Schedule of October 2007 Catholic Conferences

September 28, 2007

For the month of October 2007, the following Catholic organizations are hosting national conferences: 

- Catholic Medical Association (10/4-6/2007 in Atlanta)

- Canon Law Society of America (10/8-12/2007 in Costa Mesa, CA)

- Asociación National de Sacerdotes Hispanos en Estados Unidos ( 10/8-12/2007 in South Padre Island, TX)

- Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (10/9-13/2007 in Hartford, CT)

- Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (10/11-14/2007)

- National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (10/25-28/2007 in Orange, CA) 

Details for these and future conferences can be found in the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar.

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Catholic views on artificial nutrition and hydration for persons in a vegetative state

September 24, 2007

The speed of technological advancements necessitates that Catholic theology often plays catch-up when reacting to specific, new circumstances.   

In the not-too-distant past, persons in a consistent vegetative state could not survive because of their inability to eat food or even drink fluids.  With improvements in technology, the healthcare field can now provide artificial nutrition and hydration.  Along with this ability come a host of new questions about how long one should provide these artificial means, in what cases are they morally required and in what situations are they not morally appropriate. 

The Vatican recently issued an official response to questions posed by the US bishops regarding the necessity of using artificial means for persons in a coma.  The specific questions related to providing water and food for a person in a vegetative state.

The complete Vatican response was released on September 14, 2007.

A very helpful analysis of the response has been developed by the National Catholic Bioethics Center.  As the analysis explains, confusion had arisen in the past.  The new statement and its detailed commentary provided by the Vatican help to clarify previous misunderstandings.  

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Catholic ministry via radio

September 20, 2007

KNOM Radio Station Logo In this day and age of instant communication, it is hard to imagine that there are people who live in remote areas, often isolated by distance or weather.  The Diocese of Fairbanks in northern Alaska has many Catholics in such a situation.  With only 40 parishes spread out over 409,000 square miles, ministry needs to be creative.  And creativity has led to ministry by radio.

The diocese operates the oldest Catholic radio station in the US, KNOM, located in Nome, Alaska.  It primarily serves small, isolated Eskimo and Indian villages in Western Alaska but can be heard as far as Tokyo and even New Zealand.  It broadcasts from the shore of the Bering Sea on channels AM 780 and FM 96.1. 

KNOM provides 24-hour coverage, offering news, hope, inspirational messages and education.  The radio station strives to “become a friend to the listener on a personal, caring, positive level, within a consistent, professional radio format.” 

Although residents of the “lower 48 states” will need to travel to Alaska to listen around-the-clock to this great resource, fascinating soundclips are available on their website.  These include reflections, educational interviews, inspirational spots, Eskimo music,  and Eskimo stories and legends.

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Help for a troubled marriage — not just for Catholics

September 18, 2007

With the divorce rate so high in the US, it seems hard to find good resources when a couple is struggling with their marriage.  The Retrouvaille program is an excellent resource for couples.  It offers a weekend program followed by a series of additional short sessions (usually 2-3 hours) over the following three months.  

Retrouvaille seeks to improve communication between the couple in order to help them rediscover each other, resulting in a much stronger marriage.  There are many testimonials from those who were contemplating divorce and tried Retrouvaille as a last resort.  Surprisingly to them, their marriage not only survived but became much stronger than they ever imagined possible.  This is especially apparent in the number of couples who come back as volunteers to lead future programs.

Although Catholic in origin, Retrouvaille is open to people of all faiths (and people of no faith.)  While Catholic values underlie the desire to help others strengthen their marriage, the program is not a religious retreat.  Rather, it is focused totally on helping to save and improve the marriages of couples who attend. 

Helpful books on marriage are available at the ActiveParishioner.com website.

     

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Order of the Mass

September 14, 2007

What are all of the different parts of the Mass?  The Archdiocese of Anchorage has put together a list of the Order of the Mass.  This is especially helpful, not only to participants, but also for those planning a liturgy such as a wedding liturgy.

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Resources for a Catholic Marriage

September 13, 2007

Through their National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage, the US Catholic Bishops have launched a site called “For Your Marriage.”  Whether you have been married a long time or just beginning to plan for your marriage, you will find information and helpful resources here. 

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Online Ignatian retreat for those too busy to go on a retreat

September 11, 2007

Starting on Sept. 16 (or anytime after that) you can participate in an online retreat that Creighton University has adapted from the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius.  This 34 week retreat is for those who don’t have the time to physically go away on retreat, but want to do something concrete to deepen their lives.  Each week, you visit the website, read the weekly guide and other available resources as time permits.  You can do this retreat alone, or with your spouse or with a group of friends. 

It is great to see how technology can put to very good use in projects such as this one.  The online retreat guide offers a new photo each week and suggests you place it on your computer’s desktop.  That way, while you are working on your computer, the image and related prayers/thoughts can gently remain with you.

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Catholic Books, Magazines and Articles for Those Who Are Blind

September 7, 2007

Founded by the Jesuits in 1900 (yes, it’s that old), the Xavier Society for the Blind (XBS) offers an outstanding collection of Catholic reading and listening materials in Braille, large print, audiocasette and audio CD.  Nearly 1500 resources include over 50 statements from the US bishops’ conference as well as Catholic textbooks which are printed in Braille on-demand.  XBS provides these resources for free to those who are blind or visually impaired.  Currently it serves approximately 10,000 people in the US and Canada.  To reach them at their New York office, call 212-473-7800 or visit www.xaviersociety.com.

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Upcoming Catholic Conferences and Events for September 2007

September 6, 2007

For the month of September 2007, the following Catholic organizations are hosting national conferences:  the National Catholic Development Conference (in Phoenix), Catholic Charities USA (in Cincinnati), the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference (in Philadelphia), the National Council of Catholic Women (in Columbus, OH), and the International Catholic Stewardship Council (in Miami Beach).  Details for these and other future conferences can be found in the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar.

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Preparing for Sunday Mass

September 4, 2007

Before heading to Mass on Sundays (preferably earlier in the week), spend a few moments reading a reflection on the upcoming Sunday’s readings.  The Word to Life column written by Catholic News Service provides the list of readings, a thought-provoking reflection, and some questions for consideration.  When you hear the readings again at Mass, they will resonate at an even deeper level.

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Parents of children with developmental disabilities

September 1, 2007

If you have a child with autism or other developmental disability, tap into the resources at NAfIM – the National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry.  This Catholic membership organization helps persons with developmental disabilities to participate more fully in the life of the Catholic Church.  This includes recommending educational resources, encouraging appropriate pastoral care at the parish level, and establishing support from within the Catholic community.   

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