-Pope Francis ( 232)- Francis begins this section of Chapter Six with a significant reflection on crisis itself, noting that some crises are typical

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1 The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia): A Reading of the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis Chapter Six: Some Pastoral Perspectives (Crises, Worries, & Difficulties) The life of every family is marked by all kinds of crises, yet these are also part of its dramatic beauty. -Pope Francis ( 232)- While much of Chapter Six of Amoris Laetitia has to do with the preparation and support of the recently married, Pope Francis also recognizes the challenges that persist in family life, or which are unique to families as they grow older. Thus, for the last third of this chapter, he takes up some of those issues, with the same sense of pastoral care and encouragement found in the earlier sections. Rarely, throughout this exhortation, is Francis proscriptive or judgmental, choosing instead to describe with compassion the various challenging situations of families, while offering advice and support for their resolution. What might be called Francis Principle of Pastoral Accompaniment, found throughout Amoris Laetitia, is particularly noticeable in this Chapter, as he examines the challenges of marriage, the anguish of divorce, and the consequences of remarriage at each point considering not the failure of the parties involved, but their need for love and healing through the ministry of the Church and her ministers. So central is this theme of accompaniment that it has led some traditionalist cardinals and others to condemn the exhortation, claiming that it weakens the Church s teaching on the indissolubility of marriage and on the reception of the Eucharist. Yet, for Francis, accompaniment is the necessary posture of the pastoral Church: an incarnational approach that avoids idealized pronouncements, which have so little to do with real life. Francis begins this section of Chapter Six with a significant reflection on crisis itself, noting that some crises are typical of almost every marriage ( 235). Whether it is the newly married trying to learn how to accept their differences and disengage from their parents ( 235), or those married for some years negotiating the challenges of children or the shock of the empty nest; whether rooted in financial or work problems, or in the problems that arise from differing spiritual journeys or unexpected situations ( 236), families meet each other in crisis, and need to learn how to find their way through together. For Francis, when a crisis in marriage is shared between the couple it can become an apprenticeship in growing together or learning a little more about what it means to be married ( 232). Yet, too often, couples distance themselves from one another during times of crisis, retreating into patterns of silence, so as to avoid saying the wrong thing or something they may regret, fearing that the other may not listen or presuming that what they will say is already known. In such a context, Little by little, the person I love slowly becomes my mate, then just the father or mother of my children, and finally a stranger ( 233) As a ministry of mercy and reconciliation, the Church, especially in the parish, should be a resource for couples in these times of crisis and broken communication: Spouses need help in discovering their deepest thoughts and feelings and expressing them. Like childbirth, this is a painful process that brings forth a new treasure ( 234). Yet, as Francis points out, most people do not go to the Church, since they do not find it sympathetic, realistic, or concerned for individual cases ( 234). Although professing the importance of family life, the Church s ministers and structures have often failed to respond to the real needs of women and men in families, retreating into a kind of silence where the only words come from books of doctrine or from the Catechism. What is needed, however, is real accompaniment and human compassion, through which we create opportunities for speaking heart to heart ( 234). The Church including more experienced friends and family of a couple needs to support couples at every stage of their life journey together, helping them learn the arduous art of reconciliation ( 236) and offering opportunities for the grace of marriage to deepen for them in their life together. Yet, even in cases where parishes provide a ministry to care for those whose marital relationship has broken down ( 238), Amoris Laetitia notes that problems of psychological immaturity and emotional scarring can cause deep, and sometimes irreconcilable, harm in marriage: An unhappy childhood or adolescence can breed personal crises that affect one s marriage. Were everyone mature and normal, crises would be less frequent or less painful ( 239). The deep harm

2 of psychological or physical damage in childhood, which can leave people emotionally stunted or trapped in childish or adolescent notions of love can be difficult to overcome; and the tragic experience of many people who leave childhood without ever having felt unconditional love ( 240) creates a lack of trust which, even through therapy, may be hard to overcome. And while grace and work make overcoming these obstacles possible, they also make marriage more difficult and, at times, can lead to dissolution. In taking up the issue of divorce, Francis shows his hand quickly, beginning not with condemnation, but with affirmation: In some cases, respect for one s own dignity and the good of the children requires not giving in to excessive demands or preventing a grave injustice, violence, or chronic ill treatment ( 241). Though accepting that Divorce is an evil and the increasing number of divorces is very troubling ( 246), Francis first proclaims that separation and divorce may be morally necessary ( 241), even though it may be a last resort. This pastoral stance, in support especially of those who have unjustly endured separation, divorce, or abandonment, or those who have been forced by maltreatment from a husband or a wife to interrupt their life together ( 242), provides the context for all that Amoris Laetitia comes to say about the treatment of divorced Catholics, and about those who have subsequently remarried. Divorced Catholics are fully members of the Catholic community, and should be accompanied with support and love especially if they face the financial challenges that often accompany divorce or separation. They and their children should be encouraged to find in the Eucharist the nourishment they need to sustain them in their present state of life ( 242). As for divorced and remarried Catholics, Francis again begins with an affirmation, rather than a condemnation: It is important that the divorced who have entered a new union should be made to feel part of the Church. They are not excommunicated and they should not be treated as such, since they remain part of the ecclesial community ( 243). Though it does not change the dogmatic teaching of the Church, this brief statement, put at the very beginning of the discussion of divorced and remarried Catholics, creates a significant pastoral change one that gives added weight to the Pope s further note regarding careful discernment and respectful accompaniment ( 243). If those who are civilly remarried are not excommunicated, then how might they be properly accompanied within the context of a sacramental community? This question, taken up again in Chapter Eight, is intended to press the bishops to deal more efficiently and sensitively with the process of annulment, and to change the perspective of all the faithful from that of defending an ideal to one of accompanying persons. Though Chapter Six covers a number of other pastoral situations in its final paragraphs including how to ensure the good of children in divorce, and what considerations should be made in mixed marriages few passages have been as controversial as the two paragraphs that deal with same-sex relationships ( ). While avoiding the traditional language of condemnation i.e., the notion that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered and noting that the pastoral responsibility of the Church is to support the conscience of those who manifest a homosexual orientation, so that they can fully carry out God s will in their lives ( 251), Francis seems more deferential in these paragraphs than in other places, e.g., using the plural we as opposed to the personal I when discussing the conclusions of the Synod. Likewise, in differentiating same-sex unions from sacramental marriages, Amoris Laetitia employs what, for many, seems an unusually harsh tone, lacking the sense of accompaniment otherwise used throughout this chapter: [T] here are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God s plan for marriage and family ( 251). The inclusion of absolutely, in any way, and even remotely, all add unnecessary emphasis, which seems inconsistent with a text that otherwise offers many passages equally applicable to all kinds of couples. In part, this vehemence may come from worries over international pressure that would punish poor countries who have not adopted same-sex marriage laws; though, even acknowledging that political purpose, these paragraphs seem quite different in tone from what surrounds them. Finally, at the end of this chapter, as in the end for all families, Francis reflects upon the power of death and the challenge it offers. Returning to the first-person voice of the pastor, Francis says that I can understand the anguish felt by those who have lost a much-loved person, a spouse with whom they have shared so much ( 253), and calls the Church to embrace the grieving family, both for the sake of mercy and as a pastoral opportunity ( 254). Yet, at the same time, Francis affirms again the goodness of life, and calls the grieving back to it: Our loved ones have no need of our suffering, nor does it flatter them that we should ruin our lives ( 255). Love, incarnate and eternal, does not end with death. We, who are made for resurrection can believe that, and so honor the dead by living well the love that they have offered us in this life. Pastor

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER ~~ MISSOULA, MONTANA 420 West Pine Street, Missoula MT, 59802

com July 17, 2016 The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayers May --- Kay Brown rest

Collections for Sunday, July 3, 2016 Envelopes $7332.76 Loose: $1405.00 Aid $10.

00 Collections for Sunday, July 10, 2016 Envelopes $8863.59 Loose: $1701.

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 4pm Closed Fridays in the Summer e-mail:

com Phone: 406-542-0321 Fax: 406-327-8537 Weekend Liturgies Saturday ~~~ 5 p.m. Sunday ~~ 8 am, 10 am, and 6 p.

by appointment Eucharistic Adoration Wednesday & First Friday ~~ 8:30 am - Noon WELCOME!

3 SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER ~~ MISSOULA, MONTANA 420 West Pine Street, Missoula MT, , sfxmissoula.com July 17, 2016 The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayers May --- Kay Brown rest in peace in Our Lord s Loving arms. Collections for Sunday, July 3, 2016 Envelopes $ Loose: $ Aid $10.00 Assumption $60.00 Maintenance $75.00 Collections for Sunday, July 10, 2016 Envelopes $ Loose: $ Maintenance $ Thank you for your generous giving! OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 4pm Closed Fridays in the Summer stfrancisxavier@sfxmissoula.com Phone: Fax: Weekend Liturgies Saturday ~~~ 5 p.m. Sunday ~~ 8 am, 10 am, and 6 p.m. Weekday Liturgies Monday - Friday ~~ 8 am Confession -Saturday ~~ 3:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment Eucharistic Adoration Wednesday & First Friday ~~ 8:30 am - Noon WELCOME! Save the Date Our annual Picnic and Ministry Fair will be held on Sunday, September 11th following the 10:00 am Mass. It s that time again to chose your favorite pie recipe! on Facebook at St. Francis Xavier Church, on and on Instagram at sfxmissoula. Follow all the events, news, and photos of life here at St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis Xavier Parish will often use parishioner likeness in print, video, website or in social media sites for the purpose of sharing our church community with others.

Congratulations Cassie Morton & Mike Moree who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage on July 16, 2016.

This summer make a difference by getting together weekly with other women to knit prayer shawls for those in need.

4 Congratulations Cassie Morton & Mike Moree who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage on July 16, July 17, 2016 SFX Parish News We will be hosting Family Promise during the week of July 24 - July 31. Please sign up on the white board located in the west entrance or call Pam at for more information. During the month of June, our parish provided the following aid to the needy: We wish them every blessing. This summer make a difference by getting together weekly with other women to knit prayer shawls for those in need. We will be meeting weekly on Wednesday at 2:30 pm in the Parish Office during the summer. Beginning July 13th. Please come to enjoy fellowship and provide service. Thanks! Kelly Scariano, RN Gas $245 Emergency Lodging $200 Rent Assistance $250 Utilities Assistance $50 Clothing $60 Food/supplies $50 Phone Minutes $20 Wellness $30 Household Exp $85 Prescriptions $25 Totaling $1015 Thank you for your generous donations to our aid to the needy fund! Mass Intentions for the Month of July, 2016 Saturday 7/16 Sunday 7/17 Monday 7/18 Tuesday 7/19 Wednesday 7/20 Thursday 7/21 Friday 7/22 Saturday 7/23 Sunday 7/24 Monday 7/25 Tuesday 7/26 Wednesday 7/27 Thursday 7/28 Friday 7/29 Saturday 7/30 For the People* Ray Goeres Violet Greenan The Hurd Family* Luke Harpole Dan Combo* Chuck Turner Pat Colyer Alvin West Craig Eddy For the People* Jerome Steyee Lorenzo Carlomagno John Duncan John & Betty Coyle Mass Stipend Suggested Mass stipend is $20 tax deductible... only the intangible value of prayer... Mass Scriptures for the Month of July, 2016 Saturday 7/16 Mic. 2:1-5 Ps. 10 Matt. 12:14-21 Sunday 7/17 Gen. 18:1-10a 16th in Ordinary Ps. 15 Col. 1:24-28 Luke 10:38-42 Monday 7/18 Mic. 6:1-4, 6-8 Ps. 50 Matt. 12:38-42 Tuesday 7/19 Mic. 7:14-15, Ps. 85 Matt. 12:46-50 Wednesday 7/20 Jer. 1:1, 4-10 Ps. 71 Matt. 13:1-9 Thursday 7/21 Jer. 2:1-3, 7-8, Ps. 36 Matt. 13:10-17 Friday 7/22 Jer. 3:14-17 St. Mary Magdalene Jer. 31 John 20:1-2, 11-18

July 17, 2016 The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Urgent Request for Host Families This may sound outrageous, And well it should.

The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life retreat, also known as SEEL, is a nine month retreat format of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Retreatants commit themselves to praying for one hour each day, meeting weekly with a spiritual director, and attending monthly Wednesday Retreat evenings.

We are currently in need of host families for the 2016-2017 school year.

Please consider this wonderful opportunity to learn about a new culture while sharing yours! Stipends are available to help offset the cost. Contact LSH Principal Kathy Schneider at kschneider@mcsmt.

has authored a cookbook featuring 34 of his favorite recipes including the famous Bourbon Slush. This twenty-page cookbook is available for purchase at mcsmt.

5 July 17, 2016 The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Urgent Request for Host Families This may sound outrageous, And well it should. Would you consider spending the next nine months Falling in Love with God? The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life retreat, also known as SEEL, is a nine month retreat format of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. This powerful, life-changing program of prayer and contemplation, can be experienced by busy men and women in the midst of their daily lives. Retreatants commit themselves to praying for one hour each day, meeting weekly with a spiritual director, and attending monthly Wednesday Retreat evenings. The retreat begins in September and ends in mid-may. For more information or an application, please contact Peg Taylor or ptaylor@sfxmissoula.com. We are currently in need of host families for the school year. A female student entering her freshman year and a male student entering his junior year at Loyola Sacred Heart High School (LSH), both from China, are in need of housing. Please consider this wonderful opportunity to learn about a new culture while sharing yours! Stipends are available to help offset the cost. Contact LSH Principal Kathy Schneider at kschneider@mcsmt.org or with any questions you may have. The Father Dumais Cookbook is Hot off the press! Fr. George Dumais, S.J. has authored a cookbook featuring 34 of his favorite recipes including the famous Bourbon Slush. This twenty-page cookbook is available for purchase at mcsmt.org or call the Loyola Sacred Heart Foundation Office at St. Joseph Early Education is expanding! We will now have 2 locations and 6 classrooms. We will have an opportunity to help needy children get ready for school this fall. For three Sundays there will be a box in the back of the church in which you can put packages of new socks and underwear for needy kids in the Missoula valley. Those Sundays will be July 24 th, July 31st and August 9 th. Please prayerfully consider helping these kids! LOCATIONS St. Joseph School: Two- 4 year old classrooms One- 3 year old classroom St. Francis Xavier (Old Loyola Building): 12 months old classroom 2 year old classroom 3 year old classroom Call today as there are limited spots! Or visit our website: org/about-us/preschool/ for more information.

You are invited to attend the Montana Bishops' upcoming conference Culture of Life Conference Join Bishop George Leo Thomas and Bishop Michael W.

along with a lineup of other nationally renowned pro-life speakers. Space is limited so register now! For more information and to register go to www.montanalife.

In marriage, communication is more than just talking. At some point, did you stop sharing about the things that were important to you? Did your spouse?

6 You are invited to attend the Montana Bishops' upcoming conference Culture of Life Conference Join Bishop George Leo Thomas and Bishop Michael W. Warfel for the fourth Affirming the Culture of Life Conference on September 9-10, 2016 at the Helena Civic Center featuring keynote speaker Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, along with a lineup of other nationally renowned pro-life speakers. Space is limited so register now! For more information and to register go to or contact the Montana Catholic Conference at or via at jean@montanacc.org. Prayer for Vocations September 23-25, 2016, at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center, Billings, Montana. In marriage, communication is more than just talking. At some point, did you stop sharing about the things that were important to you? Did your spouse? Improving a marriage takes time and a conscious effort to learn about your spouse. Growing closer in a marriage does not happen automatically. Retrouvaille is a marriage program dedicated to helping couples grow closer and develop a stronger bond. You give your heart and soul to everything you do, between your work and your family. Are you giving your heart and soul to your marriage? Sometimes the distance between a husband and wife can seem so wide that it cannot be repaired. Retrovaille is a marriage program designed to bring couples closer together. For more information : or HelpOurMarriage.com Faithful Citizenship To read more from the USCCB go to faithfulcitizenship.org! Lord of the Harvest. Bless young people with the gift of courage to respond to your call. Open their hearts to great ideas, to great things. Inspire all of your disciples to mutual love and giving --- for vocations blossom in the good soil of faithful people. Instill those in religious life, parish ministries, and families with the confidence and grace to invite others to embrace the bold and noble path a of a life consecrated to you. Unite us to Jesus through prayer and sacrament, so that we may cooperate with you in building your reign of mercy and truth, of justice and peace. Amen. westcoastvocations@jesuits.org

saint FRancis xavier parish July 24, 2016

saint FRancis xavier parish July 24, 2016 saint FRancis xavier parish Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ~Luke 11:9 Our Mission Statement St. Francis Xavier is a Catholic- Jesuit parish