THOUGHT OF THE MONTH as we celebrate the 135th anniversary of the founding of the Society of the Divine Word on September 8 . . .

We propose to make the goodness and kindness of God visible in our life and service. As a community of brothers from different nations and languages, we become a living symbol of the unity and diversity of the church.

Prologue to the SVD Constitutions
 

Special Interest

Highlights  September 2010

Immigration Reform a Humanitarian Issue
In testifying before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law on July 14, Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson and Vice-President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that the problem of immigration cannot be dissected as an economic issue but as a humanitarian one. According to Bishop Kicanas, immigration is a humanitarian issue since it impacts the basic rights and dignity of millions of persons and their families. Click here to read a press release on Bishop Kicanas’ testimony.

Clergy Burnout a Real Concern
Two recent articles have brought attention to the issue of clergy burnout among various denominations. The article Taking a Break from the Lord’s Work appeared in the August 1 issue of the New York Times while the article No Rest for the Holy: Clergy Burnout a Growing Concern was posted August 2 on the website Politics Daily. Both articles are recommended for your reading and reflection.

U.S. Bishops Issue Guidelines for Use of Social Media
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a set of guidelines for using the social media. Referring to popular networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, the guidelines point to visibility, community, and accountability as three principal areas where the Church can make a positive mark in the social media. The guidelines can be accessed by visiting www.usccb.org/comm/social-media-guidelines.shtml.

Why Hunger Video Shows Impact of Industrial Agriculture on Climate Change
The group Why Hunger has released a new short film called “The Food and Climate Connection: From Heating the Planet to Healing It.” The film looks not only at how climate change has impacted food production but at how food impacts climate change. From farming to processing to packaging and shipping, our food system accounts for 1/3 of global greenhouse gas emissions. The film is aimed to empowering local people to take control of their food. Click here to watch the video online.

Featured this month: 

NOCERCC Regional Meeting – on August 11, Adam MacDonald hosted the annual summer gathering of Region VII members of the National Organization for the Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy at the Techny Towers. Region VII is comprised of directors of Ongoing Education from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. You can view pictures from the event on our Picture Page.

Picture Page – in addition to photos from the NOCERCC Region VII gathering, we’ve also added a new gallery of pictures from the August 3 SVD-SSpS luncheon cruise on Lake Michigan aboard the Spirit of Chicago. Recognize any familiar faces?

New Addition to our Resource Library – the latest addition to our Resource Library is a video entitled, Marriage: Unique for a Reason. This DVD was released by the U.S. Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, and it includes a Viewer’s Guide and Resource Booklet. Click here to view our entire listing of books, pamphlets, tapes, and videos that are available for loan to Province members.

Summer Programs 2010 – summer is almost over, and the information in our listing is now outdated. Since many of the events listed are held every summer, you may still want to refer to the listing as you begin to make plans for 2011.

HIV/AIDS Education - this month’s feature is an article by Fr. John Flynn entitled, Searching for Solutions to AIDS.

Child Protection - this month’s feature is the Vatican translation of the Norms Addressing “Graviorbius Delictis.”

Datebook Plus - not sure what to do or where to go for your Ongoing Education? Then check out our detailed listing of upcoming workshops, seminars, and other educational events as well as information on recently-released books, tapes, and videos on a number of pertinent topics.

Annual Accountability Statements – many thanks to all those who submitted their Statements before the June 30 deadline. If you’ve yet to do so, please take a few minutes and let us know how you’ve fulfilled the Province policy on Ongoing Education this past year.

In the coming months:

Ongoing Education/Formation Committee - the date of the next Committee meeting has been changed and will now take place on October 21, 2010 at the Province Center. We invite you to review the Minutes of the spring 2010 meeting and contact any member of the Committee with your comments, ideas, and suggestions.

Revision of the Roman Missal - World Library Publications has released a new resource to help you learn and grow comfortable with the new English translations of the Mass before they are officially implemented. Prepare and Pray: Eucharistic Prayers I, II, III, IV is an audio CD featuring Bishop J. Peter Sartain reciting the Eucharistic prayers. It comes with an accompanying booklet to help you follow along. Visit www.wlpmusic.com for ordering information.

The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions is also producing a number of Roman Missal formation programs, information on and samples of which can be found by visiting www.fdlc.org/Roman_Missal.htm.

You can find additional information and resources on the Roman Missal by visiting any of the following websites: http://liturgy.nd.edu/webcatechesis, www.usccb.org/romanmissal, www.mbmv.org, or www.revisedromanmissal.org.

 

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