Reading Group Update
We would like to continue to share our insights from reading this papal letter. Chapter 3 is titled “The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis”. “Ecology” refers to the way that environment, culture, societies and history are an “interconnected” whole. As suggested by the title, the chapter recognizes the responsibility of all humanity for the situation with the world’s ecology –. The chapter’s language and lengthiness continued to present challenges to the reading. As noted below, we found the chapter to be rather sobering. Here are some key points:
· Humanity has entered a technology-dominant era which has reverberated through human lives across the globe. Technology and its uses affect individuals, families, communities, and countries.
· Science and technology have delivered positive applications and improved many areas of life.
· The possession of this knowledge and the desire to obtain and/or control needed resources to sustain and propagate technology leads to power and domination, especially over those with a limited capacity to have their voices heard and the effects of technology on their lives noted.
· The technological shift has led toward confrontation and away from cultural and/or community interpersonal engagement.
· Advancement and its uses for gain are not in and of themselves accompanied by a recognition of responsibility for issues beyond self and profit.
· The technological cannot be separate from the ethical and cultural. The dignity of all human life must remain part of the overall consideration of our human direction.
Our discussion also included points of promise in alternative technologies currently being developed and on the ability as individuals and communities to make choices in our actions.
“The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the mostabandoned and maltreated of our poor.”
A small group has started reading and discussing the 2015 Encyclical of Pope Francis entitled Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home in which he asks all people of the world to consider humanity’s impact on the Earth and all sentient beings. We have finished reading a few chapters and would like to share some of Pope Francis’ insights.
The first chapter was hard for us to read because it describes the many facets of the crisis we face.
The stability of our climate impacts every living species, particularly the poorest among us. “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” (p.20)
Water pollution and scarcity are daily realities for the poor. “Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity.” (p.25)
The deterioration of our quality of life is directly proportional to the deterioration of the environment. “We were not meant to be inundated by cement, asphalt, glass and metal, and deprived of physical contact with nature.” (p.32) Pollution, waste, and “throwaway culture” are destroying the natural world. “In many parts of the planet, the elderly lament that once beautiful landscapes are now covered with rubbish.”
Environmental degradation is widening the gap between the rich and the poor. “The impact of present imbalances is…seen in the premature death of many of the poor, in conflicts sparked by the shortage of resources, and in any number of other problems which are insufficiently represented on global agendas.” (p.34)
The response to the environmental crisis has been weak. “There are too many special interests, and economic interests easily end up trumping the common good and manipulating information so that their own plans will not be affected.” (p.39)
While the reality of the environmental crisis is grim, there is still hope.
We meet on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room. You are invited to join us for this very important discussion.
We are all well aware that something seems to be happening with the weather; more frequent and more severe storms, more flooding, more people suffering and in need. In the midst of these threats, I am hoping that more people will be open to seeing that there is a moral and even religious aspect to be considered when we talk about the environment.
Laudato Si
Perhaps this is a good time to revisit Pope Francis’ groundbreaking document. It is not a political statement. Rather, Francis makes an appeal to every person living on earth to join the conversation about how to care for our common home. To do so, he uses the theological method favored by Pope LeoXIII in Rerum Novarum. He considers the situation through the lenses of Scripture and Tradition. Finally, he recommends actions that can be taken that respect “our unique place as human beings in this world and our relationship to our surroundings.
I am very interested in leading a group to read and study the document. I don’t expect it to be a large group, even the issues are very large indeed. But I think that even if a small group can develop some direction and understand, we could be of benefit to the whole parish.
Since I am expecting a small group, I won’t set a day or time to begin. Please contact me through the office if you are interested. Perhaps we could settle on a day and time together. I look forwards to digging into this for the wisdom we can reach and share.
Fr Pat
By now you must have seen the video of the latest mass shooter storming the school doors and prowling the school halls. It is a disturbing sight. And it should be disturbing. There she is, in full military style; bullet proof vest, cap turned back like a swat team member, AK style automatic strapped over her shoulder. It is the very image of our increasingly militarized society; the glorification of gun culture in our country. Many of our own state and local politicians eager promote this culture. And what has it brought us? More safety, as they claim to promote? Hardly. Rather, more death and violence. Every time another mas shooting occurs, there is some detail that seems to be worse than before. Can we really allow ourselves to become inured to the violence, the death, the loss?
A few weeks ago I shared with you a chart that showed that the leading cause of death now among youth is gun violence. Did you see it? Did you really think about? Did you decide to turn away from it? One congressman famously said that there is nothing they can do.
This violence is horrible and painful to think about. But it is morally unacceptable to NOT think about it. I know that on this topic I am becoming pretty strident. I can becoming more demanding of your attention. But I think we all need to be more strident. The glorification of guns and violence are now so ingrained in our culture that it is going to take stern measures to overcome it. It is going to take a hard healing and a firm, unflinching demand for peace and understand, tolerance and compassion, to overcome it. Are we ready to be part of this necessary cure? Are we ready to make firm demands of elected officials to act responsibly for the good of our children? God help us to do so. God help us if we don’t.
Fr Pat
The Ministry of Altar Serving: A privilege and a blessing!
We need YOU, both adults and youth (5th grade & up)
Altar Servers are a very important part of the Liturgy. Will you consider helping us to build this ministry and serve your parish?
If you are interested in this ministry, contact Brian Schweighardt brianschweig@gmail.com or 859-351-4506
Or Dcn. John Brannen jbrannen@cdlex.org