Let Us Go
Up to the House of the Lord
AUGUST 2010
Yes, I have a name for my column ----“ Let Us Go Up to the House of the Lord.” Bear with me as I explain how it evolved in my mind and spirit. “Under the Acacia Tree” was the title of Fr. G’s column for many years. I could have continued with that title. Fr. G would certainly not stake an exclusive claim. The acacia tree is a symbol that belongs to the parish. But the title will always be identified with Fr. G. My column needs its own identity. (BTW: Fr. G. left “Under the Acacia Tree” at St. Augustine’s. His column in Grand Rapids is entitled “Casting the Net.” They do a lot of fishing in Michigan.) My understanding is that the acacia tree grows in Africa. Its broad spread of limbs and branches provides shelter and a place for people to gather. The acacia tree is mentioned several times in scripture. Its wood was used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. (Exodus 37:1) For the people of Israel the presence of Yahweh was enshrined in the Ark. Hence the Ark was central in their worship and led the people on their journeys and preceded their armies into battle. As Catholic-Christians we believe the risen Jesus is present in the Church, the Body of Christ. We define the church, not as a structure or organization plan, but as the people of God. Psalm 122 is one of my favorites. It begins “I rejoiced because they said to me, ‘We will go up to the house of the Lord.’” There I found the name for this column. (Thank you to all who provided other suggestions.) From the acacia tree, where the people of Africa found shelter, community and renewed strength, to the house of the Lord that is the people of God of St. Augustine Parish, we continue the journey. I hope this column will be a forum where I (and some of you from time to time) can gather some thoughts and share them with you. I hope my words will inform, encourage, perhaps humor, sometimes challenge, and always strengthen our unity in Jesus our Savior.
Peace,
Fr. Bob
So the heat and heat index are high even by Memphis standards. This too shall pass, hopefully the time you read this. Meanwhile, we should pray and be concerned about those in our city who do not have regular access to air-conditioned space. We too may find ourselves tired and irritable in this heat so we need to be gentle with ourselves and each other.
Our parish continues to experience the deaths of long-time members, Turner Gilmore, Jr. two weeks ago and Dr. Wisdom Coleman this past week. At these funerals I meet so many wonderful people. It is unfortunate the occasion is so sad. Talking with family members and friends prompts two recommendations --- for you as well as for me. 1.) How important we settle differences and make peace with significant people in our lives. Sometimes we put off the task of reconciliation and then it is too late. Likewise, we need to express to family members and friends how much we love them and appreciate what they have done for us. We shouldn’t assume they know how we feel or wait until the wake service to say it. 2.) All of us, especially our young people, should be asking our elders to recount the stories of their lives while they are still alive and able to tell us. I know bits and pieces of my grandparents’ stories but I wish I had taken the time to learn more, like my grandfather’s experiences working on the railroads.
These stories are our living history.
Next Sunday, between masses, I want to gather with those who have been involved in Youth Ministry in the parish. I need to hear your experiences, vision, ideas, and desire to be involved in this important ministry so we can start planning for the near and long-term future.
Have a wonderful week.
Fr. Bob Cary, CSP
The St. Augustine Parish family has experience numerous death in the past two months. While we are sad with these losses it also is the opportunity to renew our hope in the Risen Jesus.
The Paulist Fathers also have experienced some recent deaths. In mid July Fr. Lawrence Boadt, CSP, died after a two year battle with cancer. For the past twelve years he was the President of the Paulist Press, the largest Catholic publishing house in the U. S. He was responsible for the Press releasing the best in popular and scholarly literature. Before the Press he taught Old Testament studies at Washington Theological Union for many years and trained numerous young Paulists and others in reading and interpreting scripture. I often refer to his notes and books. He opened the scriptures for me. Fr. James Moran, CSP, also died of cancer. He had just finished a term as Vice-President of the Paulist Fathers. He worked for many years in campus ministry and reconciliation efforts with those estranged from their faith. For several years he was Director of Novices where he introduced myself, Fr. Tim Sullivan (St. Patrick’s) and many others to the Paulist life and mission. Fr. Moran was the sole remaining classmate of Fr. Geaney. May these two wonderful Paulists rest in peace.
School has resumed. Our very young ones are beginning pre-school and kindergarten; many of our young adults are heading off to college. May it be a year of knowledge and wisdom, new friends and experiences, and personal and faith growth. Our parish religious education program will resume soon. So I have two requests: One, parents enroll your children in the program this Sunday and next. Two, parents and other parishioners seriously and faithfully consider being a catechist or catechist assistant. Ms. Bertha Gilmore, our Director of Religious Education, has more information elsewhere in the bulletin. She will be glad to answer any questions. Religious education is the responsibility of the whole parish. Religious education is passing our faith on to the next generation. Religious education is basic evangelization.
Peace,
Fr. Bob
Beat the heat! That was the plan for the 16th Annual Archbishop James P. Lyke Memorial Golf Tournament held last week. So our St. Augustine golfers and friends were out to the T. O. Fuller Golf Course to tee off at 7:30 AM. Despite being one of the hottest days of this very hot summer good golf, food, and friendship were shared by all. At least this was the report back to the pastor since I was not there. Meetings of the Liturgy Committee and the Pastoral Council kept me back at St. Augustine’s. To be honest, my golf game being more than a tad rusty, I was reluctant to play, especially in a foursome with Bishop Terry Steib who is reported to be a very good golfer. So I will get in some practice at the driving range and plan to be there next year. My congratulations and thanks to Chair Stephen Chambers and his committee of the Men’s Club for organizing the event. I know this is just one of the many events of St. Augustine that raise spirits and funds for the parish. I look forward to more events.
And the next event is . . . . . . . Feast of St. Augustine Cookout! On Saturday, August 28 (the actual Feast of St. Augustine this year) beginning with mass at 9:30 am all the parish organizations will come together to provide food and activities and prizes for all our parishioners and neighbors. I am looking forward to it. I believe it will be a grand time. This year, to beat the heat, food will be served in the gym with other activities ---- like those water gun fights ---- out on the parish grounds. So I encourage you to attend. It is free too!!
One of the most important ways our parish grows is the R. C. I. A., the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the parish process of receiving adults into the Catholic Faith community. Adults are introduced to the Catholic way of Christian life ---- prayer, scripture, sacraments, social justice, traditions and customs ---- in preparation for being baptized (or making a profession of faith) next Easter. Sundays, September 12, 19, and 26 at 9:30 am I will conduct Inquiry sessions for anyone interested. These sessions will give an overview of the Catholic Faith and a chance to ask questions. No obligation involved. So if you know of someone who might be interested in one of these sessions encourage them to come, or come with them.
Have a great week.
Peace.
If you don’t see me after the 11 am mass this Sunday that is because I am already on my way to the airport. The brief time between finishing my assignment in Chicago and my arrival in Memphis left no opportunity for a real vacation. So I am taking a few days this week to visit family and friends in Michigan. My oldest brother Mike lives in Grand Rapids and my next brother Dan is staying there during rehabilitation from recent hip surgery. (I have a younger brother David in Florida and a younger sister in far northern Michigan.) With all the funerals I have done at St. Augustine I am more aware of how important it is to spend time with family while there is still time. The visit also will include time with nephews and niece, grandnieces and grandnephews, friends in the area, some boating and swimming, and a few cookouts. (Probably I will not be able to visit Fr. G.) I don’t know how I will do all this in 5 days but I am looking forward to it.
When my family gathers we tell stories. Some are new stories ---- adventures and misadventures by family members. Other stories have been told for generations. We just tell them again. All the stories contain a core of truth and a good measure of creative imagination. (Did Uncle Tom actually enlist in the army at age 15?) We all know this but still we tell and listen to these stories. The factual truth of the story is less important that the power of the story to help bind us together as family.
The past several Sundays the gospels have included parables told by Jesus. People ask me if the events of the parables are true. When I answer most likely not, they may reply they always thought all the Bible was true. It is important to understand how we read the Bible. We don’t read it for historical or scientific or economic truth (a given passage may or may not contain accurate facts). That doesn’t mean the Bible isn’t true. The Bible does contain truth ---- truth about God, truths about ourselves, truth about our society, and especially truth about our salvation. And those are the truths that are most important. Like my family stories we keep reading the Bible over and over, listening to Jesus’ stories, because God is constantly revealing new truth to us. That is why we call the Bible the living word of God.
Happy Feast of St. Augustine!
Peace,
Fr. Bob
August 29, 2010
