offer he couldn’t refuse—was for an associate position in the religious education and in youth ministry at St. Philip’s in Addison (Joliet Diocese). Vince is studying to become a Church professional minister; this move is smart for him at this time. He will graduate this year from Dominican University.
I personally am most grateful to Vince for doing a lot of organizing in the founding of our parish worship office. He was part of the hiring of Steve. Vince is a go- getter—dependable, organized, and faith filled. SVFP has been a beneficiary of his talents in his short time with us. Your spoken and written gratitude to him is most appropriate. Vince, well done, good and faithful servant!
The summer is coming to a close as we edge into a new school year. Enjoy your faith, your blessings, your families and all God’s bounty.
Peace,
Fr. Tom
July 24, 2005 Parish Membership
Dear folks,
The question today that I want to address is the primary element of belonging: membership and registration . It would be more than safe to say this is the most commonly asked and more commonly misunderstood question. Here at SVFP there is a misconception of membership and registration. People ask for sacraments based on the membership of someone else: “my mom’s aunt used to live in the parish” or the like thinking they ride these tails to the entitlement of a sacrament. Sacraments are about the person and their life of faith. It is not about who you know or knew.
In years gone by membership was by where one lived. Chicago even had the reputation among non Catholics identifying themselves by the parish geography of where they resided. Today membership is more complex. The USACCB (United States of America Council of Catholic Bishops) opened the borders of parishes to where people chose to belong. All they asked is that folks make known where they wished membership and demonstrate it with a faith filled life actively in that parish. Keep in mind that here at SVFP we have nearly 600 households registered outside of our boundary lines—that’s as large as many parishes. Many commute far for Sunday worship
Membership is where one is listed in print. Just like a pin number, members at SVFP have a four digit number. From this record base jurisdiction is determined. For example: say you are asked to be a sponsor or godparent. The parish where the baptism/confirmation takes place will likely ask a letter of your pastor stating you are in good standing, practicing, etc. When asked, the parish goes to the membership roster. There is listed the person with the ministries, services, donations, etc This information is used to draft a letter. Recently someone asked for such a letter. He stated he’s gone to SVFP for years but “never got on the books”. I wrote the letter stating exactly what he said and that we did not show his membership. Some like to equate this with the metaphor of voting in the civil arena: Citizenship is never questioned but try to vote without being on the membership roster for an election.
Registration is often used synonymously with membership—as in a “registered member”. Registration is more connected with sacramental registry. Being baptized—or receiving any of the sacraments—does not register us. I would venture to say that one fourth to one half of all baptisms, funerals, and weddings at SVFP are of non-members. Pastors from the parish of membership write a letter stating permission. Letters from their pastors are filed with the sacraments in the registry. They are not members. Another example: Dominican University is in our parish so the sacraments needing recording are put into the registry at SVFP. The University requires a letter of petition to SVFP plus the awareness of the person’s pastor for the registry.
So when did all these changes happen? Actually they are most old. What has changed is a return to the norms and canons of the church in which we have become lax. Membership is not just having a name on a record. Most Church memberships are padded because folks want their names there in the event of a sacramental request or need.
Membership is responsibly. The primary responsibility of a Catholic is to pray in the assembly on Sundays and Holy Days, to know the teachings of the faith through study, to observe the moral laws of the Church, to contribute to the support of the Church, and to go to confession once a year. These are called the precepts of the Church. They define the responsibility of membership.
Do all parishes require all this? Obviously no. The Catholic principles are the same universally. What has happened with our mobile culture is a drifting from the pillars of belonging. Parish is extended family. It is always healthy and holy to become grounded in the extended community. Membership is an important part of life. We sign up for sports. We register for classes. We communicate our identity by claiming that to which we belong. Church needs to be the primary on this list.
I have know households being members in more than one parish. This one couple I met were on a two week cycle they created. They were on the ministry list for EMC (extraordinary ministers of communion) at one parish and counters of the collection at the other. When they married, they said they’d stay rooted in both parishes. Our lives are complex. We do create our identities by the memberships we hold dear.
One of the tri-folds is on membership and registration. It addresses these universal norms of our Catholic parish structure in more detail than I do here. You now have a little more catechesis in building your Catholic faith. Enjoy belonging! It is the most primary feeling and drive that we have—to literally belong to God.
Blessings.
Fr Tom
Dear folks,
Hopefully the summer is going well for all of you. The draught has been tough on us and even more so on the farmers and ranchers. What we learn over the years is that we take what we get. Let’s keep praying for the moisture we need.
In my summer letters I want to start answering some common questions that come to me/us in just everyday Catholic life. The first of these I will address is concerning questions around funerals.
Pope Paul VI in August of l969 issued the Order of Funerals that is used in the Catholic Church today. I will use it as the source for questions on cremation, eulogies, suicides, etc.
The rite is very flexible on what can be done. Even though customs vary with ethnic and cultural locals, the elements are the same. They are the Mass of Christian burial, the wake/vigil service, the rosary, reception of the body for a wake in church, transfer of the body, final commendation , and committal service at the cemetery. Families use these in different ways. Some use only one service. All or any combination is acceptable. (Mass of Christian burial must be in a church—not a funeral home.)
Eulogies are not part of the Catholic custom. More and more families are using the vigil/wake for a memory time with an open microphone. This is also a good time for a eulogy. Eulogies are tolerated at the Church; they are delivered after the communion prayer. They should be 3 to 5 minutes in length, only one person delivering, written text—not winged, and with Church appropriate language and content. Unfortunately some try to use this time as a comedy moment. Because this is not biblical, the ambo/lectern in front of the St Joseph statue is used—never the major ambo.
Suicide deaths may be buried from the Church. This is a change from former times. The Church condemned the action and the person. While the taking of like is always wrong and the Church condemns that action, she does not condemn the person because that is literally for God to do. Even Judas may have changed his mind in the last seconds of his life. Perhaps we will be surprised to be meeting him in heaven. The judgment is not ours
Cremation was frowned on big time in the Catholic Church because it was seen as a discredit to the theology of the resurrection of the body. Resurrection is understood more fully now. Note in the creeds: “…the resurrection of the body” which is from the Apostle’s Creed; in the later Creed of Nicea (circa 4 c) the text prays a belief in the “resurrection from the dead”. Cremation used to be only with permission. Since 15 th of August of 1997, cremation is permitted for Catholics. The cremains are allowed in church. When brought into the building, they are pre placed on a table of memory usually with a picture of the deceased and maybe some flowers. Cremains are to be buried in the ground or placed in a mausoleum. All rites are the same with cremation in the Mass of Christian burial.
SVFP has a tri fold on Christian burial in the literature rack of the Church. It contains more answers than I have given here. It is also on the website. Enjoy life to its fullest long before your funeral. Being an informed Catholic, you are the teacher to many. Keep up the good work.
Blessings,
Fr Tom
Dear parishioners,
The State of the Parish Report 2005 is now complete. It is dated for July 1st . Each year I will collaborate with the staff to write a parish report. This is definitely optional, whereas, the Administrator Report of 2004 was a requirement of my job description. It is always good spiritually to reflect in the Lord about the journey—travel conditions, etc.
The report is on the parish website svfparish.org. Once into the sight look for the title of the report. The report is less than 20 pages. For those of you not able to use the web, just stop by the office and we can have copies to make available for you.
Some folks asked why we don’t have the air-conditioner on in church. It is. When the outside temps get into the mid and high nineties, the system cannot take care of it. Glass is a very poor insulate; so, winter or summer the cold and hot have their way with us. Also the size of the church with no circulatory system as such, makes for a very difficult consistency of comfort. One secret is where you sit. The front and the back are the hottest. The blowers hit near the shrine areas. Keeping our inside doors closed winter and summer helps tremendously. When they are propped open even for minutes the building becomes a wind tunnel emptying the conditioned air. Only after hours can the system recoup itself.
Folks have asked me to talk about summer clothing in church. Nothing new that has not already been said: modesty in clothing is always in Christian fashion. Bare shoulders, bare midriffs, short shorts, etc are always inappropriate. (Would you believe that weddings are the biggest violators of modest dress?) Please do not use these words to enforce church dress codes. We need to use this method to inform and remind. Many have never been taught appropriateness of place and attire. Remember that in our skin culture, nearly anything goes. Whatever we wear should never draw attention to ourselves distracting from prayer.
By the fall we will have brochures on catholic etiquette. These tri-folds will be a children version and an adult edition. They address the basics of what we are expected to do to make a place holy—fundamentals for any temple, church, etc.
‘Tis the season of exhaling. Enjoy the summer months and pray to the God of land. As you travel, know the draught causes us to pray. Relax, enjoy and loiter with Jesus in all your journeying.
Blessings,
Fr Tom
Dear Parishioners,
Yes, it has been a long time since I have written in the bulletin. I have just finished the 2005 State of the Parish Report. Because of writing it collaboratively with the staff, it has taken much more time and effort. It will soon be available on the website. Printed copies are available at the office. It is an optional report so the approach is much more reflective and inviting of reflection.
Lots is happening with the property. Jean Finnegan, the property manager, had a bulletin update with the many needs jotted down. The gym roof is now repaired beyond an emergency patching. The school library roof is fixed. Let the rains come! Well, maybe not so fast. We have sewer troubles. The church toilets have been putting out raw sewage on the northwest side of the property. This is a combination of two factors: paper towels being flushed down the commodes, and also a collapse of the sewer line under the west parking lot. After scoping out the pipe problem, we found out we need to dig an 8-foot- deep channel to replace the broken tiles. This could go as far as Lathrop and even into the street. Stay tuned. That will all happen as soon as the bids come in. (The hand blowers in the rest rooms will decrease the towel problem in the toilets.)
The gym will be on the list of things to repair and paint, now that the roof is repaired. You may note outside the priory chapel near the office is an air-conditioning compressor. It replaces the one which was on the roof of the east sacristy which went on the fritz. This unit supplies the east wing offices.
Kudos to the yard angels! Many folks have planted, weeded, just plain cared for the place. This includes youth working service hours, green thumbers old and young, trash picker uppers, etc, ….the upshot of this is the compliments to the property are many. Several mentioned it never looked so good. Thanks to many hands!
This summer the big staff projects are two: 1) getting the booklet information for the 75th together so a printing will follow by fall or winter. 2) updating the printed structures of the schools—handbooks, sacramental trifolds, etc.— and getting all this to the web site. The racks in the back are low on this literature because we have run out and are in the process of rewriting and reprinting. More and more people are connecting with the parish via web. This used to be a younger clientele but it is just more folks period.
Some have suggested to me moving the parish classified of the parish bulletin to the web site. That will be happening soon. Also some suggestions that the bulletin have less neighborhood and more parish news. Yes, that will happen also.
Be safe this summer. The spring was long and wonderful. Romp, fest and enjoy! Go to Mass wherever you are and experience the diversity of the Catholic heritage. For many of us, we are here, not going anywhere. (I take my vacation in the winter.) This is our wedding season. Funerals are up in number this year. Did you notice how short the Pascal Candle gets when that happens?
Blessings of season; stay cool.
Fr Tom.
Dear Parishioners,
This note is of a very practical level and not of the spiritual. You have heard most of it before but we need to keep on it because of recent problems.
BULLETIN PRAYER LIST We have been made aware of a scam that is being perpetrated against our elderly and homebound. Folks on the prayer list are being solicited by phone by those claiming to be with SVFP and offering to make a home visit. They are also claiming to be priests. If anyone calls about coming to visit, just call the parish office to verify. We now have a pastoral care department in place to handle these calls. Unfortunately taking advantage of the vulnerable is the lifestyle of some. If you have any further information, please share it with us; it will help us take necessary action.
CHURCH SOLICITING This is a constant problem and will continue to be. We enjoy an open church building so prayer is available much of the day. Please do not give resources to anyone soliciting. Send them to the office for help; we have the resources and referrals for them. This is zero tolerance. We do file charges on any and all soliciting. Anything you give endangers others and sets up SVFP where they will continually keep returning. The RFPD has been outstanding in working with us and we have gotten help where it is needed for these violators.
PARKING Many are parking in the “no parking” areas and even off the asphalt surfaces. This causes problems on several levels. Since Ash Wednesday we have had 3 emergency calls during services. When the “no parking” spaces are used for exemption parking, safety becomes an issue. Lawn damage and sprinkler head destruction occurs when parking is off designated areas. Also, cars can become blocked in and unable to leave. Do not presume that all cars are here to go to church. (The parking lot is also used as residential parking for 12 friars.) Our third lot—the school playground accessible from LeMoyne - is the least-used and a very close walk through the courtyard.
Thanks for you cooperation on all these matters. We do best as a parish when all are informed. (See, I told you this wasn’t of a spiritual nature.)
Many blessings.
Easter blessings to our parishioners
and many guests!
Spring feels good even to a non-believer but for us Christians, it is truly the reason for the soul. Like St Paul says --- if He didn’t rise from the dead, we are the deadest of the dead. Lots to celebrate.
Do we have it in us to celebrate for 50 days? That is what we are supposed to do. Easter is not a Sunday but a 50-day celebration. For 40 days we have done our prayers, fasting and almsgiving. Now the challenge: to rise above those graves we get caught in. We do have our work cut out for us because we are more about daily downers and irresponsible partying than truly awesome celebration. Our world can get us into dark and sad places. Easter is still alive in the midst of headlines of gloom and terror. It is in the mystery of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we check out all that looks like pagan symbols of the season, remember that the eggs, the chicks, the rabbits, the green grass, etc. are all signs of new life. The egg is the tomb. The rabbits come from the hole in the ground and are prolific in coming to life. The greenery of spring is mother-earth coming to life ever new. These are all Christian symbols. One of my favorite icons is Mary Magdalene (patron of preachers and apostle to the apostles) holding an egg. She was the first at the tomb—the empty tomb. She also gave the first Easter sermon—three words! “He is risen!”
So how do we as an Easter people celebrate this risen life? The seven Sundays of Easter unfold with grace: Divine Mercy Sunday, then Good Shepherd Sunday—all this celebrating of new life that we have been given in the Risen Lord. The sacraments of initiation now come back in full bloom. Baptisms are again every Sunday. First Eucharist will be in early May. The eighth graders will be confirmed on April 20th. Dare we even mention the many weddings celebrating the sacrament of holy matrimony now that the veil of Lent is lifted. Pentecost (May 15th) is the culmination of Easter and we still have wonderful doctrinal feasts following—Trinity Sunday and Corpus Christi. It is not easy being happy. Can our celebration of 50 outlast our penances of 40? That is just what we are called to do.
Perhaps you have noticed that we have had nearly 30 funerals from SVFP since the beginning of the calendar year—that is a lot. In the staff alone there have been many losses this Lent. Sometimes we get Lenten penances we didn’t plan on. All the more need for Easter. All the more need to rise. 50 days of divine levity in this holy season is the best remedy to the soul.
Applied Resurrection—that’s what we all need. Only our faith can keep us celebrating what God has given us. Blessed Easter! Blessed risings. May all our graves be empty. May we be free to rise. May we be the leaven of life for one another living these 50 days of grace.
In the Risen Lord,
Fr Tom
Just a point of clarity:
In the last issue of our bulletin there was a note about a parish expansion. In that note it said that the present gym was "dangerous to players and spectators". This is not true. Safety is always a major issue for our SVFP campus. This is how the entire staff thinks and needs to.
The gym is safe. It is in the process of being roofed (Another one of those projects like the boiler that I think waited until I became pastor to go on the fritz.) Water damage has caused cracking and plaster damage. Before the Fat Saturday gathering we called in professionals to see if the plaster or roof were endangerments to anyone. They said it was safe. We would never use an unsafe space.
Please note that this expansion talk is simply in the brainstorming stages. Nothing at this point has come to the finance committee, the parish council, or either of the two school boards. To brainstorm and to dream and to imagine is where it all begins. We need this.
Many blessings,
Fr Tom.
Dear parishioners,
Last year on the 14th of February I became administrator of SVFP so I guess that means you folks were my valentine. On the 13th of April I was named pastor. Time does march on quickly.
Nobody likes change unless they are changing someone else. Even a baby with a dirty diaper doesn’t like change. Change for the sake of change is never justifiable. There have been a lot of changes at SVFP.
In the last 3 years ALL the professional positions at SVFP have new faces. (There are some faculty, clerical and maintenance people holding longer positions with SVFP.) The professional positions include the priests, worship office, faith formation, etc. The two most veteran positions of the professionals are the principal and the business/property manager. Fran Mazzulla and Jean Finnegan came onto staff within a couple months of each other. So, you see what I mean by a lot of change. In any new task it takes a year to get the lay of the land.
I will do a state-of-the-parish report annually. At present the staff and I will be authoring a report of the changes made and the changes needed to be made . The report will be very specific on what has been done in the last year to make Christ more visible in the SVFP community.
My primary focus has been and will be to bring about structural leadership. This means to put communication in writing. Sounds so simple but it is not; it seems every time we take several steps forward we go backward again. Building structures takes lots of years to become grounded. The sequel to the structural leadership is the laity involvement. Committees, boards, lead groups, etc are the backbone of all change.
Institutional change takes about 3 to 5 years to become comfortable. When we start saying “we’ve always done it this way”, we know that it is owned and lived.
As we journey into our Lent/Easter season of profound holiness, we are called to change . . . to change from a hardened heart . . . to change from an attitude of prejudice and racism . . . to change from the way we work with each other for the gospel to thrive . . .to change from the inside out.
Yes, there has been lots of change. There will be more changes. When we are solid in Christ, all change is secondary. May we all be in that space in this holy season. Many of you have been most patient and affirming as SVFP transitions. Bless you! Thank you! Cardinal Newman wrote that “to change is to grow; to change often is to grow in Christ.” Ad multos annos!
Gratefully,
Fr. Tom