Let Us Go 

      Up to the House of the Lord

 

NOVEMBER 2010

  

Recent media coverage of incidents of teenagers committing suicide has surfaced the issue of bullying.  Here are some selections from a recent editorial of America, the national Catholic magazine.

 

“More than 3.3 million young people are victims of bullying each year and one study shows that victims of cyber-bullying have higher rates of depression than those bullied in other ways.  The problem seems particularly acute among gay and lesbian teens.  A Harris poll in 2005 found that 90 percent of teens who self-identified as gay said they had been bullied in the past year.

 

“Most Catholics are familiar with one aspect of church teaching on homosexuality, but in the lines following the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s condemnation of same-sex activity, a less-known message can be found: Homosexual persons “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.  These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives . . .’(No. 2358).”

 

“Parents need to be aware of the new dangers and pressures encountered by teens. Bullying is no longer confined to the playground.  Teenagers can be harassed through Facebook, Twitter, text messaging and e-mail (to name only a few venues).  Digital bullying contributes to the feeling among many teens that harassment is inescapable.  All religious communities must ensure that no child or adolescent experiences the isolation and hopelessness that flows from bigotry.  All young people, especially those who feel rejected in any way, should know they will be accepted and cared for.”

 

“The shoals of high school are rocky and young people need to know where to turn for support. Web sites like those run by Pacer’s National Center for Bullying Prevention (pacerkidsagainstbullying.org) and the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/ kids) are working to raise awareness of the problem and give support for victims of bullying.”

 

I hope this material is helpful information and support.

 

Fr. Bob

Pastor

November 7, 2010

 

For three days during the first week of November, I was at the Paulist House of Studies in Washington, D.C. attending the annual meeting of Paulist Pastors/Superiors/Directors. (Fr. G. sends best wishes to all of you.) It was good to be with so many of my Paulist brothers socially and professionally. We started our discussions with each attendee giving a brief update on the status of their parish or center. While many reported on good things happening and a strong spirit prevailing, most also reported that membership/attendance is down. Often the decline is due to fewer young adults in the church.  This is a trend noted everywhere in the Catholic Church.  The decline has meant less activity and financial support. Of course, St. Augustine fits in this general picture too.

 

We reviewed and discussed the resolutions passed at the Paulist General Assembly in May 2010.  The most significant resolution is “Mission in an Era of Dramatic Changes” which sets a direction for the Paulist Fathers for the next several years.  This document starts by echoing the experience of many Paulist-staffed parishes. “One challenge before us is that the Holy Spirit is calling us to accomplish our mission more efficiently and creatively in a world of diminished resources.  We are fewer in number and older than we once were.  A similar challenge is faced by the local churches with whom we partner.” As noted, rather than see this as a crisis the Paulist Fathers see it as a challenge to greater creativity and zeal.  It will require the Paulists to refocus our time and energy.  You will hear more about this document in the future.

 

There also was a great presentation on stewardship.  We were encouraged to see stewardship in a new way.  Rather than stewardship being the need of the church for people’s time, skills and money, the focus should be on the needs of people.  Specifically their need to be involved, experience community, and  give of themselves. Jesus’ life was spent bringing people together and serving others.  Good stewardship enables people to follow Jesus by providing opportunities to belong and serve.  Of course we will talk more about this topic in the future.

 

Have a wonderful week.

 

Fr. Bob

Pastor

November 14, 2010

 

I am pleased to announce Ms. Nikkie Parker as the new part-time Director of Music Ministry for St. Augustine’s Parish. After a lengthy application, review, and audition process she begins her duties this weekend.  My gratitude to those who assisted with the hiring process.  Ms. Parker’s primary duties will be direction of the 11 AM Gospel Choir. But she also will be responsible for the direction and coordination of all liturgical music at St. Augustine including selection of music, recruitment and training of cantors and choir members, coordination of instrumental accompaniment, liturgical dancers, and youth choir, and teaching the congregation to participate more in song at mass, including your pastor.  Ms. Parker is a music education teacher in the Memphis Public Schools.  She has been to mass at St.

Augustine on several occasions in the past which led her to apply for the position.  She is excited and honored to be joining us.  Let us all welcome her.

 

I am aware there has been a void in our music leadership for many months now.  This has been difficult for the Gospel Choir.  I appreciate their patience and faithfulness.  I am especially grateful to Shelia Branch, Doris Elmore, Robert Clayborne, and Gwen Atkins who generously pitched in to keep us all singing. I truly believe we can now move forward and continue the wonderful St. Augustine tradition of praising the Lord in joyous song.

 

This week we observe the civic holiday of Thanksgiving. We will have our Thanksgiving mass on Wednesday at 6 p.m.  I hope many of you can join us.  Thanksgiving is a great family day.  I hope your families celebrated with love and good times and eating.  I will be traveling to Michigan to join my family then return on Saturday afternoon. Although it is a civic holiday established by the government it is probably the most religious of our national days.  Americans of all faiths take time to thank God, however they understand God, ask for continued blessings on our nation, and consider how we might share our blessings with those less fortunate.  Enjoy even as you pray in thanks.

 

Peace.

 

Fr. Bob

Pastor

November 21, 2010

 

This Sunday we begin Advent and a new Church year.  The four weeks of Advent are the traditional preparation for Christmas.  We all get busy with gift shopping, decorating, and holiday parties.  Faithful observance of Advent is a gift to us as the chance to slow down, get things in proper perspective, and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is more than just remembering Jesus was born a long time ago in Bethlehem.  Like Mary we open our hearts so Jesus can be born again in our lives this year.  We all need that for Christmas to be right.  I know I do.

 

Two weeks ago the Pastoral Council hosted the parish town hall meeting.  Attendance was light, which was disappointing, but good questions and observations were offered by those who participated.  Several issues surfaced and the Pastoral Council and I will address these in the near future.  My general observation of St. Augustine Parish, admittedly after just five months now, is that we are an older community and a smaller community.  Being older is a blessing because we have a rich heritage to celebrate and grow from into the future.  Being smaller is a challenge because we have fewer resources --- people and financial support --- and we need to grow.  The task is preservation and growth.

 

The Paulist Fathers, the community of priests currently staffing St. Augustine, faces a similar challenge. At our General Assembly last May we drafted a statement entitled Mission in an Era of Dramatic Change.  A few lines from the prologue: “One challenge before us is that the Holy Spirit is calling us to accomplish our mission more efficiently and creatively in a world of diminished resources.  We are fewer in number and older than we once were. A similar challenge is faced by the local churches with whom we partner. Can we rise to the occasion and preach the gospel with limitations we did not imagine in years past? Empowered by the Spirit, we believe we will.  As our patron, St. Paul, reminds us, “I can do all things through him who strengths me.’ (Philippians 4:13).”

 

Of course, the parish has a Pastoral Plan that must be implemented, the Diocese is preparing a new plan that will impact us, and always the Gospel must guide us.  How it will all work together is not clear yet; it is an exciting challenge. Meanwhile we observe Advent. We need Jesus to be born again into our life as a community.

 

Peace.

 

Fr. Bob

Pastor

November 28, 2010