The Signature. Faith and Civic Duty It is next to impossible to avoid politics

Transcription

1 The Signature The Student Newsletter of the Department of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas Liturgy Schedule St. Thomas Chapel: Daily Mass: 7:00 a.m., 12:05 p.m. Sunday Mass: 11:00 a.m., 6:45 p.m. Confession: Mon.-Fri., 3:15-4:15 p.m. Nativity Parish: Daily Mass: 8:15 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass: 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Confession: Mon.-Fri., 7:45 am, 4:30pm Saturday, 3:40-4:30 p.m. St. Mark s Parish: Daily Mass: Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m., M/W/F, 5:15 p.m. Sunday Mass: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., Saturday, 5:00 p.m. Confession: Saturday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. UPCOMING EVENTS Living Our Faith, Shaping Our Politics Lecture Monday, Oct. 13th, 7:30pm Brady Auditorium Rome Information Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14th, Noon MHC 155 Women in Christ Lecture Thursday, Oct. 16th, 4pm Sitzmann Hall Faith and Civic Duty It is next to impossible to avoid politics altogether. Turn on the television and President George W. Bush can be seen giving an address to the nation on Wall Street s recent economic crisis. Stop for coffee and the newspaper headlines talk of proposed oil drilling in Alaska, and outside of the cafeteria students are registering to vote in the upcoming elections. With this endless bombardment of political chatter, many young people are turned off to the issues altogether. There appears to be a schism between political issues and Americans lives, when in fact the two are greatly intertwined. The candidates elected to office will shape legislation in ways that Free Africa: Dream or Reality? Lecture Thursday, Oct. 16th, 5pm McNeely Hall 155 Table of Contents Front Page: Faith and Civic Duty Page 2: A Summer Job with Catholic Studies Cardinal Newman and the Church Today Page 3: Local Best: Ministry after College Page 4: Eucharistic Miracles will affect careers, the ability to become homeowners, education and aspirations for future children, and so much more. Catholics, especially in today s volatile social and political climate, need to recognize how it is possible to incorporate their faith and reason to make decisions in every sector of their lives, including the political realm. For sophomore Sarah Nilles, politics do carry significant weight in her life. We are in a little bubble here at St. Thomas, but there is a bigger world, Nilles said. Nilles stays informed politically by reading articles and news on the internet, but she finds herself impacted even more when she sees a homeless man on the street October 2008 or watches a political debate. Her Catholic Faith is her foundation, although she admits that trying to be a faithful Catholic and a faithful citizen is very hard, many times because it proves challenging to find candidates who uphold all of her beliefs and values. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recognizes this challenge and has taken strides to provide American Catholics counsel and guidance. In 2007, they released a detailed statement, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship, meant to give Americans the necessary tools to be well-informed, ethical voters. The document states, Catholic voters should use the framework of Catholic teaching to examine candidates positions on issues affecting human life and dignity as well as issues of justice and peace, and they should consider candidates integrity, philosophy, and performance. The Bishops offer a three-fold approach to forming one s conscience, whether concerning a political decision or otherwise. First, one should search for truth found in the Holy Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Then, it is important to learn about the potential choices and possibilities of the decision, gathering reputable information and facts. Finally, one must pray to discern Civic Duty continues on page 5

2 Page 2 The Signature October 2008 Gregory Crane, a junior in Catholic Studies and Chemistry, spent the summer of 2007 working at a greenhouse. This year he decided to do something a bit more stimulating. He applied for and received a research grant through Catholic Studies. Summer 2008, rather than being full of plants and dirt, was full of fruitful study. The focus of Crane s research was to show that cultures do not arise arbitrarily, but rather, they are a reflection of a society s view of reality, in particular, a society s view of the true nature of the human person. I tried to show this by comparing two very different views of the human person, and showing how they led to two very different cultures, Crane said. Crane compared Medieval society with our modern culture and summarized his findings in a 50 page paper. In Medieval times (the 13th and 14th centuries) the view of the human person supported by society was that of St. Thomas Aquinas. This view holds that man, in his very essence, is both body and soul, physical and spiritual, and neither part is completely human without the other. The fulfillment of man s nature is complete knowledge of the greatest Good, namely, God himself, said Crane. During the course of his research, Crane found that this belief influenced all aspects of life in The thought of Cardinal Newman can be considered the underlying foundation of the Department of Catholic Studies and, in large part, of the post-vatican II Church. As such, it is vitally important to understand Newman s writings and how they apply to our lives today. To this end, Fr. Ian Ker (one of the world s foremost Newman scholars) spoke to faculty and students on September 15th on Newman s influence on the Second Vatican Council. A Summer Job Doing Catholic Study Medieval culture even everyday activities like tending the fields, hunting, and eating meals took on spiritual importance. It was believed that all human life came from and was heading back towards God, and so the practices of the culture reflected this understanding of reality. Above: Gregory Crane Modern society, on the other hand, prefers not to take time off for prayer. Our society takes the humanistic view of man, which says that people are just highly evolved animals with no spiritual component. People define right and wrong by what feels good. There is no value in spending one s life building a beautiful church because it is not worth the time and money, and after all, it s just stuff. However, said Crane, man still has hope in the future, and in mankind s own ability to continually progress towards a better state even though the real important things in society are fundamentally run by humans, come from humans, and must be perfected by humans. Since man is fundamentally human, things are good for him if they serve him well physically or emotionally. Crane said he enjoyed studying Medieval society because almost everything they did reflected what they believed. He said, Christ infused order on a disordered world. Before, it had been very tribal in nature, but now everyone was united. He gave examples like the tolling of church bells to call society to prayer, and the commonality of pilgrimages. A pilgrimage took much time, which meant sacrificing a lot of the money a person would earn working, but Crane said the people made them quite often without worrying about the sacrifice. Crane considered the opportunity to do this research a great blessing. I got paid to read and write about what I m interested in, he said. Crane met with Dr. Don Briel, Gregory Crane continues on page 4 Cardinal Newman and the Church Today was defined, it was left incomplete. Newman realized that this incomplete definition unintentionally diminished the role of the faithful in the Body of Christ, as well as the priests and bishops in the structure of the Church. Because of this Newman predicted that another council was needed to put the doctrine of papal infallibility in the context of the Church as a whole, said Fr. Ker. Some may think it strange that Cardinal Newman is considered the unseen father of Vatican II by many, considering he lived a century before the Council actually took place. However, Fr. Ker does not think it strange. Fr. Ker explained that Newman attended the First Vatican Council, which defined the doctrine of papal infallibility. Because of the circumstances surrounding this council, although the doctrine Above: Cardinal Newman Through his experience attending the First Vatican Council from , Newman realized that what councils do not say is important, said Fr. Ker. The First Vatican Council never put the doctrine of papal infallibility into the context of the church; the Second Vatican Council remedied that by writing a chapter on the role of bishops to b a l a n c e Newman continues on page 4

3 October 2008 The Signature Page 3 Faces of Catholic Studies: Annual Catholic Studies Ice Cream Social On Sunday, September 14 th, Catholic Studies students had a chance to meet professors, greet new faces in Catholic Studies and eat ice cream at the annual Ice Cream Social to kick off the new school year. Sitzmann Hall was packed like a can of sardines because of the rainy weather, which drove the party inside. Nonetheless, everyone enjoyed themselves in the warm building. Here are a few pictures of the evening for you to enjoy Above: Krystina Brandt, Amy Gosselin, and Emily Van Acker kick off the semester with an enjoyable bowl of ice cream. Mmm! Right: Students from Brady Hall enjoying themselves in the Sitzmann kitchen Local Best: Ministry After College The months and years following graduation are often the most sought after times for service. Some young graduates fresh into the real world choose to serve and get involved in various communities before settling down to a job or family. There are several options available to those seeking ministry and service after college, who want to grow in faith, help out, and establish new relationships. NET National Evangelization Team (NET) is an international youth ministry program. Part of NET s mission statements says they are dedicated to helping young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. The goal is to provide ministry skills for those who seek to serve and help others know Christ and the Church. There are a variety of programs geared toward youth ministering including opportunities to lead youth retreat teams. Teams are sent out across the world to spread the love of God to youth. Information can be found at training. Ministry Internship opportunities are also available at the national headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Look for more information at ACE The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is a two-year service teaching program available to recent college graduates. The students are assigned to teach full-time in under-resourced Catholic schools during the school year while studying for a Masters in Education at the University of Notre Dame during the summer. More information is available at FOCUS The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is a Catholic ministry organization that is centered on reaching college students. Recent graduates are encouraged to be involved as a Campus Minister who works on college campuses across America to reach out to students and spread the love of Christ through teaching, fellowship, and service. This is an opportunity to lead Bible studies, mentor others, have fellowship time, and engage in leadership TWIN CITIES TEC Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a Catholic ministry organization based out of the Twin Cities. TEC hosts retreats throughout the year to spread the love of Christ to youth and adults. Leadership positions are available through this ministry, and more information can be found at Madde Goodson

4 Page 4 The Signature October 2008 On December 9, 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in what is now Mexico City, Mexico, to 55 year-old Saint Juan Diego and asked him to tell the local bishop to build a church on the site on which she appeared. Juan Diego did so. However, the bishop initially did not believe that Mary had really appeared and asked Juan Diego for a sign to confirm the credibility of the apparition. A few days later on December 12, Mary again appeared to Juan Diego, even though he tried to hide from her because he was on his way to care for his dying uncle. (The Blessed Virgin also appeared to Juan Diego s uncle at the same time and cured him) This time, Juan Diego asked for a sign to show the bishop, and in turn Mary told him to gather the roses growing on the hillside. These roses were truly miraculous because no plant could in the rocky soil at that time of year. In addition, they were Castilian Roses, which only grew in Castile, Spain, where the bishop had spent his younger days. Juan Diego picked them and wrapped Newman continued from page 2 The True Presence: Eucharistic Miracles the papacy, and another chapter on the laity to balance ecclesialism. It was vitally important that this be defined. Above: The picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Juan Diego s tilma them in his tilma (cloak made of cactus thread). Then, Mary rearranged the roses in the tilma and told Juan to not let anyone see the roses but the bishop. After some difficulty getting in to the bishops home, Juan Diego brought the roses to At the Second Vatican Council, the topic of evangelization was not addressed, but rather has been engaged by the faithful. The world has changed so much from the days of missionaries traveling to completely unknown lands and cultures, yet the need for evangelization is still present. As a result, ecclesial movements have sprung up to tackle the very difficult question of how to go about evangelizing in modern society. These movements are following in the footsteps of the early charismatic leaders, such as St.s Francis and Benedict. Fr. Ker said, Newman was aware of the huge implications of the charismatic dimension with people. We have seen this in the last few decades with people such as Mother Theresa, Pope John Paul II, and Josemaria Escriva. Unlike the spirit of Vatican II would have us believe, this is not the rise of the laity over and above the episcopacy of the Church, but rather a movement of the whole church, said Fr. Ker. The Catholic Church owes much to the individual men and women who God raises up to show us the way to salvation. With his beatification just around the corner, let us look to Cardinal Newman for guidance in our encounter with the world around us. Melissa Hackenmueller the bishop, and unrolled his tilma. As soon as the roses fell to the floor, the bishop and the others in the room fell to their knees. On Juan Diego s tilma was a miraculous icon of Mary. The bishop realized that this was the sign from heaven, and built the church that the Blessed Virgin had requested. The image of Mary was venerated and protected in the chancery until the completion of the shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was then hung in the shrine to be seen by all as a testament to God s care for the people of the new American continent. Today, Juan Diego s tilma hangs in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. It has been deemed incorruptible, and scientists have not been able to identify the pigment used to create the image. Juan Diego died on May 30, 1548, and was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12th each year by the Catholic Church Michael Blissenbach Gregory Crane continued from page 2 the founder of Catholic Studies, once a week to talk about his findings, and he thoroughly enjoyed these meetings. I felt very fortunate to work with Dr. Briel, Crane said. He has probably been entertaining these ideas for 30 years, and he s willing to sit down and talk with me about them. Briel called working with Crane a pleasure. While he would like to continue offering research opportunities, he cannot guarantee that the program will return next summer. The research project Gregory pursued this summer was experimental, Briel said, but we are now seeking funding to develop a full program for the future under the title of the Catholic Studies Scholars Program. However, those funds are not now available and I can t predict when we might be able to obtain them. Perhaps, if the funds are raised, another student will have the opportunity to read and write about what interests him or her all summer long. You may get a better tan mowing lawns, but Crane said the experience was definitely worth it. Marissa Evans

5 October 2008 The Signature Page 5 Civic Duty continued from page 1 God s will for good decision-making. This approach instills within each Catholic a consistent moral framework created from faith and human reason. The Department of Catholic Studies Recruiter Theresa Klein, who graduated from St. Thomas with a minor in Political Science in addition to her Catholic Studies degree, became increasingly interested in politics throughout college. We have a lot of desires out of government we evaluate candidates who will put our world views and beliefs into the best possible policy, Klein said. She, like Nilles, emphasizes a need to be informed, but to also keep a human face to it. After all, policies and bills do not only affect social institutions, but rather each citizen s personal life. As the elections draw near, St. Thomas is offering forums and speakers to help students and faculty grow in their political awareness and consciousness. Dr. Bernard Evans, a professor at St. John s University, will be giving this year s Habiger lecture on Living Our Faith, Shaping Our Politics in the OEC auditorium Monday, October 13th, at 7:30 p.m., and it is open to all. Those interested should visit the USCCB s website. There, one can find the aforementioned statement as well as invaluable resources discussing key issues, commentaries, and Catholic social teaching. This can be found at Groups of students around campus have gathered together for the first three debates, with one presidential debate remaining on Wednesday, October 15th, at 8 p.m. So, pick up some snacks and tune in with a group of friends, and do not forget to discuss how you think each candidate did afterwards. Most importantly, mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 4th, and come to the polls. Junior Laura Kolar, who sees voting as a responsibility of every Catholic, stresses that Catholics have a unique responsibility in voting, [which is] to uphold the values taught by Christianity. The democratic system, in order to function well, or even at all, requires citizens to vote, but also involve themselves in the political system in ways such as writing to their congressmen and joining special interest groups of key issues. As people strive for the common good, rivaling interests and economic restraints far too often prevent the nation from achieving it. However, it is important to hold on to an ideal of how a desirable government should operate. In Kolar s words, Catholics are able to let the Church s voice be told through their votes. Elizabeth Jamison More photos from the Ice Cream Social Below: Krystyna Brandt and Sarah Farness Above: Stizmann Hall: the place where it all happened Right: Amy Gosselin, Emily Van Acker, and Jackie Bernal

6 The Signature is published by the Department of Catholic Studies Department Chair: Dr. Robert Kennedy Editor: Melissa Hackenmueller Layout: Mark Lanari For the Fridge In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship, No. 13 Ever thought about studying abroad? Come learn more about the Catholic Studies Rome program through students who have already been there! Applications for the fall 2009 and spring 2010 semesters will be available. Meeting will be held in MHC 155, on October 12th, at 12:00 p.m. *** Have an extra half hour on Monday afternoons? Come join students and faculty every Monday for daily Mass in the Sitzmann Hall chapel at 4:00 p.m. The usual celebrant is Fr. Keating, of the Catholic Studies Department. *** If you are interested in writing for the Signature, please contact Melissa at mbhackenmuel@stthomas.edu for more information. The Signature Department of Catholic Studies University of St. Thomas Mail 55-S 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, MN