Tears, Hugs, Thanks, and See You Before the Fall Comes Along

As the St. Gabriel Tuesday night “Quilter’s Room” Why Catholic group wrapped up our final session on Sacraments, we reflected on the past six weeks.  The consensus was that we were not ready to end our meetings.  We felt saddened that we would not come together again in this format until the Fall session began!

Our group came together by choosing Tuesday evenings as a convenient time for each of us to meet on our sign-up sheets.  We started as a group of 13 people, some already acquainted with one another (4 members related to on another; a married couple, a mother and daughter, two friends) others just meeting each other for the first time.  At our very first meeting we all became bonded through conversation and discovering we had similar tender stories to share.  That first session ended with a few tears, lots of hugs and gratitude that the Holy Spirit brought us to this meeting with one another.

That first night allowed us to be more relaxed and open to sharing for the next five gatherings.  As we reflected on the program and the outcome of our sessions, we all proclaimed to return in the Fall for the Roman Missal faith sharing meetings and we all want to meet at the same place, same time and with the same group!  Before getting into our cars to drive home for the evening some of us even agreed to meet before Fall for lunch or dinner and to have a Summer get together with the entire group!

Lisa

Lisa Leister

Personnel Services Coordinator

Archdiocese of Louisville

Pop Quiz -- A Look Back @ Season 1 of Why Catholic?

Have a little fun, and offer us your feedback about your Why Catholic? group.

(1) Join Facebook -- access it at:  http://www.facebook.com/

(2) In the Search box, type -- Louisville Why Catholic

(3) Look for the fun pop quiz dated April 26.                                

https://www.facebook.com/mike.patin1?ref=hpbday&pub=2386512837#!/pages/Louisville-Why-Catholic/174806722565612

Got pix of your parish's Why Catholic?  group?  --  E-mail to us now:

WhyCatholicLouisville@gmail.com

Beyond Season 1: Wednesday Night Group Will Meet Monthly

"Our discussions helped me to reflect on my faith journey and deepen   my understanding. I feel this has helped lead me onto the path to a closer
relationship with  God. I truly feel that I wouldn't change anything about
the group."

                         --  Why Catholic? Group -- Jeffersontown, Season 1

     What does your Why Catholic? bunch have to report?

The Why Catholic? group above has chosen to meet once a month until  Season 2 gets underway, during Fall 2011.  Want some good ideas about what to do, and how to do it? Contact the Faith-Fomration office by telephone (502) 448.8581 and/or by e-mail: OLFE@archlou.org

*        *       *        *

"Yes. It all went really well. I was able to 'refresh my memory' so-to-speak, of the reasons why I do the things I do as a member of the Catholic faith . . . . I feel I have a closer relationship with God and Jesus. I feel I have a better attitude toward life. And, I feel that I have met a group of individuals that I look forward to seeing over the entire course of the Why Catholic? process."

Now That You Have Survived Lent

Take some time to visit the timely blog of our friend, author and editor Michael Leach. He lists 10 reasons to keep the Catholic identity flames lit with adolescents and young adults.

http://whystaycatholic.loyolapress.com/2011/04/10-good-reasons-to-raise-your-kids-catholic/

Be sure to "like" our Why Catholic? page on Facebook today! --  Log on to free webpage: www.facebook.com -- then search for Louisville Why Catholic.

Evaluacion -- Phase One of Why Catholic in Spanish?

     
A number of Spanish-language participants were asked recently about their experience of Season 1 of Why Catholic?

(They mainly used the Family Faith Bulletins as the basis for their meetings.) They wrote:

       ¿Que salió bien?  What went well?

·     Yo pienso que como todos compartíamos nuestras ideas pues estuvo muy bien por la convivencia y por las pláticas.

            I think that we all shared our ideas very well during the social time and our talk.

·     La comunicación entre los que estaban en distintos grupos.

The communication that occurred during the different groups.

·     Compartir nuestra fe con otros parroquianos.

To share our faith with other parishioners.

·    Pues se aprende mas a informarse sobre la fe que se tiene en dios y también se siente bonito como ser algo nuevo sobre la vida eterna

Well, learning more information about faith that we have in God and also feelings about eternal life.

·     Bueno pues me parece muy bien porque nos ayuda a no perder la fe y a unirnos más con la comunidad y principalmente con nuestra familia y a entender el porqué a veces creemos estar lejos de dios pero eso nos hace reflexionar y sabemos que dios siempre está con nosotros.

Good. it seems very good to me because it helps us not to lose the faith and to unite us with the community, mainly with our family and to understand the reason at times we believe to be far from God; but after reflection, we know that God is always with us.

·     A mi me gusta porque nos hace convivir y compartir, preguntas y respuestas diferentes de lo que uno sabe. Se aprende a reflexionar y sacar conclusiones. Nos ayuda a aprender y conocer mas y nos ayuda hacer oración y a convivir con la familia.

For me, I like being together and sharing questions and answers different from what I know. I learned to reflect and to draw conclusions. It helps us to learn and to know more and helps us to pray and be together as a family.  

Good Morning! Before Mass, Please Turn Your Cell Phone -- ON!

Does your parish have a social media plan? What are some (new, innovative) ways to communicate with your partcipants before, during, and after seasons of Why Catholic?

Imagine if you heard this one Saturday evening or Sunday -- in the near future -- as you settled in for Mass.

"Please Turn Your Cell Phone ON."

http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7771/Imagining-digital-parish-life-10-years-from-now.aspx

Average Catholic Meets Holy Week

A thoughtful new blog asks the question Why Stay Catholic?

         

It is produced by Michael Leach, editor-at-large and publisher emeritus of Orbis Books. His new book is called Why Stay Catholic?: Unexpected Answers to a Life-Changing Question (published by Loyola Press).

This will be a great blog to keep up with, between seasons of Why Catholic? and beyond.    -- Here is a perfect sample, dated April 18, of Mike Leach's thoughtful, skilled, and uplifting reflections:

"Holy Week is not about guilt but about freedom from fear. Jesus demonstrated by his life, death, and resurrection that God does not look on us the way we look on ourselves. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it: “so that thus we might know God’s love” (those are the Catechism’s italics, not mine). This is the message of Holy Week."

Blog:  www.WhyStayCatholic.com  --  

Book:  http://www.loyolapress.com/why-stay-catholic.htm

Popular Bible, Revision Edition, Now Available

New American Bible,  Revised Edition (NABRE)


The first major update to the New American Bible (NAB) text in 20 years has been approved for publication. The NABRE accomplishes three major goals in Biblical scholarship: (1) a more accurate translation aided by modern archeological and historical discoveries; (2) a more consistent rendering of the Greek and Hebrew regarding the original text; and (3) changes in modern, English usage of particular words.

The NABRE includes a newly revised translation of the entire Old Testament (including the Book of Psalms) along with the 1986 edition of the New Testament.

Finding Community, Finding Church

'Everything I learned in grade school, I am confirming as an adult. It really teaches you to pray all over again!'

Great article about Why Catholic? in the Archdiocese. Thanks to Marnie McAllister, assistant editor of The Record, our Archdiocesan newspaper.

Put Yourself in the Picture for Season 2

Why Catholic is for all adults.  -- What a Lent we have had together -- in over 105 parishes and other settings. Participants are multi-generational, and represent many cultures and ethnicities. Living witnesses to an amazing variety of 20th century and 21st century eras in the Catholic community.

People of all ages and backgrounds are learning things that they've never considered before! What has drawn them together is a living, shared Catholic identity.

Put yourself in the picture for Season 2. Especially if you've had to miss the current start of Why Catholic? The second season is scheduled to begin during the Fall of 2011. Watch for details . . .

Epiphany Parish: Renewal and Action!

A Field Report by Ms. Merilyn Coslow

Prepared originally for the weekly parish bulletin at Epiphany Parish

You may have heard about the Why Catholic? renew process happening here at Epiphany and throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville, while wondering what it is all about.  Why Catholic? is designed to highlight select teachings around which faith-sharing takes place in small groups.

The process enables participants to discover and embrace their own personal faith story and allows them to reflect on, and answer, the questions, “What does it mean to be Catholic?  How did I become Catholic?  Why do I remain Catholic?”  

Why Catholic? is also designed to balance prayer, sharing on Scripture, and reflection on the teachings of our faith, providing a full and fruitful faith-sharing experience for the participants.

Our journey is beginning with “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery: Sacrament."  This book explores how we celebrate our faith in sacramental liturgy.  At the end of each weekly faith-sharing session, there is an opportunity for “living the Good News” by determining a specific action (individual or group) to take that flows from our sharing.

While our group may be small in number, it is large in heart and ideas.  During our session “The Body of Christ at Prayer” we discussed the reflection section called United in Christ.  Each member in the group shared how they felt they lived their everyday life as the common priesthood of Christ where individually and as a community we are members of the Body of Christ. 

One person mentioned that she felt a responsibility and desire to help a lady in Shelbyville distribute various items to families in need in that area.  The group immediately wanted to pitch-in and help.  As a result, the group decided that one week, we would supply towels, blankets, and sheets to these families.  The next week we decided we would make Easter baskets for the children of these families.

Our faith-sharing sessions have not only awakened and renewed in us individually the various aspects of the sacraments, but they have brought us together to minister to the needs of others!

Why Catholic? Quote of the Day

"For a stalk to grow or a flower to open there must be time that cannot be forced; nine months must go by for the birth of a human child; to write a book or compose music often years must be dedicated to patient research ...To find the mystery there must be patience, interior purification, silence, waiting...."
                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                          --  Pope John Paul
Does this quote fit into what you are experiencing -- individually and as a group -- via  Why Catholic? Take the time to think about the mystery and continue to grow in holiness. Peace be with you all!

Young Adults -- Why Not Catholic?

A Why Catholic? group of enthusiastic young adult participants from St. Edward's in Jeffersontown.


They call themselves Why Not Catholic?

Indeed! Thanks for the great picture as you conclude Season 1, friends! We'd love to get more photos -- send us pix from your Why Catholic? activities. -- Editors

What Are People From Our Own Archdiocese Saying About Why Catholic?

Jerry and Patty King. Small Community Group Leaders from St. James Parish report that they are getting great input from everyone in their small community group. "We are following the topic each week and our group comes to each meeting with deeper insights as they think about, talk to others, and read further resources on each topic. Our group meetings are thought provoking and we are engaged in the work. The Why Catholic? experience has offered us a valuable guide on how to be a better Catholic."

Mike and Stacy Gavin. Small Community Group leaders from St. Brigid explained that their Why Catholic? group was small so they combined with another group. "Because of the Why Catholic? process, we have met some trusted new friends and have become one cohesive and compatible group. It was interesting how much "cradle Catholics" are learning about our faith and we often say to one another, this is news to me."

Doris Furman commented, "If other groups are like ours, then they too are having a phenomenal and uplifting experience. Our group connects so well and we are taking turns serving in the leader/facilitator role. We are learning so much about what it means to be Catholic as we discuss each week's topic as well as sharing our past and present experiences. Being an old time Catholic this experience brings tears to my eyes."

Sister Mary Ellen Curl, RSM Spiritual Care Coordinator at Mercy Sacred Heart Village. "I was encouraged to write you regarding our Why Catholic? experience at Mercy Sacred Heart Village. I am facilitating two groups with a total of 26 residents. One group is comprised of lay residents and the other is a group of Ursuline Sisters living in our facility. This was not an intentional grouping, but it came about due to locations in the facility. Our participants are all in their late 80's and 90's. Our format is probably unlike most group formats due to the age of our participants and differing levels of abilities to participate. I present the content, inviting reflection and sharing. We are using the Family Handouts rather than the books. This is working best for us. As the facilitator, I am in awe of what the Spirit is doing in and through those gathered. Our sessions are truly a spiritual experience and a wonderful gift for me. Many of our participants are on walkers, canes, and in wheelchairs. Some are challenged visually as well as hearing impaired, but it is so evident that God is doing a mighty work in our midst!"

Suzie Reis said, "I cannot begin to tell you what an enriching experience my small group has been. I come home each Tuesday evening feeling truly blessed to have been able to share Why Catholic? with these special people. They have become like my family. Martha and Ed Wagner opened their beautiful home to us for our sharing sessions and it is truly and inspirational setting. I pray that everyone's time together has been as warm and friendly as ours."

As always we would love to hear what you have to say about Why Catholic? So drop us an email at whycatholicnow@gmail.com and tell us all about it!!

Why Catholic -- Beyond Group Meetings

Season One  --  Aiming Toward Holy Week and Beyond

There are many more ways, than Why Catholic? small group meetings, to help Catholics -- and inquirers and others, of all ages -- to learn more and appreciate the uniqueness of Catholic liturgies and sacraments. Ideas for your community:

(1) From: Dawn DellaBella @ St. Albert the Great Parish:

I think this Summer what I would like to do is host some sort of Social Evening (like a reunion for present Why Catholic? small group participants, but open to all of our parish) -- Sharing a meal, doing a brief talk about sacraments, and then a fun formation activity -  using the Jeopardy game - is there one of the cartridges that focus on the "Sacraments."

(2) From Lynn  Ekstrom @ St. Edward Parish

We are wrapping up our 6-weeks of Season One right now. We had 300 persons, from young adults to seniors, engaged in Why Catholic? For all who have taken part -- and for the many who could not -- we will offer two things:

Community Lecture: "All of Life is Sacramental"
Presenter:  Rev. Joseph Graffis, Pastor, St. Edward Parish
Sunday, April 10  -- 3:00 – 4:30pm -- Rooms A/B (beside our church worship space)

Pot-Luck Celebration (Food, Music, & Stories) and Planning for Season 2

Wednesday, May 18 @ St. Edward's Room A/B

Will be for small group facilitators and planning-team members involved in  Why Catholic? first season.

"If you have not got charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble." --  Bob Hope

Evangelization @ Work in Lebanon

From: Ms. Kathy Shannon

In St. Augustine and Holy Name of Mary Parishes, in Lebanon, we are becoming invigorated each week through our Why Catholic groups! The sharing and learning feeds us as we grow in our fatih. The outreach component of the process is being carried out in several ways that help all of us to be better evangelizers.

Some of these good works are: groups have visited nursing homes, gathered together before Sunday Mass to pray, attended Eucharistic Adoration, prayed at specific times each day for the group and parish, prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, sent cards to the RCIA participants and prayed for them, and as individuals many have performed countless acts of kindness and prayers. The Holy Spirit is at work!!

Why a Catechism Just for Catholic Adults?

An interesting question has been asked via our Facebook page called Louisville Why Catholic:  Why is there a separate Catechism today for adults in the U.S.?

The Apostolic Constitution, Fidei Depositum, by Pope John Paul II, prefaces the comprehensive Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) by stating:

"I ask all of the Church’s Pastors and the Christian faithful to receive this catechism in a spirit of communion and to use it assiduously in fulfilling their mission of proclaiming the faith and calling people to the Gospel life. This catechism is given to them that it may be a sure and authentic reference text for teaching catholic doctrine and particularly for preparing local catechisms  . . .

"This catechism (CCC) is not intended to replace the local catechisms duly approved by the ecclesiastical authorities, the diocesan Bishops and the Episcopal Conferences, especially if they have been approved by the Apostolic See. It is meant to encourage and assist in the writing of new local catechisms, which take into account various situations and cultures, while carefully preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic doctrine. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops took several years to bring together a volume that is both shorter and more reader-friendly, than the original Catechism of the Catholic Church."

Process Not Program

Hi!  I attended the Why Catholic Small Group Leader training.  I recently visited the whycatholic-louisville.blogspot.com website.  There are many references on the website to this being a "program".  During our training session, they specifically stated not to call it a program; rather it is a "process".  A program denotes a specific starting and ending point, whereas a process is never-ending.  It should be referred to as the Why Catholic? process. Please see about changing any "program" reference to "process" on the website.  Thanks!

David Holliger

The Music of Season One

Some have asked how to find the sources of the music CD for Season 1 of Why Catholic? -- Here are the song titles + their publishing company links.  All music and lyrics are copyrighted. To seek permission to copy the words, or the words + melody lines, contact individual publishers.

We Come Together   (White Dove Productions, Inc.)

Gather Your People   (OCP Publications)

Come to the Table    (White Dove Publications, Inc.)

Amazing Grace    (World Library Publications)

I Give My Life    (White Dove Productions, Inc.)

We Walk by Faith     (GIA Publications, Inc.)

Send Us Your Spirit    (OCP Publications)

Eat This Bread    (GIA Publications, Inc.)

Hosea    (Weston Priory Productions)

Every Tear That We Cry    (White Dove Productions)

I Commit My Life to You    (White Dove Productions)

Eye Has Not Seen    (GIA Publications, Inc.)

GIA Publications, Inc.

www.giamusic.com

OCP Publications

www.ocp.org

Weston Priory Productions

www.westonpriory.com

White Dove Productions, Inc.

www.whitedoveproductions.com

World Library Publications

www.wlpmusic.com