Fred's Place

New Website for Catholic Campus Ministry/New Blog site

2010-02-17T14:20:00.002-05:00

It took awhile, but finally, we've got an updated site up and running...there is still a bit of work to do, but enough is done to share it with the world.

It's at the same address: www.raidercatholics.com

My blog will be hosted there as well! Just click the above link, and you'll see a link to the blog to the far right on the menu bar.

See you there!

A little article in the Catholic Telegraph

2010-01-11T16:45:00.003-05:00

David Eck of the Catholic Telegraph has been writing some profiles of Archdiocesan priests the past few months, and recently came to talk to me...Here is the result: share

A bit late...

2010-01-05T11:29:00.003-05:00

Found an interesting article today in the Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR for short...) on the date of Christmas. How did we get December 25th as the birthday of Christ? It's difficult to say, as those who lived in the time of Christ were not so much concerned with historical accuracy as we are; they also used a different means of counting the years than we do now. Let's not even get into the debate about what year Christ was actually born.

In my humble opinion, it is not so much the actual year nor the actual date that Jesus was born that is important, than it is that he was born. Here's a link to the article if you're interested.

Here we go again...

2010-01-04T15:34:00.002-05:00

Is it just me, or did our holiday break seem short? At the same time, it seems like forever since we've had a full house at Mass.

We've done a lot since we left before Thanksgiving...twenty of us spent two weeks at St. John Bosco home for boys in Jamaica (the rest of us are envious of their tans...)15 of us spent a week with the Glenmary Farm in Vanceburg, KY learning about Appalachia and the Church there (check out their fan page on Facebook...there is an album of pictures from our week to check out).

The folks in Jamaica had a great time from what I hear. There were some adventures as well...like not getting their checked luggage until the day after they arrived; or waiting in the Kingston airport for a few extra hours for the flight home. I'm just glad no one got left behind at the stopover in Atlanta! Sadly, there was to be no party at Mrs. Salmon's house this year.

Glenmary was great too. We helped build a new house, sorted clothing donations, helped stock the food pantry, heard some bluegrass music, visited a Pentecostal church, sorted Christmas gifts...and on and on. True, Whitney and Dan nearly got left behind at Wal-mart in Maysville, but I'll let them tell that story.

There will be many things happening right here on campus this Winter. There will be a Men's retreat (dates TBA)...bible Study...food...and more. Stay tuned.

So, stay warm and enjoy the new term!

Twitter

2009-12-28T15:09:00.002-05:00

Well, in my continuing effort to be up-to-date, I've signed up for a Twitter account. Want to follow me? ("Come, follow me...") My user name is emburns1. There's a feed on the right side of this page.

Coming soon...Catholic Campus Ministry on Twitter!

Another interesting article--do college students ask the big questions anymore?

2009-10-12T14:33:00.002-05:00

Found this on the Catholic News Service website on how much or how little college students ask the big questions of life, especially when it comes to faith. Here's the link. Do you agree or disagree?

A thought-provoking link...

2009-09-23T10:18:00.003-05:00

Found an interesting and thought provoking post on another blog that I thought some of you might like...here's the link. It's by a young Episcopal priest, and he says what many of us feel from time to time. Many of us think that to be a faithful person, we have to be perfect in our faith all the time; I don't think that's true--at least I hope it isn't. Faith is a day-by-day journey...well, read what he says...it's quite eloquent.

Passing of Bishop Moeddel

2009-08-27T10:46:00.002-05:00

Sadly, this past Tuesday the former Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati, Carl Moeddel, passed away after a lenghthy illness. He had suffered a stroke shortly after by-pass surgery in 2005, and complications from that illness coupled with his diabetes forced him to retire in 2007.

I did not know the bishop well, but only from my time as a seminarian in Cincinnati. Bishop Moeddel lived in a suite at the seminary, and was usually with us for Mass and lunch on Saturdays. So, on many occasions, I had the privilege of sharing a table with him for those lunches. He was always kind and down to earth; one learned a lot sharing a table with him. His homilies were always thought-provoking, and advanced our formation for ministry profoundly. One tidbit that I have always kept with me was his daily prayer to God that he shared with us: "Lord, don't let me get in your way today." Its a good and humble prayer for anyone who serves in the Church to avoid letting our own individual agendas (which we all have, as much as we try to keep them in check) or our own needs and wants get in the way of what we are supposed to proclaim: the Gospel of Christ.

He proclaimed that Gospel well and faithfully. I'm sure the Lord has proclaimed to him now: "Well done, good and faithful servant." It would be a good thing to say a prayer of thanksgiving for Bishop Moeddel's life, and for the consolation of his family...

More here from the Catholic Telegraph...

Health Care Debate

2009-08-17T14:39:00.002-05:00

Just a few musings...not in any necessarily coherent order...

The last few weeks have certainly seen a lot of anger and debate about health care in our country. I've been truly amazed at the veracity of the debate, the anger and distrust that has been shown for government in any form. Some of the video from these town halls has been troubling.

What really strikes me is that we seem to have forgotten about the 46 million people in our country who have no access to health care except for the ER. In the debate about whether or not we'll still get to choose our doctor, our taxes, a public option, etc, we've forgotten about those who have no insurance.

A faculty member at WSU posted a link to this article in the Christian Science Monitor...that's what got me thinking.

I've also been disappointed in the level of debate on the issue. While health care is an extremely complicated (not to mention emotional) issue, no one really seems all that interested in a dispassionate exploration of the issue. Rather, all we seem to get are ideological haranges, as in Sarah Palin's assertion of the creation of "death panels." Honestly, do we really think a US President is going to support this? If I understand correctly, the bill (which, by the way, is only one of several plans under consideration in Congress) simply provides for doctors and other health care workers offering information about end of life resources to help families at that type of difficult time. Is it necessary? I don't know...all I've heard is that, evidently, Obama wants to kill my grandmother.

The funny thing about government health care is that it already exists. Medicare has existed for several decades to help those over age 65 obtain good health care, and make sure no one over that age went without. Why can't that be extended to all Americans? Because it's too expensive? What is more important than a person's health? What other budget item is a priority over that?

One of the few bright spots in my high school career was my stint on the debate team. We did four-man debate, in which two teams with two members each took opposing sides to debate a proposition. What I enjoyed is that it taught me how to construct an argument, how to evaluate evidence, how to spot fallacies in logic. Sadly, it seems many Americans have lost these skills, or never had them.

So, here's my prescription: take the time to learn about the various proposals and what's in them. Ignore the sensationalistic arguments--they're probably blown out of proportion and/or told by a person with their own agenda. And when you see things on tv, find out who's saying them and what their agenda is. Places like MoveOn and the Heritage Foundation have agendas which may or may not match your own. And, most of all perhaps, look at this issue through the lens of your faith. What does the Gospel teach us?

I could go on and on...

Why are we sometimes called a Newman Center?

2009-07-15T21:34:00.003-05:00

So, have you ever wondered why Catholic Campus Ministry centers used to be called (and sometimes still are) Newman Centers? Back in the 1800s--yes, that long ago--John Henry Newman was an Anglican Priest who converted to Catholicism. He was a great thinker and quite the intellectual. He was also the first to recognize that Catholic college students might have a good reason to attend a public or non-Catholic University. Before then, those few Catholics who went to University were expected to go to a Catholic one. Because of his support in this area, and encouragement to form associations of Catholic students, those clubs and organizations which Catholics founded at secular schools were named for John Henry Newman, who had become a Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.

Well, Cardinal Newman's life has been examined the past few years with the idea of making him a saint--and he has taken a significant step. Next May, he will be declared "Blessed" which is the final step before one is canonized a saint. Here's a longer story on the process. Perhaps this is someone we could name our new chapel after???

Back from the Summer Hiatus

2009-07-13T15:05:00.002-05:00

Again, a long time between posts. Its a hazard of my ministry, I suppose. I'll try (again) to do better.

I wanted to publicize a bit a talk I'm giving next week for the new Theology on Tap that is forming in the North part of Dayton. Dayton South has been going for at least a couple of years; this is the first for the northern area.

The first gathering is for my talk (just a little pressure) on Wednesday July 22 at Boston's Bistro and Pub on North Main Street (if you're googing it, type in 7500 N Main, Dayton, OH 45415). The gathering will begin at 7:00pm, and my talk begins at 7:30. What's my topic, you ask? Well, its been titled "Life is a Highway: What direction are you going?" In other words, how do we make decisions about our lives, how do we discern where God might be inviting us to go? I hope you'll join in. There will be time for some Q & A as well.

Other than that, summer is nice and quiet. I got some down time the past couple weeks, and Joan is away part of this week. I enjoy the break, but at the same time I'm ready for folks to come back and breathe some life back in here! It's too quiet!

Well, that'll be it for now--a lot's been going on in the world, so I'll share a few thoughts on those events. Stay tuned.

brief time off vacation

2009-03-26T08:46:00.003-05:00

But that's ok...I'm off today to Lima, Ohio, to speak to the Serra Club there. Serra is an international Catholic organization dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious life, etc. They want to hear about our campus ministry--which obviously has a lot to do with vocations...how, you ask?

Well, one of the main reasons for the existence of campus ministry, at WSU or any college/university, is to be a Church presence for the students, who are at a time in their lives when their religion, their spirituality is becoming their own. Children, generally, take on the religion (or no religion) of their parents. In college, the decision, rightly, becomes their own. Unfortunately, many take what I've heard called the "Catholic sabbatical" and ignore their faith altogether.

Campus Ministry seeks to be a place where a student can learn more about their faith, celebrate their faith and the sacraments, and find a supportive atmosphere as they naturally question their own religious believes on the way to making them their own.

How does vocations fit in? Every Christian has a vocation...many to marriage, some to single life, and others to priesthood or religious life. Some men who are married or single also discern a vocation to the permanent diaconate. That's another of Campus Ministry's aims...to help students "find their place in this world" (to borrow a phrase from an old Michael W. Smith song...). And if some of these places happen to be in seminaries and novitiates, that's great. In my own experience, it was my campus minister at Heidelberg College who first said to me, "Have you ever thought of being a priest?" (Thanks, Sr. Margaret!)

As I like to say, Campus Ministry lives at the intersection of Young Adult Avenue and Vocation Boulevard! So, that's why I'm speaking to Serra!

Hope everyone's enjoying their break! See you Monday!

Spring Break

2009-03-23T11:39:00.002-05:00

I just want to tip my hat to that wonderful person who thought up the idea of a spring break! I should also give thanks that, at 36 years old, I still get to have them! So now perhaps you have an idea why things slowed down here a bit in the past week or so...the natural precursor to a break, the dreaded exams. It seems everyone did well enough, as I haven't heard any horror stories yet. A number of our students are travelling, and I hope they are doing well.

Campus Ministry will be taking a deserved rest as well...so don't expect anything here in the next week. But I promise to have something to say once we get rolling into spring quarter.

Happy Break!

Lenten Reconciliation

2009-03-09T15:29:00.002-05:00

In case you aren't able to make it to Reconciliation here at Campus Ministry (or would prefer to confess to someone other than me), here is some info from parishes nearby that you might be interested in:

Saturday schedules:
St. Luke: 4-5pm
St. Helen: 4-4:45pm
Mary, Help of Christians: 3:45-4:30pm

Reconciliation Services:
Tues, 3/10 (tomorrow) 8pm, University of Dayton, Imm. Conc. Chapel
Tues, 3/17 7:30pm, St. Anthony (off Rt. 35 at Steve Whalen)
Thurs, 3/26 7pm, St. Francis, Wilmington Pike, S of 675
Mon, 3/30 7pm, St. Luke
Wed, 4/1 7:30pm, Queen of Apostles (Bergamo)
Thur, 4/2 7:00pm, St. Helen

Each of these reconciliation services will have a time of scripture readings (like the beginning of Mass) and then time for individual confessions--a number of priests will be present.

Of course, you are always welcome to make an appointment with me for the celebration of Reconciliation here at Campus Ministry--just call or email! This sacrament is a great way to sacramentally celebrate God's great love for us, no matter what we've done. God is always, always ready to receive our remorse and intention to do better. As Pope John Paul used to say, "Be not afraid!"

What if Starbucks marketed like a Church?

2009-03-05T23:42:00.003-05:00

Found an interesting video on youtube...What if Starbucks marketed like a church?

A bit of a parody on some of the megachurches of today, but it says something to those of us in the Catholic Church too.

Monday...yawn

2009-03-02T16:11:00.002-05:00

I have never liked Mondays, as they just seem so daunting...for me, usually a full weekend (Sunday is a workday in my world!) followed by the regular work week. Today is no different.

Anyway, we're nearly at the end of the quarter, and I think everyone is glad. Winter term is always a hard one to get through...but we're nearly there.

Last night, our students who are journeying through the RCIA process accompanied me to Immaculate Conception Church in Dayton for the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. This is a ceremony at which all those who are going to be baptized or received into the Church this Easter come before the entire Church (represented by the Archbishop) so that he may admit them to their final preparation in the name of the Church. We had front row seats to the ritual, and I think that our group enjoyed it--they were certainly amazed by the number of people there...according to the Archdiocese, over 11oo people are coming into the Church this Easter. Not all were at this one ceremony...there were three other ceremonies just like it, one earlier in the day here in Dayton, the other two at the Cathedral in Cincinnati.

Of course, I forgot to get a picture!

Well, we've got Bible Study tonight, along with our leadership meeting--so that's all for now. Hey, Monday's almost over!

Interesting Scientific and Ethical Breakthroungh

2009-03-01T17:06:00.002-05:00

Spotted this on a British news website...could be very promising:

Find it here.

The Church has been opposed to embryonic stem cell research because of the means of obtaining the stem cells: first, embryos had to be destroyed in order to be used--in other words, a potential life was ended--and, second, the embryos were obtained, I believe, from IVF facilities, in which the natural method of procreation was taken from its proper place between a man and a woman and instead conducted in a laboratory. (That, of course, is another debate for another time.)

The Church is not opposed to stem cell research per se--it simply ought to be done on adult stem cells, so that embryos need not be destroyed.

Ash Wednesday--Oh my!

2009-02-26T18:05:00.005-05:00

Ash Wednesday is a big day here at Campus Ministry--along with All Saints Day, its an important day in the life of the Church, and we're actually here for it. Christmas and Easter are great, but everyone's gone home to be with family...so we celebrate Ash Wednesday with gusto.

Yesterday was no exception. We held a noon-time Mass on Campus so that it would be easier for faculty and staff to attend on their lunch hour (and fit more people than we can at our place). We had a good turnout--about 110.

Then there was the 7pm here at Campus Ministry...what a crowd! We can fit 80 reasonably well (not great, but they fit). Ninety gets to be a real headache--not enough chairs, and nowhere to put them anyway. Well, we had 123 last night! Here are the pictures to prove it!

Found a part of the book of Isaiah that says something about what Lent is all about...from chapter 58, starting at verse 6:

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice,

to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every yoke? ⁷Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked,

to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

⁸Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall

spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the

Lord shall be your rear guard. ⁹Then you shall call, and the Lord will

answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove

the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,

¹⁰if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,

then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. ¹¹The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs

in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like

a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

¹²Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations

of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach,

the restorer of streets to live in."

Just a thought...

My, its been a long time...

2009-02-24T16:48:00.002-05:00

Well, this year really got away from me, blog-wise. Sorry 'bout that.

A lot of good things have been happening around campus ministry...our leadership team has been planning and executing some wonderful events. Recently, we held our first-ever men's retreat down at Cowan Lake State Park. We held a prayer service for Christian Unity a couple of weeks ago with the students in the United Methodist student ministry, which they call "Sharing the Light." And we've continued our Bible Study on Monday nights...we're now into the Book of Genesis.

Tonight is our second annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner. A friend of mine has a great post today on the origins of some of the pre-Lenten traditions, including Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras...check it out here. We're hosting the dinner tonight starting at 5:30, running til 7:30. Hope you make it.

Of course, this is all in preparation for Lent. Many are confused about lenten practices like giving up meat, fasting and the like. Here's part of an email I sent to one student:

Basically, the way fasting and abstinence has been practiced for Catholics is this:

The days of fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
All the Fridays of Lent are days of abstaining from meat; the idea is to eat more simply. Taking Courtney out for Lobster probably misses the point!
The “law” binds those who are between ages 18 and 59.

The basic spiritual practices for lent have traditionally been prayer, fasting and almsgiving (giving to charity/doing volunteer work). This might take the form of going to Mass during the week in addition to Sunday, going to confession, fasting from meat or other foods/things, doing something kind for someone else or doing volunteer work (washing Fr. Ed’s car is but one example J ).

Here’s a good link on what fasting is, what it means to give up meat etc. http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Lent/faqle9902.asp

Pope Benedict is highlighting fasting especially this lent as a spiritual discipline worth reviving: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/lent/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20081211_lent-2009_en.html

So, anyway, if any of you are still around to read this blog (!) perhaps this will shed some light on what we do for Lent. Above all, may our practices this Lent help us to grow closer to God!

Homily for 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

2008-10-30T20:37:00.001-05:00

Well folks, I said I would try to be better at doing my podcasts. I tried, I really did...but now I've lost the microphone that plugged into my iPod. Don't worry, I'll find it eventually. But, if you've seen my office lately, you know it could take awhile. So, in the meantime, my notes from this weekend.

“you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind...you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

love God with all your heart...look at the things in our lives that we truly love...our families, special friends, memories that we hold dear...these are they ways in which we come to know God.

think about it...its most likely from these folks that we first heard of God, and the way that we lean how (and why) to love God.

and just as we love our families and friends, we should seek to love God.

we spend time with our families, we seek to know our friends better, do kind things for them...can be the same with God--spending time in simple prayer, seeking to do good things, to make ourselves into something good, make our family, friends, and God proud of us

love God with all your soul...in every human being, there is a part of us that each of us tries desperately to fill...we simply cannot let it go empty, nor should we...it is designed to be filled.

we try to fill this space with success, with material wealth, with the esteem of other people...none of these things are bad in themselves, but only if we recognize that these things are not all that we are seeking in our lives.

But what many people never figure out is that the only thing which can fill this space...is God.
God designed the human person so that he might be in relationship with us, that we would know God and God would know us.

God of course knows us better than we know ourselves...but how well do we know God...

love God with all your mind...I have a friend who is amazing at remember sports statistics (we all know someone like that, don’t we). He could tell you the line up of the 1976 Reds (who won the world series) without any recourse to Google or Wikipedia

how many of us though struggle through the creed at Sunday Mass? how many of us undertand what the creed means? how many of us stopped learning anything about our faith when we finished our confirmation classes?

what many probably don’t realize is that Christianity has a long tradition of seeking better understanding of God through study...study of the Scriptures, of the liturgy, of the early church fathers. And it is not study for study’s sake...in this study, we come to a better knowledge and love of God

In all of these things...we are seeking a closer relationship with God, the God who created us and redeemed us in Christ, and enlivens us with the Holy Spirit. the second commandment that Christ gives is the way in which we see this search for God bear fruit is loving our neighbor as ourself

Info from yesterday's homily

2008-10-20T09:38:00.002-05:00

As promised, here are the two internet links I talked about, with information on the issues on the Ohio ballot and the national Bishop's page:

www.ohiocathconf.org

www.faithfulcitizenship.org

And, below, my homily notes. Some of my background info I edited from Wikipedia, which, surprisingly, has a pretty good article on the principles of Catholic Social teaching. I only used it since I couldn't find my own notes (probably lost in one of my recent moves)...sorry that its not formatted as well as it could be...it was only a set of notes...

give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.

image on the coin was Caesar Augustus, with the inscription “Divi Filius” or “son of god”, son of previous caesar..

we so often separate our faith and our life in our community. And in this election season, this becomes a particular problem/issue

seven key themes/principles of Catholic Social Teaching...

1. Life and dignity of every human person--each and every human person has the right to life...through all stages of life, the innate, God-given dignity of every person must always be respected and protected. Covers a variety of issues...begins with abortion, but continues to the death penalty, war, euthanasia, stem cell research (adult stem cells fine...destroying embryos for embryonic stem cells is not)

2. Call to family, community and participation
According to Genesis, immediately after forming Adam the "LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone." The Catholic Church teaches that man is now not only a sacred but also a social animal and that families are the first and most basic units of a society.

3. rights and responsibilities Every person has a fundamental right to life and to the necessities of life. In addition, every human has the right to what is required to live a full and decent life, things such as employment, health care, and education...Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities—to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. Rights should be understood and exercised in a moral framework rooted in the dignity of the human person.

4. option for and with the poor and vulnerable--teaching of Jesus...often with the poor, the marginalized...Matt. 25...whenever you do this for the least of these, you do them for me

5.dignity of work and the rights of workers--Society must pursue economic justice and the economy must serve people, not the other way around. Employers must not "look upon their work people as their bondsmen, but... respect in every man his dignity as a person ennobled by Christian character." Employers contribute to the common good through the services or products they provide and by creating jobs that uphold the dignity and rights of workers.
Workers have a right to work, to earn a living wage, and to form trade unions[ to protect their interests. All workers have a right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, and to safe working conditions.Workers also have responsibilities—to provide a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, to treat employers and co-workers with respect, and to carry out their work in ways that contribute to the common good. Workers must "fully and faithfully" perform the work they have agreed to do. Payday lending issue falls under this rubric.

6. solidarity--remembering that we are our brother’s & sister’s keeper...can’t discount other people, try to make them as different from ourselves...Parable of the Good Samaritan. Immigration must be considered in this light.
7. care for God’s creation--recognizing that the world is not given to us to destroy, but rather to be stewards of creation

Sorry for slacking off; big announcement

2008-10-17T10:33:00.004-05:00

Things have been mighty busy around campus ministry since the beginning of school. We welcomed our freshmen, then had several activities...including our own golf outing. Shortly after that was a retreat with our student leaders. Everything was quite successful--now we're just catching our breath!

Tonight is our annual Italian dinner--lasagna this year. Stop by between 5-7pm...only $5 this year, proceeds going to sponsor one of our students at the St John Bosco home in Jamaica (see my posts from last December).

On another note--a very important one at that--the Holy Father has named a new Coadjutor Bishop for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, of which we are a part. Bishop Dennis Schnurr of Duluth, MN will be our Coadjutor. A Coadjutor bishop is an assistant bishop with right of succession. For us, that means that when Archbishop Pilarczyk retires next August (when he turns 75), Bishop Schnurr will become Archbishop of Cincinnati.

The Whispers in the Loggia website has more details. You may have to scroll down a few entries to see ours. The entry is entitled "Cinci's future, ten months early"

That's all I know for now.

ADDITION: Just found the press release on the Archdiocesan website: Here.

Need a TV?

2008-09-17T11:15:00.002-05:00

After moving into a new apartment this summer, I discovered that my HDTV doesn't fit in my living room...screen size is a bit too big, and the size of the entire unit is much too large...so, I have listed it on Craigs List for Dayton/Springfield. Here's the link to the listing...
Let me know if you have any questions. It's a great tv, just too big for me.

What a day...

2008-09-15T21:27:00.002-05:00

Well, the past day or so has been quite the experience here in the Miami Valley. We were hit with winds over 50 mph for several hours yesterday, and as a result many trees came down and many power lines came with them. In Dayton well over 200,000 customers were without power. The number down in Cincinnati was far worse--over 900,000. I was only out of power for about 16 hours, but my fellow campus minister is still without power tonight, as are my parents north of Cincinnati. They should be back on soon--we hope. Luckily, my parents can head over to my brother's house nearby--his power came back after 24 hours.

Wright State seemed to fare pretty well--only losing power for a few hours. Our campus ministry only suffered minor effects--a few limbs and twigs blown down. I'm glad we had a few dead trees removed a couple weeks ago--they could have been a true headache.

Classes are entering their second week, so things are ramping up for Campus Ministry as well: we'll have Masses during the week this term on Wednesdays at 6:30pm; students can hang out afterward and join our leadership team for its meeting--we almost always have food! Mass will also be celebrated on Thursdays at 12:15pm. Reconciliation will be Wednesdays at 5:45, til 6:15 (or anytime by appointment).

Bible Study will start next Monday at 7:30; we'll read the letters of St. Paul. RCIA for those interested in becoming Catholic (or just wanting more info on Catholicism, whether you're Catholic or not) begins this Thursday at 7:30.

All of these things can be found on the Calendar page of our website: www.raidercatholics.com Check us out!

I'm also podcasting my homilies again...though I couldn't find my iPod that I use for this week's Mass. But, I've found it, so I'll be back up and running next week.

Have a great term!

Back from Hiatus

2008-08-18T15:06:00.002-05:00

Well, it wasn't a planned hiatus, but that's how the summer turned out, blog-wise anyway. I recently moved from Ascension parish to a townhouse near WSU; this year, I'll be working not only at WSU, but will also have weekly responsibilities at Wittenberg in Springfield. Needless to say, moving and setting up the place took a bit of my time.

I also attended the regional convention in Cleveland for NPM; the main reason there was to witness Tony DiCello's reception of the Pastoral Ministry award. Tony is the Director of Music at our Cathedral and is also Director of Music at our seminary in Cincinnati. It's a very well deserved award--if nothing else, for putting up with all of us singing as seminarians!

Then, I was off to Colorado for a week's retreat with CCMA, the national campus ministry association. The scenery was wonderful, and the retreat was just what I needed. Before I left, I'd spent the weekend in Baltimore with Kevin Miklavcic and Alex Gutman, the highlight of which was a great dinner at Fogo de Chao, a Brazillian steakhouse; but that doesn't nearly describe the atmosphere. You've got to experience it for yourself.

I'll be back in a day or two with the latest plans for campus ministry!

Summer Opportunities

2008-06-26T14:24:00.002-05:00

Here are some summer opportunities in the area...

The first is the Dayton Theology on Tap...a great program that explores religious questions in the comfortable confines of a tavern! This summer's edition is at the Fox and Hound in Centerville. Information and a map are here. Topics include how to vote your conscience in the upcoming election, and Christian relationships.

The second opportunity is a retreat hosted by the young adults at my home parish, St. John in West Chester. They're calling it "Keystone." Here's the link to more info.

Finally, the Sisters of the Precious Blood are offering a summer ministry opportunity at one of their missions in Kentucky. The dates are July 19-25. I have more information here at Campus Ministry. The program is limited to 15 participants, and they've sent info out all over the diocese, so if you're interested, act fast! Info here; scroll down a bit to find the info on the summer ministry.

A dilemma...

2008-06-13T11:47:00.003-05:00

Thought this was an excellent commentary from Keith Olbermann last night. I know many of you won't agree with it, and that's fine. However, I thought it was pretty balanced. Olbermann hits on one of the main reasons I just don't think I can support McCain. I keep trying to find reasons to do so...for a person in my position, it is certainly easier to support McCain than Obama. But the war in Iraq, and what the next President is going to do about it, it seems to me, is one of the most important issues of our day. Whether or not you agree with him, you know what Obama's going to do--with draw, carefully. McCain, well, do you go with what he's said for years, or what he's saying now?

You can find part II of the commentary (or "Special Comment" as Olbermann labels it, beneath the first...

New Bishop for Mandeville, Jamaica

2008-06-12T11:51:00.004-05:00

Those of you who've been to Jamaica may remember that the diocese there has been without a bishop for some time. Recently, Pope Benedict named a new bishop for the Church in Mandeville, an American Passionist by the name of Neil Tiedemann.

Found an interview with him online at YouTube, via the blog "Whispers in the Loggia". Thought you all might find it interesting.

Interesting thoughts from the Vatican. On Aliens. Really.

2008-05-12T17:25:00.004-05:00

It's been crazy around here lately. Thus, the absence of blog entries for awhile.

But, while I'm thinking of something new, I thought I'd share this tidbit with you--sounds like the answer to one of our questions at Dinner with Fr. Ed or Bible Study...

From the Catholic News Service.

Not a good idea

2008-04-21T13:34:00.002-05:00

I don't know if you've notices, but in the last couple of weeks, there have been several articles in the Dayton Daily News and in national media about a movement to allow concealed weapons on college campuses (among other places...such as churches). It's in response to the first anniversary of the tragedy at Virginia Tech on April 19.

I'm reminded of this after receiving a campus-wide email from WSU's Police Chief, reminding us of "National Empty Holster Protest Week", in case we should see anyone with an empty gun holster on their belt. (Even the protest is dangerous...its easy to imagine how this could go tragically wrong.)

This just strikes me as, well, dumb. Forgive me, but I fail to see how more guns in our society makes us safer. The argument goes, as I understand it, that had someone with a concealed gun been present either at Virginia Tech, or Northern Illinois, or at any of the other mass murders we've endured in our country, they could have "taken out" the perpetrator and thus saved lives. What the argument doesn't take into account is the inherently dangerous nature of having many guns around. What if someone with a gun sees something they think is suspicious and fires away, only to find that it wasn't what they thought? Or if another gun owner sees the ostensible "hero" firing away, and thus fires at them? Very quickly, you've added another level of tragedy onto the horrors we've already faced. Just because this hasn't happened yet does not mean it will not in the future.

Why, in heaven's name, are we seeking to bring more guns into society? The ills of our nation's inner cities are in large part because of guns--how many shootings do we hear of each night on the news. Hardly a night goes by when the lead story is not of someone getting shot. Yes, there are many other issues at work--drugs primarily, but also poverty, unemployment, you name it.

Sure, there's the second amendment. Did the framers really have this in mind? I doubt it...in their day, there was no such thing as a hand-gun, or semi-automatic anything. They were shooting muskets; they were dealing with the imminent possibility of invasion from British Canada; they envisioned militias...not individuals with guns, but a community banding together for common defense.

Many will disagree, I know. But those of us who follow the way of Christ would be well served to consider our gun stance (and violence in all its forms) alongside the Gospel. Seems the words "love" "peace" "turn the other cheek" appear far more often than "vengeance" or "weapon" do.

Wouldn't it instead be much more effective to actually seek to solve the issues that lead a person to go on a rampage? It seems that what was at issue at Virginia Tech wasn't the absence of an armed student to stop the shooting, but rather improvements to our mental health system. What was missing was someone to help the shooter, to befriend them, to get them the help he needed; it was not another person with a gun. Just a thought...

BTW, if you want to comment, by all means do. But, I only ask civility and reasoned responses, please.

It's been a while

2008-04-05T21:39:00.002-05:00

Sorry to neglect things here for so long, but with Easter came spring break at WSU, and I took some time to head to St. Meinrad. After a couple days there, I headed to Cleveland for the opening day game for the Cleveland Indians. A bit cold (it is Cleveland, though) but the Tribe came out with a win over the White Sox, so no complaints here!

There will be come good things happening at Campus Ministry this quarter. On Mondays, we'll have a Bible Study looking at the Acts of the Apostles; on a few Sundays, we'll continue our Catholic 101 series (the next one is April 13th after the 6:30 Mass).

I'll get some more details up here soon. Make sure to keep an eye on our student website, as well as my own. The links are below. Check them out!

Interesting thoughts on Easter

2008-03-23T15:20:00.001-05:00

Found this ancient reflection on the feast of Easter, and wanted to share it here. Of course, that would have meant typing it in; luckily, one of my friends posted it on his blog...so here's the link

A blessed Easter to you!

An important anniversary

2008-03-14T14:41:00.003-05:00

Next Wednesday marks the 5th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. I received an email about events in Dayton to mark the anniversary and commemorate those who have given their lives.

Cost of War: Silence of the Dead, Voices of the Living

Two Events in the Dayton Area

March 19, 2008

Cost of War: Remembering the Fallen
9:00 am to 7:15 pm

*Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren, Sanctuary

A solemn 10 hour vigil to read the names of US troops who have died as a result of the war in Iraq. Volunteers will read the names of the fallen and place candles by 40 pairs of boots, each pair of boots representing 100 of the nearly 4000 troops killed in Iraq. Shoes representing an Iraqi family will also be displayed. A closing ceremony will take place at 7:00pm.

Cost of War: Human and Economic Costs of the War in Iraq

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
*Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren, Sanctuary

A program of speakers will address the human and economic costs of 5 years of war. Military families, veterans, and other community members will speak. Michael McConnell, AFSC’s Great Lakes Regional Executive Director and creator of the national AFSC exhibit “Eyes Wide Open” will be give a presentation on the human and economic cost of the war that is both compelling and instructive. AFSC’s Cost of War exhibit will be highlighted. For more information on the display, visit http://www.afsc.org/cost.

*Both events will take place in the Sanctuary at Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren, 1717 Salem Avenue, Dayton, OH 45406. Handicapped parking is in the parking lot east of the church. For more information about the program or to volunteer, please call Barb Roberts or Beth Lerman at AFSC,

937-278-4225 or email BRoberts@afsc.org.
Sponsored by:

Military Families Speak Out-Dayton & American Friends Service Committee

Planning for Holy Week--

2008-03-06T12:54:00.002-05:00

Well, gang, Lent's going pretty fast, just like it always does. This Sunday will be the fifth Sunday--two weeks before Easter. The Sunday after that is Palm Sunday, and then we're into Holy Week. Here's our plan of prayer for that week:

Palm Sunday (March 16):
11 am & 6:30pm Mass: We'll have the blessing of the Palms and the Passion Gospel outdoors, weather permitting. Gather in the driveway.

Tuesday, March 18:
Chrism Mass:
At the Cathedral in Cincinnati, 7:30 pm--a Mass with the Archbishop and all the priests of our local Church. The oils for the coming year are blessed/consecrated, and the priests renew their commitment to ministry. It's a wonderful liturgy well worth the drive to Cincy.

Wednesday, March 19:
Taize Prayer, 8pm: Here at Campus Ministry, prayer around the cross using the beautiful Taize music. It's a very quiet and meditative prayer, a good way to enter into the holiest time of the year.

Thursday, March 20:
Mass of the Lord's Supper, 8pm: The beginning of the Triduum--the three days of our Lord's passion, death and resurrection.
Holy Thursday commemorates the command of the Lord to service and his gift of the Eucharist. We remember through the washing of feet and the Eucharist. There will be time for prayer in front of the Sacrament after our community prayer.

Friday, March 21:
Day of the Lord's Passion:
At 12:15, we'll gather for a short time of prayer using Psalms and a brief reading from Scripture. After this 10 minute or so service, the chapel will be open all afternoon for prayer and mediation in front of the cross. At 4:30, we'll have our community prayer, with a reading of the Passion, veneration of the Cross, and communion (just as in a parish).

Saturday, March 22:
A day of quiet and prayer. Whether you're home or still in Dayton, make sure to go to an Easter Vigil...they'll start at about 8:30. We won't be having one here, but it is something worthwhile to find. Again this year, I'll be presiding at the Easter Vigil at St. Anthony in Dayton, starting at 8:30. (Click the link for a google map.)

Sunday, March 23:
Easter Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection!
Mass at Campus Ministry, 11am (only).

Please plan on join us for prayer in these wonderful days!

Homily for 2nd Sunday of Lent

2008-02-18T15:25:00.003-05:00

Here's this week's homily in text form...I don't usually write them out, but that's how it worked out this week.

2nd Sunday of Lent, A (2008)
Transfiguration

I can only imagine what Peter, James and John must have felt...
they’ve been attracted to this man from Nazareth
and followed him all over Galilee;
they’ve seen him heal the sick and raise the dead.

They’ve come to believe that this is the Messiah,
the one that they had been taught to hope for,
one who many generations before had longed to see.

They certainly were wondering what would come next as they ascended the mountain--
Mount Tabor, as it happens to be called.

Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw...

Jesus, glorified, face and clothes as white as the sun,
a sight so beautiful they could never have adequately described it.

Amid the glory,
perhaps they felt like all their doubts and worries had been taken away;
finally, they knew for certain that this was no ordinary man,
but truly the Son of God.

Or maybe they simply had more questions...

I can’t blame Peter for wanting to stay;
who wouldn’t want to remain
and simply behold the sight?

But Jesus knew that they had to move on;
the journey wasn’t over...in a sense, it was just beginning.

They had to go on to Jerusalem;
they had to embrace the road ahead,
the road which led to the cross.
The road, Jesus knew, which was the reason for his life-
to give his life for ours.

Many of us have the tendency, as Peter did,
to want to stay where we are.

It’s hard work, this road of conversion.
Aren’t I already a good enough person?
I go to church every week (well, almost every week)
I put a few dollars in the collection.

I’ve even sent my children to school here;
or brought them for R-E every week.

You probably are a good person;
but God is always calling us to be more,
to FULLY realize the gifts and talents he’s given us.

To FULLY know the great love that God has for us;
this is the journey of Lent, this is our journey.

But the journey of conversion,
the journey of all the Baptized,
is a journey that must embrace the cross.

Just as he did for Peter, James and John,
it is Christ who calls us to undertake this journey,
it is Christ who calls us to embrace our cross
so that we might be his disciples.

It is the cross on which we have to die to ourselves,
so that we might rise to new life
the life given us in Christ Jesus.

Of course, this is the paradox of Christian faith;
that from death comes everlasting life.

It’s not just a hope for when we die;
it’s a hope for our lives as well.

We find that in the suffering and hardship that we endure now
doesn’t have to be pointless.
Instead, it can be transformative;
it can be a way that leads us closer to God.

Or, we can close our eyes to it,
ignore it,
and simply stay put
and waste the opportunity to come closer to God.

How will we spend this Lent,
as a time to come closer to God, or to simply stay where we are?

Lent

2008-02-15T15:21:00.002-05:00

Well, we've made it through the first days of Lent. It always seems to be such a long season at the outset, but once you're in it, the time flies by. More than a few have asked me what I was giving up for Lent. Well, nothing. I know, that sounds like I'm ignoring one of the biggest activities of Lent. Maybe, but for years I've preferred to do something MORE for Lent. Spending a bit more time in prayer; reading more Scripture; doing something kind for someone else. Hopefully, some of these practices will last beyond Lent and into the rest of our lives. But depriving ourselves of something has some value too.

I've also been asked about what we have to do as Catholics as far as giving up meat or fasting. In a nutshell, an ancient practice has been to give up meat on Friday as a penance done on the day Jesus died. Is it a sin if you forget? No. But should you just disregard it and chow down at McDonalds. Again, no.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting. Fasting too is an ancient penitential practice that physically reminds us of our dependence on God. It also has a way of getting us down to what is truly essential in our lives, stripping away all the extra stuff that can serve to help us forget God.

As Catholics practice fasting, we are called to limit ourselves to one full meal for the day. We might eat a small amount at other meal times, but not so much so as to add up to another full meal. Obviously, snacking would be avoided. Do what you can.

Here's a good article I found on the Busted Halo website about other things you might try for Lent.

Survey Results

2008-01-24T16:08:00.001-05:00

Well, not many of you decided to participate. But three of you did, and the results are:

2 of the 3 wanted a daily Mass;
both wanted it on Wednesday, either around noon or 7pm.

Any other ideas? Leave a comment, WSU'ers...

Mass on Campus

2008-01-17T21:04:00.000-05:00

Argh...

Well, another Thursday night, and only one person showed up for Mass--thanks Sarah!

Anyway, here's a question to you WSU Catholic studens...do you want Mass during the week??? I am happy to provide it; really, I feel like I must. But in my five quarters at WSU, we haven't found a good time. So, here is my question...do you want Mass during the week? Will you come to Mass during the week? If so, when can you come?

So, if you are a WSU student (none others please!!!) take this brief survey, please.

Winter Quarter 2007-08

2008-01-09T18:41:00.000-05:00

It seems like everyone made it back for a new term! It is so much more fun around here when you all come back...and today was a great day for visits!

With a new quarter, there are a lot of events coming up--some new, and some favorites.
Here's the latest:

Our Spring Retreat is April 25-27--the team to lead the retreat will be forming soon. If you are interested in being a part of the team, just email me or Joan.

Joan leads a nice prayer time on Tuesday evenings at 6pm...there's always some music, some silence, maybe some journalling. It's a nice, quiet time in the middle of the week.

I'll be leading a Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. Matthew is the Gospel we'll be reading at Mass this year, so I thought that would be a good choice. Bring your Bible and join us!

Dinner with Fr. Ed makes its return on Thursdays at 5:30 in the Union Market, starting next week...I have a meeting this week.

On a few Sunday nights after the 6:30 Mass, we'll have "Catholic 101". Don't worry--there are no tests or term papers. We'll take a look at the Mass: what we're doing, why we do it, and how it came to be that way. Of course, we'll talk about the Eucharist as well. It'll last about an hour; the last 10 minutes or so will be open to questions on anything about Catholicism. Have a question--ask away!

Also, our website has a new domain: www.raidercatholics.com For the time being, it redirects to the "old" website, but be looking for upgrades soon!

Just a few of the things that are going on! Hope to see you here!
All the best as you begin a new term! God bless!

An Article by Sr. Helen Prejean

2008-01-07T13:48:00.001-05:00

NPR has been running a series of essays entitled "This I Believe." They've asked a number of well-known people to contribute their beliefs about faith, or a lack thereof, reprising a series they had done in the 1950s. I've had chance to read only a few, but they've all been good. I may not have agreed with them all, but they've been well thought out. This one by Sr. Helen Prejean is simple and concise. Yet, I think its a powerful statement about our Christian faith. It's not enough simply to say we believe, but how we live our lives must be a testimony to what we believe.

Sr. Helen is a truly amazing person in my book...I've had chance to meet her on two occasions; sadly, I could only be with her for a short period of time. She is certainly a woman passionate about her work, and one who is truly trying to put her faith in a compassionate God in action. But, I provide the link for you to read for yourselves. Reading "Dead Man Walking" and her newest "Death of Innocents" about her work seeking to abolish the Death Penalty is something I'd encourage everyone to do.

Why am I not surprised?

2008-01-06T15:07:00.000-05:00

A study finds that drivers on their cell phones drive slower...

CNN study

We needed a study for this?

Happy (Cold) New Year

2008-01-02T20:55:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm certainly not in Jamaica anymore, but since it has gotten so cold here in Ohio, I thought these pictures of a warmer place might just warm us up a little...

This may be nuts, but is anyone else ready for the winter term to start? Quite honestly, I'm ready to go back to work--don't get me wrong, I love the break. But these last 4 weeks seem to have lasted forever...the holidays were nice, and I did get to watch A LOT of football, but c'mon, let's get back to work!!!

Don't get me started on the Browns, however. I'm beginning to wonder, "Could God be a Steelers fan?" How else do you explain the past 20 years of misery? With "the Drive" summing up the '80s, simple despair in the '90s, and the expansion era of the '00s, finally, we get a good year. How is it that we end up 10-6, and still don't make the playoffs?

No, God isn't a Steelers fan...nor a fan of any particular team. But, sometimes....

Despite too much free time, I am enjoying the Christmas season. Yes, it is still Christmas. Liturgically, the season extends from the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which this year is January 13th. So, keep your trees up and the manger scene out until then! Unless, of course, your tree is dried out and a fire hazard. Then try for Epiphany this weekend...but let it go if its a fire-hazard!

It makes sense, I think, to keep the celebration going. How could we possibly celebrate in one day the fact that God has become one of us, to live among us, to give his life for us? Really, the Incarnation is something we ought to celebrate every day--by loving God and loving our neighbor.

We'll be doing some new things in Campus Ministry this term--stay tuned if you're at Wright State. Bball teams looking good, by the way...

Peace to you and yours in the New Year.

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

2007-12-21T12:34:00.001-05:00

Found this on the "Called by Name" blog...not bad.

Home

2007-12-20T15:46:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm back, and I'm finally getting to this blog...I come back from Jamaica, and it's nearly Christmas! So I've been working on that lately... It also took me some time to figure out how best to get my pictures into the blog. Facebook had been a problem, so I settled on my .Mac homepage. I rarely use it, but the interface was a cinch.

Here's the link to the homepage.

There's a link labeled "Jamaica" (oddly enough...) and the pictures are there. I'm not much of a photographer, so its a start. However, I am good enough to know how to crop the bad pictures of me...case in point is the picture of Alex Gutman...its a nice one of him, but I had a strange expression on my face, so I cut myself out!

I think the trip was wildly successful--we've already had folks ask to go back next year, and a few who haven't gone yet are expressing an interest. Good things!

And to my friends in Cincinnati: I know you'll be upset that I was wearing a Cleveland Browns cap. But, we have to face fact: the Bengals are terrible this year. Thus, I've fallen back on my attachment to the Browns. Sorry! But I think I'll root for the Bengals again when the Brown family doesn't own it anymore!
More later...

Still in Jamaica

2007-12-06T17:14:00.000-05:00

Yes, as Dayton sits in 5" of snow (evil snicker), here we sit in Jamaica with sunny weather, about 80 degrees each day. Oh, and tomorrow, we're going to the beach in Negril. Life can be hard sometimes.

But, all of this is reward for some hard work. Today was the final day of our camps. The musicians worked especially hard today, combining their morning and afternoon groups for an all-day rehearsal. They'll be singing at the Cathedral in Mandeville before the 9 am Mass. I peeked in on the rehearsal for awhile, and they sound really good. I think they'll do well.

Our group is getting along exceptionally well. One would normally expect some amount of conflict in a group when you work, live, and eat together for 10 days straight. But with 5 days to go, it's been smooth sailing. Everyone is working together, helping each other out, giving one another a break when it was needed. Of course, I've always been impressed with our students, and really, I expected nothing less.

Our only problem is one that has plagued us from the get go.

One of the two guest houses that our ladies have been living in has a lock that takes a key to open from the inside...thus, the possibility of getting locked in--which has happened several times. As I walked yesterday from the convent where I'm staying over to the school, I heard a plaintive yell--"Hey, Fr. Ed, I'm locked in!!!". Seems the other ladies, when leaving to go back to school, forgot to check if anyone else was home. I think we've had five lock-ins...with some repeat offenders. They know who they are!

Haven't found a cord to connect my camera (naturally, I forgot to bring one), so unless I find one in the next couple of days, you'll have to wait til I get back to the States to see pictures. Patience is a virtue, remember.

Probably won't post til we return, so stay warm.

Every December should be like this...

2007-12-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe for me, but today is the first of December...and it is a bright, sunny, perfect day in Jamaica. And as we Ohioans sit in this perfect weather, at home they are getting ready for the first big winter storm of the year. I'm sorry to be missing it (ok, no, I'm not).

We are all doing well down here. Each of our groups is doing well. Today we get a well-deserved break (its Saturday, so no camps)and as I sit here writing, a number of our students are in the living room behind me reading and relaxing. We're not sure, but we think a number of the guys are still asleep--and its getting on toward noon. To protect the guilty, I'll leave their names out of it...

This is really an amazing program down here. St. John Bosco has been here since 1960, begun by the Sisters of Mercy. Sr. Susan has been here over 30 years, and I believe Sr. Mimi has been here just as long, I believe. Each of these boys is given a second chance at life. Some had been abandoned by their parents, some had been removed by the authorities because of neglect and/or abuse, many had been on the streets. Here, they get a roof over their heads, three meals a day, an education, and most of all, the knowledge that people care about them. Its amazing all the things they've gone through at such a young age--several of the younger ones (about ages 6-8) still suck their thumbs...Its heartening to hear some of the success stories. But even when they leave here, they face a Jamaican economy that is racked with foreign debt. Sr. Susan told me just this morning that of every dollar that the government receives, 70 cents must go toward debt reduction. So, jobs are hard to get, and many, I'm sure, don't pay very well.

Violence seems a huge part of the major cities--the past week in Kingston was particularly violent, with many people killed, including two police officers killed in as many days. Thankfully, up here in Mandeville, we're pretty safe.

So, keep us in prayer as we finish our first week here and look toward our second. Our Newman center also had 15 students at the Glenmary Farm in Vanceburg, KY, this week, and they are making the journey home this afternoon. A prayer that they arrive home safely would be a blessing to them.

85 and Sunny

2007-11-28T15:30:00.000-05:00

No, not in Ohio...but in Jamaica.

21 of our students from the Newman Association at WSU have come again to Jamaica to work at the St. John Bosco home as we have done for the past 8 years. We arrived Monday, and have been working both Tuesday and today. One group does a music camp, another a bible camp, another a sports camp, and finally a building crew.

I'll upload some pictures when I get home, but suffice it to say now that it really is a beautiful country.

That'll be it for now, as others are waiting to get on the computer!

Off to Jamaica!

2007-11-25T14:03:00.001-05:00

Not on vacation, mind you, but along with 22 students from our Newman Catholic Student Association. We go down each year to provide a bible camp, sports camp, and music camp for the boys of the St. John Bosco home in Mandeville, Jamaica. Some of our students will be forming a building crew as well. We'll be there until the 11th of December. We leave tomorrow, VERY early in the morning...we need to be at the airport by 5 am. Those who know me will understand how bad an hour that is for me. All in the name of service.

I'll try to blog from Mandeville, as I'm told we'll have some internet access. This is my first trip down there, so I'm relying on what past participants have told me. Pictures will probably be included as well!

So things will be sporadic around here till I get back.
Say a prayer, if you would, for our safe journey, as well as for the boys of St. John Bosco.

Faithful Citizenship

2007-11-21T12:50:00.000-05:00

Over coffee this AM, I was able to finish reading the Bishop's document "Faithful Citizenship." An interesting document, one I think any Catholic voter ought to read...it would also be good for anyone who is looking for some guidance from a faith/moral integrity perspective. My thoughts...(not exhaustive, aren't you glad...)

1. The primary idea that the bishops are trying to get across is that a Catholic needs to vote according to the dictates of their conscience...and that our conscience must be formed according to the teaching of the Church--Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience.

With this foundation, Catholics are better able to evaluate the policy positions, party platforms, candidates' promises and actions in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to build a better world. (paragraph 5)

2. Abortion, as expected, is a primary theme. It is labeled an "intrinsically evil" action, an action so deeply flawed that they are always opposed to the authentic good of persons, and as such "can never be supported or condoned." (22) Human dignity is the basic value that the Church's teaching is striving to protect. However, as the bishops state, we can not only look at abortion, but also have to look at other threats to the human person, especially the weak and the vulnerable:

Other direct assaults on innocent human life and violations of human dignity, such as genocide, torture, racism, and the targeting of noncombatants in acts of terror or war, can never be justified. (23)

Opposing research that destroys human embryos or seeks human cloning is also something we must oppose.

Some commentators and bloggers have tried to posit that one must always oppose a candidate who supports abortion...and some claim that to vote for such a person, no matter the reason, is a grave sin. The following paragraph is illustrative:

Catholics often face difficult choices about how to vote. This is why it is so important to vote according to a well-formed conscience that perceives the proper relationship among moral goods. A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter's intent is to support that position In such cases a Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in grave evil. At the same time, a voter should not use a candidate's opposition to an intrinsic evil to justify indifference or inattentiveness to other important moral issues involving human life and dignity. There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil. (34 & 35)

The bishops recognize that voters face a dilemma. As I see it, on one hand, we have the Democrats whose policy has been to allow abortion on demand. At the same time, we have Republicans who favor the death penalty, pre-emptive war, torture, and have turned their backs on adequate health care (or any at all) for the poor and weak among us. Some in each party advocate euthanasia and/or cloning. What is a believing person to do?

My advice (well, that which I'm willing to give in such a public forum) is to first pray. Seek God's wisdom in this decision. Second, heed the advice of the bishops--quoting JP II in "The Gospel of Life": see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation, or mere self-interest. (Gospel of Life, no. 33, Bishops document 41).

A long post, but important, I think...the first primary is just about 5 or 6 weeks away...

Oh, a Happy Thanksgiving to all!

November Bishops Meeting

2007-11-15T15:57:00.001-05:00

Twice each year, all the bishops of the United States gather together to discuss issues pertinent to the Church in the United States. The second meeting is always in November, and always in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area. And, in years preceeding a presidential election, the bishops release an updated voting guide, "Faithful Citizenship", which is meant to be a guide of principles for Catholics to think about as they choose a candidate. Find the document here.

I'll have some comments soon.

A weightier, lengthier post...

2007-11-12T20:59:00.000-05:00

One of the first things I do when I get into the Newman Center at the beginning of my day is to check my email--like most others in the 21st century. I also have a habit of checking a few blogs, just to see what's going on. The ones I check are mostly on church issues--there's always enough controversy brewing in church circles to keep more than a few bloggers with plenty of fodder for their craft.

I've tended to stay away from these issues in my own blog; first, I wanted to get the hang of this enterprise; second, I wasn't sure what I wanted to say to my intended audience. I had to figure out who my audience was--or, if I even have an audience!

As this blog has gotten off the ground, I think I've gotten an idea about what a blog can be; I also think there are a few people out there reading. I've been trying to get this place "out there" by linking to a few blogs and getting one or two folks to link to mine. I guess that's how it's done!

So, now, perhaps a few weightier posts to get us going.

I do read a few blogs rather regularly. My friend Kyle Schnippel, a priest classmate of mine, has his own blog, as does another priest friend, Martin Fox. It's from their blogs and links (Martin's are especially numerous) that I've been jumping off from (thanks gentlemen). And its from reading these other blogs that has gotten me thinking: where has all this cynicism in church circles been coming from? From reading these blogs, it would seem that the Church is in a world of hurt, that things are going terribly--and if we don't do something now, all could be lost.

I'm thinking about the tone of debate mostly. It can get nasty at times. There are blogs out there that seem to think that their interpretation of Catholicism is certainly the most orthodox around--orthodox is a big word out there. There's a lot especially about Pope Benedict allowing any priest to say the Mass as it was prior to Vatican II; that is, in Latin, with a ritual largely unchanged since the Middle Ages (and I make no value judgement about if Middle Ages is bad or good--you do that).

For myself, I don't believe it will be a big issue. As it stands, a priest, if he wants to, can say that form of Mass (now called the "Extradordinary Form"--what you see and experience in most parishes now being termed the "Ordinary Form") when he wishes, in private. If there is a group of the faithful who wish to join him, they may. If there is a group of the faithful who want this form of the Mass, they can ask their pastor to provide it.

I don't have any attachment to the extraordinary form. I was born in 1972, after the changes, so I have no experience with it, and honestly don't wish to do so on my own. I work in campus ministry, so none of my students have experienced it either. So far, none have asked for it. Were they to do so, I would direct them to the group here in Dayton that celebrates said Mass. Why not do it myself? Well, I don't know Latin, and that is important. I also don't know the ritual. Could I learn them? Sure, but time becomes an issue. Do I learn it for the 2 or 3 who may want it, taking time that could be spent doing other things for the other 500 students on my email list? What do I give up, learning about development (we need $ to keep the center going), planning for RCIA, or service trips, or ???? It's a dilemma.

A long post...but I hope you'll excuse the stream of consciousness. If you'd like to make comments, I do ask that you not do so anonymously...a first name alone is fine, and perhaps let me know if you're from WSU or not. After all, I do this blog primarily for WSU students.

this place needs a new post

2007-11-05T17:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry to any of you who may be sitting waiting for a new post...I do keep you waiting a bit, I know. 'Tis the life of a campus minister...easy-going one moment (thus easier to post) and chaotic the next (sans posting). Well, it's been chaotic of late.

Now, please don't take that as a negative term. Chaotic can be good, as it has been of late. It's the end of the term here at WSU, so we're trying to get to everything we had planned for the term. I'm also getting a bit involved in campus ministry at Wittenberg--I joined some of the Catholic students for a day of retreat this Saturday. Last week I had a wedding in Cincinnati--a wonderful occasion. The groom is a former colleague of mine, and a good friend. A lot of fun, and a lovely (and in love)couple. Beautiful.

So, busy, but a good busy. However, that means I get bad on my posting to this blog. I did mean to post a copy of my All Saints day homily--I'll get that in a separate post. I've also been working on a somewhat partisan, political entry--I still haven't decided if this is the proper forum, but you may see it one of these days.

Finally, a tip of the hat to Fr. Martin Fox, who had kindly linked to my blog from his...his link is at your right..."Bonfire of the Vanities." Check him out...

Schedule change for Confessions and Mass

2007-10-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

Just an FYI: there will not be Confessions nor Mass tomorrow evening, Thursday, October 25th. Unfortunately, I can't be here tomorrow evening!

Fr. Ed

Food!

2007-10-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

Our annual Italian dinner is this Friday from 5-7pm! Join us for Lasagna (meat and vegetarian), salad, fellowship and more! "Head Chef" Mike Busse is heading up an amazing cooking staff to make for a great evening. It's just $3 per person!

Hope you can join us!

A Day Off

2007-10-03T14:56:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was one of those truly rare days when I am honestly and truly off. It's not something I like to complain about, but there are many weeks in which some meeting or event can't be rescheduled or missed, and thus I lose my day off. It's not just me--most every priest I know faces this dilemma.

But that won't be the subject of this post...rather, I just thought I'd share what I did yesterday, as I really enjoyed it.

The day started as the best of days do...sleeping late. I am in absolutely no way a morning person. I hate getting out of bed. So, I slept til 9 (or so...) then got up, and eventually made it downstairs to get the coffee going. My morning is pretty ritualized. Make the coffee, eat something, and read the paper. If I don't get to do those things, it makes the rest of the day tense. So, without guilt, I read both the Dayton Daily News and a significant part of the New York Times--yes, I have it delivered! I wasn't a fan of the Cincy Enquirer (the editorial page made me angry--never a good way to begin a day), so to balance it out, I got the Times. True, where the Enquirer goes off to the right, the Times goes to the left. But, I figure the truth will win out somewhere in the middle...virtus stat in media if I remember the Latin correctly.

The plan was for a nice bike ride out on the Greene county paths. And, that's exactly what I did--nothing got in the way this time! I ended up making a 33 mile ride up nearly to Yellow Springs and back. Felt good the whole way, though the last mile or two was tough...it always is. But it was a beautiful fall day, and the open fields on the stretch between Xenia and Yellow Springs were gorgeous...reminds me of what I like about living in Ohio. You don't get weathered barns and corn fields in New York or LA or Chicago. A moment of awe at God's creation, joy at being alive and able to ride a bike.

After a good ride like that, you can't but have a great day afterward...so I came home, cleaned up, got a bite to eat, and relaxed. I read a little, watched some tv (well, surfed...80 channels and nothing good...) I'll recommend the book I've been reading..."The World Is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. The subtitle: A Brief History of the 21st Century. An excellent discussion and analysis of the times in which we live. He posits that the great changes in the world began before 9/11, though certainly not overlooking the tremendous and tragic turning point that 9/11 was. Instead, he goes back to 11/9--the 9th of November in 1989 when the Berlin wall fell. The end of the cold war, and the expansion of technology and openness that came after were the first elements of the 21st century...a good book I'd encourage anyone to read.

So, there you have it...a day off. Wonder when I'll get another??

Random Comments

2007-09-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

I've been bad lately in updating this blog...two weeks since the last post! Well, the beginning of a school year will do that to you. What can I say? I have done some work to add the blog to technorati (you'll see the little tag off to the right and down a bit) so that perhaps I might get a bit more exposure. I'm wondering if that's a good thing?? I'll just have to mind my p's and q's! I've also updated my podcasts to include the weekend before last, and I'm currently uploading this past weekend's homily...

I did find someone who linked to me in their blog...seems he thinks I'm ok, though he does take mild exception to my green stole I've been wearing in Ordinary Time...I wish I knew who this was, but there's no info about him/her on the blog...check it out here. I'll give a dollar to anyone who can figure out who they are! Two bucks to the blog owner admitting themselves!! And no hard feelings about the stole.

I wanted to mention something about a story in today's New York Times...it compared the number of people in prison in the US to the number of people in colleges/universities in the US...but I can't find a link to it. I'll work on that for tomorrow or later...

Inspiration from Mother Theresa

2007-09-13T12:43:00.000-05:00

You may have heard recently about how Mother Theresa felt an absence of God in her life, despite all her good works and devoted prayer life. I found an excellent reflection on Mother Theresa's "Dark Night" on NPR's page recently done by one of my favorite spiritual authors...listen here.

Her reflections are being published under the title "Come Be My Light."

Podcast ready

2007-09-05T19:30:00.000-05:00

FYI, I've managed to get my podcast uploaded, finally. You can find it here.

A New Staff member

2007-09-05T14:24:00.000-05:00

Now, don't worry, neither Joan nor I is leaving. Sadly, however, we must tell you of the demise of our long time copier...

This trusty old IKON copier has served us for more than 15 years. It was kind enough not to croak during the last fiscal year, but in return decided to make its exit on the Sunday before the start of classes. Luckily, the Sunday worship aid had just finished printing.

But we found a wonderful replacement! We are now the proud owners of a Canon machine which reduces and enlarges, prints on both sides, and takes less than ten minutes to warm up!! We really are too excited about a photocopier!! But here's its debut picture anyway...

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

2007-09-02T08:49:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping that I'll be able to regularly post my homily notes here...I'm sure I won't make it every week, but I'll try. Most weeks you should be able to hear my homily on my podcast page. The link is below.

Following are more notes than a full scripted homily, so if I lose you, try the podcast!

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, C

Going to wedding receptions…sometimes an issue if I don’t know the families well
where to sit…seems a problem right in line with today’s Gospel.
You don’t want to sit in someone else’s place…

Brings up a virtue that is not often valued in today’s society: humility.

Humility is knowing our strengths and our weaknesses; it is also knowing where we stand in relation to the world around us. It is also acknowledging our place before God.

Do we recognize ourselves among the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame?

It reminds us of our true identity and relationship with God…we come to him empty…needing to open ourselves up to all that God can give us

Ultimately this virtue of humility will lead us to happiness…seems that just the opposite would be true. Many of you recently went through the ordeal of applying to university, in which you had to highlight all of the special things about you, the things that make you stand out, the things that raise you above every other applicant.

But humility really isn’t opposed to that. Rather, humility frees us to simply be who we are. It relieves us from the burden of having to try to prove ourselves day in and day out, always trying to be the person that we think the world thinks we have to be.

You see, humility is not about self-abasement, putting ourselves down. It’s about acknowledging the truth of who we are and who we aren’t.

You who are beginning your journey in university this week have a tremendous opportunity—to truly discover who you are. If you’ve been thinking—that sounds great Father, if only I know who I was! This is the point of university. It isn’t just about getting training to get a job. It’s about education—about yourselves, and about others. I hope that Campus Ministry will be a help to you in this self-discovery, a discovery that I hope will help you find God in your life as well.

Welcome!--Updated...

2007-08-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

Note that confessions are on the SECOND and FOURTH Thursdays...sorry!

Since it won't be long until WSU welcomes a new class of freshmen and transfer students (next Friday!), I wanted to put a post in about some of the things that we have coming up in the Newman Catholic Student Association.

The Newman what?

I should probably explain what a "Newman" Association is. Quite simply, its the Catholic student association. It is named for John Henry Cardinal Newman, an 19th century English bishop who recognized that many Catholic students went to non-Catholic schools for very good reasons. Thus, there needed to be, he tought, something from the Church to help them with celebrating their faith during their University years. That's how Catholic groups came to be known as a Newman group or Newman Center.

On to the business at hand. So, what do we do? First, we celebrate Mass. Each Sunday, at 11am and 6:30pm, a Catholic Mass is celebrated in our cozy chapel. And there is usually a group that goes out to brunch after the morning Mass. If you want to go, just hang out for a few minutes after Mass, and you'll find out what's going on. This sememster, there will also be a Mass on Thursday evenings at 8pm.

You are welcome to help with Mass as well, as a Eucharistic minister or a lector. OUr lectors get together during the week for a bible-study like session to read over the scripture for the week and, if its tricky, to practice proclaiming it. Training is provided for both of these ministries early in the school year. Contact me if you are interested. The only qualification for these ministries is some measure of competence (i.e. reading well in a public setting--I can help with this; I used to teach public speaking) and being a Confirmed Catholic.

What? You're not confirmed? Not a problem. I also guide folks who are not Catholic and wish to be so through the process of conversion (RCIA) along with those who want to be confirmed. These will probably meet on Wednesday this term. Just let me know if you have questions, or want to sign up.

We have a group of nearly 20 students who plan our activities. If you just want to get to know us, or have some ideas for things you'd like to do, just show up on Wednesdays at 7pm for our leadership meeting. It's an open meeting!

Also on Thursday evenings, I get together with anyone who shows up for dinner in the Student union. We meet at 5:30 in the Union Market. There's no program or anything, just friendly conversation. Sometimes its about religion, sometimes about classes, really anything.

I also hear confessions at 7:30 Thursday evenings before Mass on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, otherwise by appointment. (FYI, you are allowed to make appointments up to 30 seconds before the desired time...)

Hopefully, if you're new to us, you received a letter by email introducing us. Stop by sometime and meet us--myself, along with Joan Marquis, our other campus minister. There's usually food around when we're here!

Best of luck to all of you, returning and new students! May God bless all your work here at WSU!

so, Fr. Ed, what have you been up to?

2007-08-21T18:48:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm glad you asked...I spent much of last week at a spiritual home of sorts, St. Meinrad Archabbey. I was trying to eek out some time for my yearly retreat, and thought this time as good as any. I had a good visit, a meeting with a potential new spiritual director (the priest I've had since I've entered seminary moved back to Cincinnati on a new assignment), and generally roasted in the 100+ heat. It's always a good place to recharge my spiritual batteries, a place to really feel God's presence. Folks don't call it the holy hill for nothing.

I left on Thursday for my parent's house, as my mother and I would be heading on Friday out to Harrisburg, PA. My cousin Megan had her first child, so she and her husband Mark invited me out to do the Baptism. I had gone out in November to baptize my cousin James' first. It was wonderful to see little Brandon Tyler, and to see how nearly year-old Emma Marie was doing. Brandon and I will share Godparents--my Aunt Ann and Uncle Jim Flynn are my Godparents, and now they are Brandon's as well; except, they'll be known as Grandma and Grandpa...

So, I'm a bit tired--Harrisburg's an eight hour trip each way, and we left on Friday and returned Sunday! But, the weekend was wonderful--even the weather cooperated. Saturday was sunny with highs in the 70s! In August!!

The school year starts just after Labor day, so as we approach the new year, I'll get to some more substantive posts. I still mean to write something about the Tridentine Rite, along with a little political thought or two...

Where did the summer go?

2007-08-09T11:40:00.001-05:00

While it hardly seems possible, the summer is nearly over. Where did it go? My summer was pretty busy. As soon as Wright State finished, I was off for two weeks of out-of-town meetings. The first was a once-every-five-years Convocation of all the priests of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, which met in Dublin, Ohio. After a wedding and a weekend of Masses, I drove to South Bend for the Frank J. Lewis Institute, a week-long orientation/training for new campus ministers sponsored by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. It was a great experience to be able to dialogue with new and experienced campus ministers as we shared our joys and our concerns! With all of this, I was ready for some vacation, which I got at the end of July. I'm looking forward to some retreat time next week, and then it'll only be a couple of weeks until the freshmen move in!

So, you might be wondering what will be happening around Campus Ministry in the fall quarter. In a word, a lot! Naturally, our main focus is weekly Mass. Our schedule will remain the same: 11AM and 6:30PM. In addition, for the fall quarter, I'm planning on a Mass on Thursday nights at 8PM. On the second and fourth Thursdays, I'll hear confessions at 7:30, immediately before Mass.

Faith formation is something we'll be doing a bit more of: one opportunity will be the "Why Catholic?" program that is hosted by Ascension and St. Helen parishes. We'll be hosting a young adult small group(s) here at WSU. Why Catholic is a faith formation program based on the Catechism and Scripture. We'll look at The ten commandments, the Beatitudes, Prayer, the Profession of Faith, and the Sacrament, and more. Dates and times will be forthcoming.

We also have another mission activity this year. A group is preparing to go to the Glenmary farm the week after Thanksgiving. This will be a one week experience in Vanceburg, KY. There are several spots left on this trip, so if you were looking to get involved in a service project, here's your chance. Of course, there are always opportunities at the St. Vincent Hotel in Dayton, where some of our folks have been helping out for the past several years.

We always have our spaghetti dinner in the fall quarter, and we'll almost certainly end up at Young's Dairy at some point. And if you happen to be at the 11am Mass on Sundays, a group nearly always is heading to Bob Evans afterwards which everyone is welcome to join!

Our leadership team is full of great people, led by Alex Gutman and Tricia Meyers! We'll introduce them at the beginning of the year, and you can always get in touch with them with your ideas or questions! There'll be much more to do than I've listed here, so there should be something for everyone!

I'm really looking forward to this year--I hope you are too!

Back again

2007-07-29T20:34:00.000-05:00

I'm home again after a nice vacation--it was a great rest, and much good food. Now, so much work to catch up with!

I hope you'll take a look at some of the comments that have been made with my last couple of posts, along with my responses. There have been some good questions, and I hope good answers.

A word of welcome to any new Wright State students who might be starting to read my blog! We look forward to having you as part of our community, both online and in person at our Catholic center.

As I get back into the swing of things, I'll get back to the train of thought I was going with in my last few posts. But for now, this is it!

A Busy week, part II

2007-07-12T13:05:00.000-05:00

This is just a short post to comment on the second of the major documents to come out of the Vatican this week.

It's called "Responses to some questions regarding certain aspects of the doctrine on the Church". It was not actually written by the Pope, but rather came from the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), which our Holy Father had charge of under JPII. The current head, or Prefect, of the CDF is an American, Abp. William Levada. Here is a link to the actual document.

I haven't had time to actually read and digest this document yet, but I do hear some of the consternation that has been aroused by how local newspapers and media have categorized it: "Pope says Catholic Church is one true Church!" Well, that's not really completely accurate. You have to understand that the CDF is trying to clarify very nuanced matters of theology, which don't really fit well into our sound-bite oriented media. And, hey, these folks are reporters, not theologians, anyway!

In essence, they are defining a particular word used in one of the major documents out of the second Vatican Council. They are saying that all of the elements that Christ intended to give to the human race for their salvation are found in the Roman Church. However, and this is the part that doesn't get reported well, there are elements of salvation found in other Churches and "ecclesial communities," i.e. Protesants. One can indeed "get to heaven" as a faithful member of these Churches.

I'll be gone on vacation for the next two weeks, so I may well get a chance to read this document, and think a bit more about what else I want to say, if anything, about the Tridentine Mass. Happy Summer all!

The Pope's been busy this week...

2007-07-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

Well, the Holy Father certainly has been busy lately. First, this past Saturday, he issued the long-awaited document on the Tridentine liturgy (Summorum Pontificum); yesterday, the Vatican issued a document entitled “Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church.” This second document has been raising some consternation in ecumenical circles, as many have read it to say that Catholics are asserting ourselves as “the One True Church” over all others. I haven’t had a chance to read that one yet, so for this post, I’ll confine myself to the first document on the Tridentine Mass. Click here for a copy of the document itself in English.

It might be helpful to clarify a few terms. You’ll often hear people use the term “Latin Mass” or the “Tridentine Mass” or even the “traditional Mass.” These terms, unfortunately, aren’t terribly accurate. The document the Pope issued refers to the Mass as it was celebrated prior to the Second Vatican Council (which many of us call simply “Vatican II”—yes, there was a Vatican I, back in the 1870s). It was often referred to as the “Tridentine Mass” because this way of celebrating Mass was codified in 1570 at the conclusion of the Council of Trent. After Vatican II, what is sometimes called the “Mass of Paul VI”, or the “Novus Ordo Mass,” this Tridentine Mass was reformed, and the Mass as we celebrate it now emerged. Mass was no longer said exclusively in Latin, the priest faced the people, and external participation of the people was greatly expanded. In addition, there was a much greater amount of Scripture read at Mass.

So, if people use the terms “Latin Mass,” “Traditional Mass,” or “Tridentine Mass,” they are referring to the way Mass was celebrated prior to Vatican II. However, the Mass as we have it now can be celebrated in Latin, as it can be in any language. The term traditional Mass is also not helpful, as the Mass as we have it now properly belongs to the tradition of the Church. It was not something that was made up at Vatican II. It is a natural progression in how the Church celebrates Mass…the Mass has been growing and evolving since the beginning of the Church. The Mass of Vatican II is just as “traditional” as the Mass as it was before Vatican II.

What has changed now with the Pope’s document is that now any priest can say Mass according to the way it was done prior to Vatican II without permission of the Bishop. Since 1988, it had been possible to say the Tridentine Mass with the permission of the Bishop. Prior to that, I believe, this was not possible. Mass was to be celebrated according to the reforms of Vatican II.

This will present us with some difficulty, I believe. For one thing, there are a great many differences between the two forms of Mass—i.e. the rubrics are very different. Of course, it’s done in a language that not many of us know! To be honest, it would take me a great deal of time to become first comfortable with Latin, and then to learn the rubrics of the Tridentine ritual. Further, our chapel here at WSU is not conducive to this form of Mass. There is no altar fixed to the Eastern facing wall, as is necessary in the old form. The east wall here has the glass door to the yard. In order to have music, the forms that are appropriate to the Tridentine really require an organ, and a choir that knows Latin Gregorian Chant. I could go on…

In my next post, I’ll go a bit further into my concerns, as well as some good things I see in this document.

End of the School year

2007-06-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

Well, we've made it to the end of the school year. Congrats to all of the graduates!

Since graduation last week, I have been in Columbus, Ohio, with the priests of the Cincinnati Archdiocese for a convocation. Every five years, we get together for several days to meet together and discuss pertinent issues for us. This time we had a speaker who led us in learning about how to lead in a time of change. There is certainly a great deal of change in our Church and culture! The presentations were well done; it was nice too to be able to get together with other priests and trade "war stories" and generally support each other in our various ministries.

Next week, I'll be in South Bend at Notre Dame for a campus minister institute. It's designed for campus ministers who are new to this type of ministry (like yours truly) so that we can learn from other campus ministers who have been in this ministry for many years. I'm really looking forward to it, not only because it's on the campus of Notre Dame, but just for the shared wisdom that I'm sure will be there.
I'll try to post from Notre Dame to let you know what we're up to.

An interesting view

2007-06-05T18:30:00.000-05:00

This comes from Santiago de Compostela...I wonder if we could do this in our new chapel???

Interesting...

2007-06-05T14:08:00.000-05:00

Scroll down to the bottom of the page, and you'll see my results for a theology quiz...A friend had it on his blog, and I wanted to see if my Catholicism is better than his!!! (Not likely, however!) There's a link if you want to try it yourself...

New Look

2007-05-30T16:09:00.001-05:00

Thought I would try a new look for the summer...any thoughts?

I'm working on a post that is a bit different than what I've been doing before. In other words,
I've been thinking about the whole state of affairs our country finds itself in. A couple of things have had me wondering...Cindy Sheehan has "resigned" her fight in the anti-war effort, the recent political fight in Congress over spending on the war and deadlines for troops coming home, and my monthly bible study with a few local ministers. Honestly, I'm hesitant to get into this, as I don't want to tick too many folks off; but, at the same time, shouldn't priests be saying something about what we as Catholics should consider with this war?

Anyway, I'm thinking about it. Share your thoughts with me if you like. If you're for the war, tell me why. If you're not, tell me why not...or perhaps you've recently changed your mind. I'd be interested in that as well.

All I ask, if you do share comments, is that it be done in a civil way. This war is a very emotional issue for all of us--I'm just hoping for some innocent dialogue on this most important issue.

Fr. Ed

An Update on Sr. Dorothy Stang

2007-05-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have heard me speak about Sr. Dorothy Stang, or were here for the presentation that her friend Sr. Joan Krimm gave here a couple of months ago, you may be interested to hear about the outcome of the trial of those who killed her and those who arranged for the killing: they've been found guilty.

It really is a tremendous victory for justice. Rarely do those who have been committing these crimes (Sr. Dorothy, sadly, is not the only one who has been killed) receive any measure of justice for their acts.

Read the article in the Catholic Telegraph, our archdiosesan newspaper here.

New Priests Ordained

2007-05-21T12:22:00.000-05:00

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati, of which we are a part, was privileged to ordain three men to the priesthood this past Saturday. Two of those priests (Fr. Rey Taylor & Fr. Ron Haft) will serve in the Dayton area (Fr. Rey at St. Peter in Huber Heights, and Fr. Ron at St Charles in Kettering). Our Archdiocese seems to be doing pretty well with ordinations, despite the vocations crisis we find ourselves in. Unlike a good number of other dioceses, we have never had a year in which we did not have an ordination. However, we still need more.

So, a couple of thoughts on this. First, Fr. Rey's ordination was signficant to the African-American community in the Archdiocese. There is a good story in Sunday's Cincinnati Enquirer about the ordination--a nice picture, too. I've known Rey for a few years, and count him a friend. The Church is blessed to have him as a priest. Check out the story in the Enquirer here.

Second, on the idea of a "vocations crisis": It is often debated on whether or not there is a crisis. There is certainly, to my mind, a crisis in the number of priests we have compared to years gone by and compared to the number of Catholics we have in this country. (Read a summary of a study done in 2000 here.) Many parishes go without a priest, and many parishes that need the services of two or more priests because of their size survive with only one priest. Often, we hear people begging us to "pray for vocations". Its a good thought--but to be more precise we should probably pray for all Christians to be open to the vocation God has chosen for them...as I am convinced God is giving us all the help we need, but I'm sure we aren't listening as well as we should. I can think of many good men who would make excellent priests, but don't consider it, for whatever reason. There are also many women who would make wonderful sisters and nuns, but don't consider it either.

But all of us have a vocation...maybe that's one of the things God is trying to get through to us. Being a parent is a vocation; being a single person is a vocation; these are just as valuable and life-giving as religious vocations.

You'll notice I'm staying clear of the controversies of women and married priests. I just prefer to keep my own opinions off the Internet!!

How can you help? Well, be open to serving God in whatever way God might call you...Pope John Paul liked to remind us "Do not be afraid!" And when your friends and family express interest in religious vocations, encourage them! It's a wonderful life!

Addendum to yesterday

2007-05-15T10:17:00.000-05:00

See, this is the danger when thanking people by name!

Thanks Garret (whose name really isn't Grant!) who reminded me of the contributions that Patty Conrady (from the 'Nati) has made in coordinating Bingo--thanks for your hard work!

Andrea Homan is also graduating. She was the Vice-President for NCSA this year, and was always supporting our programs and doing whatever she could around here...we'll miss you Andrea!

In case you're wondering why a Catholic student organization is named the "Newman" Catholic Student association...John Henry Newman was an Anglican (known as Episcopalians in the US) priest living in the middle the 19th century. He eventually joined the Catholic church, eventually becoming a Cardinal. He was the first to support Catholic student organizations for those Catholics who went to non-Catholic universities. So, ever since, these groups have been known as "Newman" organizations.

Now you can go back to bed since you've learned your one thing for the day.

Also, check out the article in today's (5-15-07) Dayton Daily News on Sr. Dorothy Stang...we had a speaker here recently about Sr. Dorothy's life in Brazil. Sr. Joan Krimm, who spoke here and was a life-long friend, is mentioned in the article.

What's coming up next year??

2007-05-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

I really have to get better at this...somehow, some other very busy people manage to get stuff on their blogs much more often than I. Oh well...that's how it goes.

One of the things that is different is that, by and large, I've stayed away from the more controversial topics that others do comment on. I purposely did not blog on recent events, because I didn't want to be too polarizing. Perhaps in the future I'll tread more deeply into those waters...keep your eyes open! There is a presidential election coming up!

So, here's what I will comment on this time...NCSA (the Newman Catholic Student Association) recently held our discernment evening to plan for our leadership team for the 2007-08 academic year. I was a bit anxious--we're losing some great people this year to graduation, and I wondered who would take their place. I didn't have to worry--there are even more people to fill in their slots.

As the evening progressed, those in attendance (about 25 or so) fell in naturally to those positions they felt called to. As it turned out, Alex Gutman and Tricia Meyer will be our new co-presidents (we do co-presidents every few years, when it seems unnecessary to chose between two qualified individuals), Nicky Zimmerman will be Vice-President, with a primary responsibility to lead next year's retreat; Nicole DeVendra will be our secretary. I'm really looking forward to next year with leadership like this! I should say thanks to folks who are leaving this year: Joshua Keener, our outgoing president (aka "Leonidas") who did a fantastic job for two years; Liz Borchers, our outgoing secretary who was a quiet presence in our meetings, but when something needed to be said, she said it; a great quality indeed. Garret Kremer-Wright, our faithful sacristan; and, oh man, who am I forgetting?? Well, you know who you are, and I do appreciate your service to us!

I've been thinking about some of the things I'd like to see NCSA do next year. One of the new "committees" I planned for was in the area of spirituality. Hopefully, we'll be able to provide more programming about what it means to be Catholic and Christian. What are our basic beliefs, how do we celebrate the Eucharist, scripture study (esp. for our lectors), and so on. So be looking for some activity in this area next year. Leave some comments on what type of things you'd like to see--and when we should have it: after a Sunday Mass, during the week, when???

We'll be doing some fun stuff too, don't worry! I'm also planning on restoring the weekday Mass, and more regular confessions. Several of you have asked for that, and I'll be happy to provide it.

Have a great week!

Tuesday afternoon

2007-05-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

It has once again been quite awhile since I've last blogged, but things get busy around here!

One new thing that has changed...I'm beginning to record my homilies so that I can set up a podcast on the web. So, we'll see how this goes. For now, I have this past weekend's homily up and running. You can find it at this website: http://web.mac.com/edburns1 Hopefully, I'll soon find a way to have it up here on this website--be patient, I'm working on it.

So that's all for now...not much I know! Peace!

Good grief, do I still have a blog??

2007-04-19T14:26:00.000-05:00

Well, it has yet again been a long time since I last wrote. To the two or three of you who read this, sorry about that. Life's been busy lately.

We've had Easter (that was the first time constraint) and we've entered into the 50 period of rejoicing called the Easter season...the joy of Easter couldn't possibly be celebrated adequately for a day or even in a week...so we go for fifty days, up to Pentecost, which this year is May 27th, during Memorial day weekend, as it happens.

Easter here was great...we celebrated the holy days before--Holy Thursday, in which we remember Jesus' example of service in washing his disciples' feet, and know that we are called to that same kind of service for each other. On Good Friday, we began around noon with just a short prayer--from the Liturgy of the Hours. It's a long psalm, a short scripture passage, and the blessing. At 4:15, we celebrated the Liturgy of the Lord's passion, a somber but hopeful (because we know how the story ends) service of reading the Passion according to John, followed by a time to venerate/honor the cross. We had good crowds at all of these services, and I thought they were good times of prayer.

Easter Mass here was very nice. It was a smaller crowd than normal, as many of ours had gone home to celebrate the holiday. But many of our core group was here, and we had a very nice morning.

Now, we're getting ready for our annual retreat, which is this weekend. It's down to the final details...30 are joining us, a good number.

More later...

Holy Week

2007-03-31T13:17:00.000-05:00

Beginning tomorrow, we Christians celebrate the most important week of our calendar. It's the week that we remember the gift of Christ's life, death and resurrection. We'll celebrate here at Campus Ministry:

Palm Sunday 11:00 & 6:30
We'll begin in the drive (weather permitting) for the distribution of palms and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. During Mass, we read the Gospel account of the Passion, according to Luke (which is why this is also called "Passion Sunday".)

Holy/Maundy Thursday 8:00pm
Tonight commemorates Jesus' example of service to his disciples, and the intitution of the Holy Eucharist, and the priesthood.

Good Friday 12:10
We'll have a short celebration of Midday Prayer of Good Friday. Then, the chapel will be open for quiet prayer through the day.
4:15pm--Celebration of the Lord's Passion
A reading of John's account of Jesus' death and burial, followed by the veneration of the cross.

Holy Saturday
A day of quiet here at Campus Ministry, as we keep in mind the Lord's three days in the tomb, in anticipation of the celebration of the Lord's Resurrection. Keep in prayer those who are to be baptized tonight at the Easter Vigil!!

Easter Sunday--11:00 Mass only
A joyous celebration of the Lord's Resurrection!

In the next day or two, I'll post something about what each of these celebrations means. In the meantime, have a good week. While we're still in class, try to spend a few minutes each day in prayer at this holy time!

Again, a long break--and Fr. Ed on the radio

2007-03-27T14:38:00.000-05:00

Again, another long break, but this time it was legitimate--first exam week, and then spring break. I hope all had a restful time off--I know that my few days were well worth it.

The break started with several of our Newman Catholic Student Association (NCSA) members and I heading down to St. Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana for a "mini" retreat. While we were only there a short time, it was nice for me to be back. I'm an oblate there (check the link to find out what that is), and I always feel much more rested and relaxed when I'm there. It's a way for me to reconnect with my spiritual side--all the more important since I'm a priest!

Then, after a day full of meetings, I had a few days just to myself. What a treat it was to sleep in for two whole days! I haven't done that in quite awhile.

If you happen to be free tomorrow, I will be on a radio show that broadcasts over the internet. Check out Radio Maria--I'll be on a show called "Franchina and Friends" (since I happen to be a Friend of Franchina!) from 11:30 to 12:30. I'll be talking about Campus Ministry here at WSU, along with some info about Holy Week, especially the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. Franchina comes to daily Mass at Ascension, where I live, and she's been asking me to come on for months now, so finally I've said yes!

The quarter here is just starting--and I know we'll have a lot going on. Here's one thing to put in your calendar now--after the 6:30 Mass on April 15, we'll have a speaker about Sr. Dorothy Stang, a Dayton Sister who gave her life working for the landless farmers in Brazil. It's a fascinating story (check out this link). Sr. Joan Krimm, SNDdeN, a friend of Dorothy's, will share her thoughts, and show a film done by a British college student who spent two weeks with Dorothy in the rain forest shortly before her murder. Imagine--a martyr from our own city.

I'm still doing Dinner with Fr. Ed on Thurdays, 5:30 in the Union. Join us!

Ok, enough from me!!

Welcome back to the blogosphere, Fr. Ed

2007-03-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

Is the snow gone yet??

Yes, it has been a long time since I last blogged. What can I say? It's the end of a term, and even though I'm not in class, things get busy for me too. But, thankfully, the snow is almost all melted, except for the huge mountains left in our parking lots!

It's been an exciting time around WSU--the Raiders are going to the Dance! It's a very good thing for this university. The team hasn't been to the NCAA tournament since 1993 (back when I was in college), and it gives us something to cheer about--rather difficult in the throes of a Dayton winter. (Reminds me of one of the main reasons I didn't blog--our snow days--3 this month!)

Lent is still going on of course. I think we've all figured out when we're to be fasting and when we simply go without meat. Fridays, of course, are always the time in Lent when I crave a cheeseburger or Skyline Chili. I think the trick is to have one of those on Thursday. That should keep the craving to a minimum. Of course, the point of it is to deny yourself the craving. Hopefully, it reminds us, after we survive the craving, that we really don't need everything that we want. And, it is probably best for us not to have it all. If we think we have it all, then we begin to think we don't need each other and we don't need God. Exactly the kind of attitude we want to change at Lent!

Here's another oft-asked question for Lent: Father, how often do I have to go to confession?

Well, there is no definate answer. The tradition is that you need to go at least once a year, if you are aware of committing a major/mortal sin. The preferred time is during the Lent/Easter season. Ok, so you haven't murdered or committed adultery, so you're off the hook? No. Still, you ought to go once a year at a very minimum. To me, the best practice would be to go about three times a year: once during the Advent season, once during the Lenten season, and once during the late summer. This way, you get to go to the parish services in Advent and Lent (a good excercise in remember that sin affects you, God, and somebody else.) Late summer then is a nice even break between Lent and the following Advent.

If you're really good, once a month is a good practice too. More often then that, however, usually is getting a bit too scrupulous. If you want to go more often--once a week, say--ask yourself what your motive is.

Ok, it's late afternoon, exam cram is tonight; I need a bit of coffee.

If you're reading this on the day I post--don't forget exam cram. 9 to midnite today and tomorrow.

Best of luck on exams!

Ash Wednesday/Fasting and abstaining

2007-02-19T11:43:00.000-05:00

Since many have been asking, here's the info on Ash Wednesday...

Mass

12:10pm Student Union, Room E163

7:00pm Campus Ministry (Fr. Tedesco)

We'll also start up our weekday Mass again for Lent, and as soon as I figure out when, I'll post again.

Fasting and Abstaining during Lent
I get calls and emails every year asking about what the Church requires during Lent. The most important thing to remember that anything we do ought to be done as a means of trying to make ourselves better--better Christians, better followers of Christ.

As a basic minimum, we are encouraged to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and each Friday of Lent. So, what do we mean by meat--well, red meat, obviously, but chicken and pork are considered meat for this purpose as well. Fish is a good, traditional alternative--my personal favorite is tomato soup and grilled cheese, but that's just me.

Why do this? We live in a culture that always tells us that we should get anything we want. But that only leads to a rather shallow and selfish existence--exactly what Lent ought to rid us of. So we give up things we like to remind us that we don't need everything. It also might remind us of those who go without what they want and need every day.

Fasting is something that we do on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On these three days, we limit ourselves to one full meal. What we eat at the other two meal times shouldn't add up to another full meal. Of course, no snacking! This is a rather easy mode of fasting--Muslims who fast during Ramadan don't eat anything all day. Our Orthodox brothers and sisters fast much the same way. You don't have to fast on all the Fridays of Lent.

Lent is meant to be a time of shedding all the stuff in life that we don't need, stuff that gets in between us and God. Fasting and abstaining are meant to be tools in this struggle. Lent is also a time to devote more energy to prayer and to give alms/money to the poor.

Any questions? Leave a comment!

Be merciful just as God is merciful

2007-02-17T15:16:00.000-05:00

This week's Gospel reading really has thrown me for a loop. It's radical--a call to all of humanity...how will you respond? Following are my homily notes for Sunday...more or less what I'll say at Mass. It's kind of a stream of consciousness, but here goes:

We might be tempted to call it idealistic,
a pie-in-the-sky notion
utterly unrealistic
even impossible.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Ok, I can do that, we may think...
I can make a few changes in my life.
Nothing too hard.

But it is simply too easy to simply dismiss these words of Jesus as comforting platitudes, nothing more, and move on, unchanged.

But Jesus calls us to do more, just as he did more.
what if Jesus had simply treated us as we have treated him? (a scary thought)

Instead, he calls us to turn the world upside down.
Love our enemies (yes, LOVE your ENEMIES)--do good to those who mistreat us.

He was speaking to the poor, those who were dispossessed, those without freedom.
He called them not just to let people get walked all over,
but to change the world.
If one of their masters had hit them on one cheek, and they turned and offered the other,
that forces the agressor to hit them backhanded, bringing dishonor upon the agressor--and rendering them harmless. It changes the system, bit by bit.
Eventually, the status quo of war and exploitation, the rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer begins to melt away.

Again, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES...
bless those who persecute you
pray for those who mistreat you
give to all who ask of you, and don't expect anything in return.

What would this world look like if we really did this?
Maybe an end to war...an end to poverty...and end to exploitation...real prosperity that will last beyond this life...

David seemed to know this lesson...God had been merciful to him (and would be again in very gbig ways...David's life reads like a soap opera sometimes, with the same level of (im)morality...
He could have killed Saul, his enemy--the spear was there...Saul was unaware...but David relented, and showed the same mercy that Saul had denied him...we remember the great King David, but not King Saul.

It seems impossible. We don't even know if we want to do it. What if people think we're freaks? What if we're afraid of BEING freaks? Wednesday we'll begin Lent, a time of conversion and renewal. It reminds us that this process takes time, it can't be done in a day, but is a life-long project.

It's not idealistic; its not an impossible dream.

If Jesus can bring life out of death, we can be transformed by God's grace.

Let it be, and let it be among us...soon.

Another week, another snow storm

2007-02-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't written again in a week, and again it's because of a snowstorm. This one was worse than the first...I was stuck, literally, at home for the past two days. My driveway is a steep incline, and it was encased in ice. Not fun to dig out. I'm glad I hired someone to plow the Campus Ministry drive yesterday.

I came in this morning to find the water pipes frozen. Luckily, I managed to get them cleared out--we'll just have to keep them running a bit to keep them from re-freezing. It hit 5 below last night here in Dayton...and the building, which has little insulation, is surrounded by a foot of snow. That'd be enough to freeze our pipes!

Wright State was closed for two days as well. I wonder how that will affect everyone's classes--the term is getting close to ending (what, 3 weeks or so?).

One good thing I can say about winter, is that it does tend to bring out the best in people. I've seen several acts of kindness over the past two days--folks digging their friends out, giving a push when cars were stuck, a ride home in a four wheel drive (the only way to get around Kettering Tuesday and Wednesday!!), and on and on. See, God can work in simple and ordinary circumstances!

Our evening Mass last Sunday was one for the record books!! I think we had over 90 people in our little chapel!!! I'll post some pictures when I get new batteries for my camera! We had part of the youth group from St. Albert the Great in Kettering here to visit, and some folks who are in their RCIA program also came for a visit. Kathy Sales, a pastoral associate at St. Albert, is a friend of mine from my seminary days, and she arranged the visit.

Speaking of seminary days, someone left a comment on my last post anonymously, except to give me the letters "HD". Ok, I've racked my brain--show thyself!!!

Snow!!

2007-02-07T10:54:00.000-05:00

For those of you who like the snow (Garret, this means you), yesterday was your day...naturally, it was a day that I had to travel. I left Dayton for my parent's home in Fairfield (north of Cincy) early in the afternoon so that I could leave from there to conduct a funeral for a friend's father. We left an hour early to get to the 7Pm service, but it took us nearly 90 minutes--normally a 25 minute drive. Cincy got nearly 6"; I haven't seen Dayton yet. I stayed in Fairfield last night.

I still want to move to Phoenix. There, a cold snap means 45 degrees. I like that!!!

What is the Church?

2007-02-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

It may seem like an odd question to ask, but if someone were to ask you the definition of Church, how would you answer them? Is it an institution, a community, a building?

Whatever it is, many people these days seem angry with it. They say things like, "How could the Church allow the abuse scandal to happen?" It's a valid question, but who are what are they defining the Church as? It seems that for many, "the Church" equals "the bishops."

Well, when it comes down to it, the Church is pretty hard to define. It is many things, all at the same time. Avery Dulles, a Jesuit priest who was named a Cardinal by John Paul II a few years ago, identified five definitions that we could use to describe the Church. These "models" of the church have since become the hallmark description of the Church. Here they are in summary.

First, the Church as "political society." This was the dominant view of the Church for centuries.

Essentially, it saw the Church as an institution. It was a helpful model during the upheaval of the Protestant Reformation; you were in, or you were out. Being in meant that you were in union with the Pope in Rome and the Bishop of your diocese. You subscribed to the Church's teachings, and received the sacraments. Unfortunately, this led to a thinking that all you had to do was show up. It was the bishops and priests who did the work of being Church. This wasn't intentional, but what crept in.

The second model sees the Church as the "Body of Christ." It developed in the early 1900's and gradually came to be widely accepted. In essence, it sees the Church as all the baptized members who are thus joined to Christ by virtue of their baptism. It's a more democratic model, especially in relation to the Church as society model. It may help us see that we are united with others who also believe in Christ.

The third model is termed the "sacramental model." In other words, the Church is a sacrament of Christ. A sacrament, remember, is a sign and an instrument. The Church then is a sign that Christ is present in the world, a symbol of God's love for humanity. A sacrament is also a participation in reality--we become part of what we symbolize. We go beyond just a symbol, but we become what we symbolize. We are the Church.

The fourth model is that of "pilgrim people of God." We see ourselves as a People whom God has gathered together, so that we might journey to God not by ourselves, but together. It is reminiscent of the People of God we see in the Old testament, the Israelites. This model highlightes the fact that we are in the process of becoming...we know what we would like ourselves to be, and are trying to work with God's grace to become that person.

Finally, we might think of the Church as servant. Called to emulate the example of Christ washing the feet of his disciples, we are committed to helping those who are poor in some way, those who need healing, support, friendship. We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus, and share the gifts God has given to us.

Summing it all up, there is truth in all of these models. The Church is an instution. But it is also a sacrament, a People, a Servant, the Body of Christ. It is all these things, and more. But all of us are part of it, all of us called to share our time and our talent to make the Church better. In everything, though, we depend on God to give us his presence to make all things possible.

Random thoughts

2007-01-29T22:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't come up with any great musings to write about, so tonight's post is going to be pretty random. The news is on at the moment, and they're going on about the cold weather we've got here in Dayton. Channel 7 led with a story about the St. Vincent Hotel, run by the Society of St.Vincent de Paul. We've volunteered there before. Keep those folks who, for whatever reason, are homeless, and are hoping to find some shelter for the night in your thoughts and prayers.

Kevin Miklavcic updated the Campus Ministry website. Check it out. It now features my picture under the staff link. Looking at it reminded me of the summer. I was warm for a second or two.

I'm on facebook now too. Just don't trust the part that says where I am. I don't monitor this nearly as much as others do. Besides, do you really want to know where I am at every moment of the day? If you do, we need to talk about developing some new hobbies!

A busy week

2007-01-28T23:33:00.000-05:00

I hadn't realized how long it had been since I'd lost posted to the blog...until I was reminded this morning at Mass (thanks Cassie). The week went way too fast. I was away on Wednesday and Thursday for a "new clergy gathering." Twice a year, priests who've been ordained under 4 years gather together for discussion and support, not to mention a good meal together. And that's where I've been.

I promise I will soon get a decent post up here; probably tomorrow. I have a couple of ideas, so we'll see what happens. Maybe I'll go for coffee tomorrow (a day off--well, most of the day) and do the real 21-st century thing--I'll blog wirelessly from Starbucks.

If you're reading this, post a comment or two about what type of topics I ought to write about...that's the whole purpose of this blog...let's get a discussion going!

Colts to the Super Bowl!!

2007-01-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to note that the Colts made it to the Super Bowl; yes, I'm a Colts fan...it's a long story...perhaps I'll share it if you join us for our Super Bowl party on the 4th...

Week of prayer for Christian Unity

2007-01-22T16:21:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I have always found important is ecumenism--that is, the many Christian Churches and communities working together to overcome our differences so that we might be reunited someday. Each year between January 18th and 25th, many communites observe what is called the "week of prayer for Christian unity." Jesus himself prayed that all of his disciples would be united...see John 17:21-23.

For many generations, Catholics thought that it was wrong to go to a Protestant church, even a sin. While we certainly don't teach that anymore, the attitude seems to stay with us. This week, take some time to think about what you know of other churches. Do you know what they believe, or how they worship? What does it mean to be a Lutheran, or Episcopalian, or Orthdox? Check out their websites, maybe even visit one on a Sunday morning (then come to Mass here in the evening!). You will certainly be welcome there! Let me know if you try this, and consider posting your comments on this blog!

Happenings at Catholic Campus Ministry

2007-01-11T15:23:00.000-05:00

Our leadership team met this week, and they've got some great plans going for the quarter! Come check them out...new faces are always welcome, and we'd love to see you old faces too!

Special Events...

Ice-cream social winter style--with hot chocolate, brownies, hot fudge etc. will be on Monday evening Jan. 22 from 8-10pm

Super Bowl Party!!! February 4th at 6pm...Mass that night will be at 5pm instead of the normal 6:30...

Looking ahead, our Spring Retreat will be April 20-22 at the Spiritual Center in Maria Stein, OH. Mark your calendars now!!!

weekly events...

Sunday Mass, 11am and 6:30pm

Weekday Mass, Thursday at 6:30pm (suspended for the moment... only a few people came! so, if you want a weekday Mass, leave a comment as to when and what time would be good for you!)

Dinner with Fr. Ed...Thursday at 5:30pm in the Student Union (beginning on Jan 18th)

Leadership meeting, Monday at 6:30...anyone who's interested is welcome!

I hope to see you at any or all of these events!!

2007-01-09T17:45:00.000-05:00

Wow...I just got back from a conference in San Diego, and it sure is cold here in Ohio! I want to go back! I did miss things here at WSU, so, despite the weather, I'm glad to be home!

I wanted to continue on my last thought about spirituality. I was beginning to ramble on about Benedicitine spirituality, since it is probably one I know better than others. I could give you a rather lengthy thesis on it, but that might be bit much. Let me just hit on a couple of themes, and then direct you to other resources if you want to go further.

I like Benedict's attitude about listening. The first word of his Rule is "Listen". We don't do much of that in our culture. There is simply too much noise. Sure, we listen to our iPod's and TV and cell phones; we listen--sometimes--in class or at church, but do we really listen? Think about it the next time you have a conversation with someone. Are you really listening to what they're saying...or are you busy thinking up your response?

True listening means quieting ourselves so that we are fully present and attentive to the one who is speaking. If we're busy multi-tasking, we're not really listening. We may be hearing, but not truly listening. Listening is vital to true prayer. If we are to hear what God means to say to us, however God might accomplish that task (God seems not to have email for some reason), we have to be silent and attentive. So turn off the iPod, the tv and the computer for a few minutes, and simply allow yourself to concentrate on God's presence. Yeah, right there in your apartment...God is everywhere. Be in God's presence. See, you've prayed! Yep, and you didn't say a thing!

Benedict is also balanced. In his Rule, he states that he isn't intending to put forward anything that is too harsh or overly burdensome. In other words, work hard, but don't overdo it. Benedict didn't care for the lazy, but he also wouldn't be pleased with a workaholic either. So should it be when it comes to our spiritual life. Do your best. When you stumble, seek forgiveness and reconciliation, then move on. When you do something good, acknowledge it, thank God who gave you the talent in the first place, and move on.

Benedict lays out the times when his monks were to get together for community prayer--the central idea of his Rule. I always am amused when I get to the part about allowing the monks to "take care of nature's needs." He calls them to a good deal of prayer, but make sure they have time for a restroom break!

More seriously, it's good to have scheduled times for prayer, and throughout the day. Say a prayer as you get up. Think of God during the day. Pray again before you go to bed. Nothing fancy necessary, just lifting up your thoughts and hopes to God...and listening, too.

Well, that was a lot. But here are some further sites for more indepth info.

www.osb.org lots of good info on the Benedictines.

www.saintmeinrad.edu a Benedictine monastery in Indiana. A few of us here at CCM have visited

www.christdesert.org/noframes/scholar/monastic_spirituality.html

a page on monastic spirituality...the home page has links to other info too, including a history of Benedictines...

A New Year, a New Quarter

2007-01-02T14:51:00.000-05:00

Life is ramping back up here at Wright State...classes for the winter quarter begain again today, after a long break. For those who might read this from somewhere other than Wright State, we've been out of class since November 18th! I'm glad everyone's back though!

To start things off, I thought I might offer a post about spirituality. It seems to be a hot topic of conversation these days. Look at all the new types of churches that are sprouting up these days: places like the Vineyard, Crossroads, the "mega-churches." You can go to church in your jeans and t-shirt, even drinking coffee during the service (a couple of 20-somethings did just that in my parish's midnight Mass this year...it's not a normal sight in a Catholic Church!). Some complain that the Catholic Church really doesn't have anything to offer in this regard.

I beg to differ. While at times it may seem a disadvantage to have a Church with over 2,000 years of tradition to contend with, I think it a great advantage to us! We have the benefit of the experience of people trying to live the Christian message all through the centuries to learn from.

One of my personal favorite parts of Christian spirituality comes from St. Benedict, who lived c.480-547. It may seem odd to make an argument about the value of Catholicism in the 21st century by bringing up a guy from the 5th century. But the truly wonderful thing about it is that Benedict's spirituality still says something to us despite living so long ago.

Many folks still find the spirituality that Benedict set out in his Rule, or way of life, a good way to regulate their own life. And most of these folks don't live in monasteries--in fact, most of them don't. In a future post (coming soon) I'll explain what I mean.

2006-12-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

So this is blogging! I've been thinking that this might be something interesting, and I decided to start with what I do the most--campus Ministry at Wright State University.

This blog is for you--students at WSU, Catholic students in particular (though anyone is welcome), and students anywhere. And what are we posting about? Well, I know theology best; I'm hoping people have questions or comments about Catholic theology, or Catholic life and belief in general. I'll probably rant from time to time, but I'll try not to do that too often.

Here we go!