December 2011/January/February 2012 Archdiocese of Boston Volume 22, Issue 7 WINTER L I S E N I pray this news letter finds you all well and enjoying our advent season as we await the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The collect for the mass at night for Christmas says: O God, who have made this most sacred night Radiant with the splendor of the true light, grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his his light on earth, may also delight in his gladness in heaven. As I read this the words Radiant with the splendor of the true light jumped off the page at me. It reminds me of the work that you do. When you enter a hospital room, prison cell, visit a nursing home or visit someone sick at home, you are that radiant splendor of the true light. You empty yourself and allow Christ to shine through you; you are the light of Christ to others and you bring the birth of Christ our savior to everyone that you minister to. Last month we had our annual dinner and recognized two of our chaplains for Excellence in Pastoral Care Sister Barbara Harrington and Deacon David Isabelle. Sister Barbara s award read; Sister Barbara brings with her a spiritual presence to her very being that is truly hard to describe but permeates everything she touches. And Deacon David s read; He proceeds to welcome, invite and richly share his faith with the men who are so grateful for his presence. Thank you both for the wonderful ministry you provide, for bringing the light of Christ our savior to those in need. I also want to share with you a piece of a pastoral prayer that was written Rosanna Moakley who recently completed a Pastoral Visitor Workshop. She nicely describes in prayer the splendor of the true light My Dearest savior, when I enter my brothers room, let us fell Your Holy Presence Lord, when our eyes meet, let us see You in each other. Lord, when we speak, let us hear Your Blessed Word. Lord, when we are quiet, let us feel Your Warm Peace. Lord, when we cry, let us be filled with Your Soothing Comfort. Lord, when we touch, let us sense Your Wondrous Love. And Lord, when we taste You in Holy Communion, may we be permeated with Your All-loving and Eternal Embrace. Dearest Lord and Savior, please endow me with Your grace so I may be Your servant and do as You ask. Please, let not my will but Thy will be done. Amen My Christmas prayer for all of you is that you and your loved ones be touched in a special way by the light of Christ this Christmas. Blessings, Jim
Page 2 Listen Prison Ministry W hen Jesus stood before Pilate at his trial, Jesus said he was born to witness to the truth. And then he said, Everyone committed to the truth listens to my voice (John 18:37). As we all know, this is often easier said than done! But in this new year, let s resolve anew to listen to Jesus and follow him. Of course we will struggle. We will find it difficult. This should not surprise us. Even Peter, the great follower of Jesus and first of the disciples, was often confused and in the end denied Jesus three times (see Matthew 16:22-23; 26:75). Listen to Jesus. The wonderful truth is that when we listen to Jesus and follow him, we begin to experience new life life that has deeper joy and peace. We will taste the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). The more we listen and follow, the more we will experience life and life to the full (John 10:10). Your time in jail or prison can be a time of spiritual growth. Some will choose to waste that time. You can decide to use it for good purposes including growth as a follower of Jesus. The more you listen to him, the more you answer his call and follow him, the more you will find that he is gentle and humble heart ( Matthew 11:28-30). Boston College School of Theology and Ministry will offer a course "Foundations in Prison Ministry". The course will be taught by Fr Richard Deshaies, S.J., starting January 19, 2012 and ending May 10, 2012 on Thursdays from 6.30 PM - 9 PM. The course description is as follows: "Dostoevsky wrote: "The degree of civilization in a society can be Judged by entering its prisons." Today, with nearly two million men and women In American prisons, we lead the world in incarcerating our citizens. This course will introduce students to the specialized skills needed for effective prison ministry. It will combine classroom study with in-prison ministerial experience and theological reflection. The goal is to form future jail and prison ministers for leadership and advocacy for a more humane approach to criminal justice." Spiritual resolutions for the new year. We can take practical steps each day that help us listen to Jesus and walk in faith with h i m. T h e s e s p i r i t u a l resolutions will help you do that: 1.Receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and reconciliation, as often as possible. If you can t, ask a chaplain or volunteer to bring you communion. 2.Pray each day. Talk to Jesus as to a friend. 3.Read Scripture daily. This will comfort you as it leads you to Jesus. 4.Fellowship with other Christians and learn how to support one another in your faith. You may have to avoid some people for your own security or to avoid sin, but pray for them M a k e t h e s e s p i r i t u a l resolutions your own this year. In good times and in bad, your faith will grow. You will know that Jesus is with you, giving you life, love, peace, and hope! Article from a recent Let s Talk PNCEA Prison Publication. It is recommended to register as soon as possible,
Volume 22, Issue 7 Page 3 Please Save These Dates 2012 Spring Retreat for Chaplains 2012 April 26, 2012 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM St Joseph Retreat Center, Cohasset NACC National Conference2012 May 2012 National, Milwaukee Annual Breakfast for Pastoral Visitors 2012 June 16, 2012 Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, Braintree 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Spring Collaborative Meeting 2012 June 20, 2012 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. Braintree Pastoral Care to the Sick and Homebound Workshops Saint Agnes, Middleton Wednesdays, April 11 to May 16, 2012 7:00-9:00 PM Instructor: Judy Talvacchia Saint Mary, Hanover Wednesdays April 18 to May 23, 2012 7:00-9:00 PM Instructor: Sr Paula Tinlin Fall Retreat for Chaplains 2012 October 18, 2012 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Betania II, Medway Annual Gathering for Chaplains 2012 November 7, 2012 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, Braintree Winter Collaborative Meeting 2012 Information/Registration: E-mail: KFarrell@rcab.org; 617-746-5843 Fee: $40 December 5, 2012 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. Braintree
Page 4 Listen Health Care Ministry World Day of the Sick - February 11, 2012 Some suggestions to observe World Day of the Sick: Blessings of Health Care Workers Communal Prayer Services & Celebrations of the Sacrament of the Sick in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Mass on Boston Catholic TV at 9:30 AM The theme and location of the World Day of the Sick has not been announced as of this time. Please visit www.vatican.va and open Latest Updates as the date draws nearer if you would like to review the Holy Father s message. As you may know, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains provides prayer cards for those who are sick and for caregivers. You can see sample or order cards by visiting their website at http://www.nacc.org/resources/wds/default.asp Office of Worship and Spiritual Life Archdiocese of Boston MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER is an 8 week guided prayer experience based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. It calls for a commitment of 8 weeks of daily prayer and 8 weekly meetings of faith sharing. The Office of Worship and Spiritual Life is offering this program at The Pastoral Center, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree on Wednesday Evenings, February 29 through April 18, 7:00-8:15 For further information and to register call: Sister Anne D Arcy 617-779- 3648 Or e-mail: sdarcy@rcab.org WHY CATHOLIC? A Journey through the Catechism Presented by Renew International for the Archdiocese of Boston Mary Ann McLaughlin, Archdiocesan Coordinator Ann Cussen, Operations Associate For information email: WhyCatholic@rcab.org
Volume 22, Issue 7 Page 5 Bereavement Some Prayerful Suggestions/Insights from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Cemeteries A REFLECTION ON THE BIRTH OF JESUS AND THE NATURE OF GRIEF Christmas is perceived to be the holiday when we are to experience extraordinary joy. The joy of the birth of Our Savior, the Son of God, Jesus; the joy of gatherings of loved ones, family and friends; the joy of giving and receiving; the joy of greeting strangers and celebrating our connectedness. Yet, because of the very nature of the holiday, many people suffer their greatest pain, which is the grief and loneliness brought on by the death of a loved one. The source of our greatest joy becomes the source of our greatest sadness. It is at this most difficult time that we can experience a deep awareness of the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, God is with us Emmanuel means God with us. The significance of Christmas is that we celebrate our God being with us. Jesus was born. Jesus died. But Jesus rose and promised to be with us always. The Good News is that although there is death, there is resurrection. Remember, Christmas is the celebration of the fact that we are not alone. God is present to comfort and heal us. Emmanuel, our God, is with us. One way to become aware that God is with us is to reflect on happy memories and thank God for them, and to particularly thank God for the person we loved who is now in heaven. Knowing our loved one is with God does not take away our pain, but it helps us to live through it. Even in our pain we can experience the joy of knowing the peace and serenity of Emmanuel, the true gift of Christmas. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR GETTING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS AND THE WINTER SEASON WHILE GRIEVING YOURSELF Things change. Sometimes it is helpful to change the way we do things, if only a little bit. If you traditionally have a family sit-down dinner, maybe it would be easier to have a buffet this year. Then the empty seat would not be such an obvious and painful reminder of your loss. If family get-togethers are going to make you feel worse, plan to do things and be with people who will make you feel better. Remember, there is no right or wrong way of doing things. Do not place guilt on yourself if you limit some contacts. Be good to yourself; it is part of healing. Things to be done or avoided. Be careful of shoulds. Listen to your heart. Ask yourself, How do I feel about that? Do only tasks that you enjoy, such as baking, decorating, etc. Do traditional things differently, that is, different times for church, dinner, etc. Instead of traditional gift-giving, you might choose to buy inexpensive gifts and give the money saved to charity. Remember, in helping others you help yourself. SUGGESTIONS FOR COMFORTING THE BEREAVED Grief shared is grief diminished. Call, write notes, visit. The greatest pain of the griever is loneliness. Bring them a little gift. It is a symbol of your love and compassion. Invite them out for coffee, to take a walk, to visit a museum, to see a play, a movie, etc. Talk about the deceased. Many people erroneously think that this is painful for the bereaved. On the contrary, it is part of the healing process to talk about the loved one. Tell the griever that you are praying for them. Perhaps you could invite them to go to church and out for coffee on one of the days between Christmas and New Year's. In the end, it is simply caring with compassion
Page 6 Listen Mornings\afternoon of Prayer for Parish Pastoral Visitors and Ministers of Communion to the Sick MINISTRY IN CHRIST S NAME This day will focus on the growth in faith that happens as we follow Jesus and witness the healing power of his presence. The Office of Worship and Spiritual Life in collaboration with the Office of Health Care Ministry offers regional Mornings and Afternoons of Prayer for Pastoral Visitors and Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick. This year's schedule: Saturday, February 4, 2012 10:00 AM 12:00 N Sunday, February 5, 2012 Saint Mary Parish, Dedham Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Lynnfield 1:30 PM 3:30 PM Saturday, February 25, 2012 St. John Chrysostom Parish, West Roxbury 10:00 AM 12:00 N Saturday, March 3, 2012 St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Dracut 10:00 AM 12:00 N Saturday, March 31, 2012 Holy Family Parish, Duxbury 10:00 AM 12 N There is no charge for these Days of Prayer You are welcome to attend any of them. To register: Call the Office of Worship and Spiritual Life at 617-779-3640 Or e-mail spiritual_development@rcab.org
Volume 22, Issue 7 Page 7 Pictures From the Annual Hospital and Prison Chaplains Dinner Msgr Deeley and Mother Olga Msgr Deeley, Janet Benestad and Deacon David Isabelle Mother Olga
RCAB WINTER Health Care Ministry 66 Brooks Drive Braintree, MA 02184-3839 Phone 617-746-5843 Fax 617-779-4570 E-mail: DeaconJames_Greer@rcab.org Archdiocese of Boston LISTEN is a newletter for Catholic Pastoral Health Ministers published by Office of Health Care Ministry 66 Brooks Drive Braintree, MA 02184-3839 (617) 746-5843 fax: (617) 779-4570 e-mail: JGreer@rcab.org karen_farrell@rcab.org Editors: Deacon James F. Greer Karen Farrell This newsletter and other recent editions may be downloaded from our website: www.bostoncatholic.org; Open Offices/Ministries link; Select Health Care Ministry; select Publications; Click on Listen. KIDS IN CHURCH 3-year-old Reese: 'Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen.' A little boy was overheard praying: 'Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I m having a real good time like I am.' After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, 'That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.' One particular four-year-old prayed, 'And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.' A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, 'And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?' One bright little girl replied, 'Because people are sleeping.' A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.. 'If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, ' Ryan, you be Jesus!' A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. 'Daddy, what happened to him?' the son asked. 'He died and went to Heaven,' the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, 'Did God throw him back down?'