We Are Better Than That

On this eve of the annual March for Life I am sitting in my hotel room gazing upon my oldest child as he sleeps peacefully after a day of walking among the monuments and museums of Washington D.C. As I watch his precious face I am struck by the enormity of the statement that tens of thousands of pro-life citizens will make by their presence in our nation's capital tomorrow.

The message, in it's simplest form, is that we are better than that...we are capable of making decisions which protect the dignity of human life throughout the age spectrum. Abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, child abuse, and any other attack against life always exemplifies the lowest common denominator of human behavior not some lofty, idealistic principals (see some recent statements from prominent pro-abortion politicians for this disordered, nonsensical dribble).

As rational beings, we are able to seek and know truth, beauty, and goodness. Attacks against the most innocent among us are never based on such standards. Buzz words like freedom, privacy, and choice are used cleverly to mask the destruction such callous acts typically bring upon the victims. Show me the unborn baby, mother or father who believe they are free - truly free - (physically, emotionally, psychologically or spiritually) following the choice to have an abortion. We are better than that disordered decision and such victims, and yes, they are all victims, intuitively know this reality.

The Venerable (and soon to be Blessed) John Paul II reminded all of humanity throughout his papacy that, "We are all obligated to care for man." Caring for another person is not allowing them to settle for the worst of what humanity is capable of doing. Rather, caring for our fellow brothers and sisters is challenging them to know what is true, good and beautiful and to live life abundantly as children of God. As Christ exhorted, "The truth shall set you free."

As I wait to join the thousands who desire to care for their fellow humans in such a way, I will continue to gaze upon my child and remember what we, who are created in the image and likeness of God, are truly capable of in our lives.

Michael Lavigne

Magnanimity

If the word  magnanimity isn’t already a part of your regular vocabulary, consider adding it today. The Latin roots of the word “magn” and “anima” are translates as “great soul.” Other uses of the word include ‘the virtue of greatness’ and ‘striving for excellence.’ I remember a talk given by Fr. Peter Laird, the Vicar General for the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, that focused on magnanimity. Fr. Laird presented the life of Holiness as a life striving for excellence in all things. God created each of us in a specific way, with individual talents and potentials, and we can cooperate with God’s Grace to achieve excellence in all areas of our life. Excellent spirituality, excellent discipline, to be physically and mentally excellent, and to live our vocation excellently!

God created us either male or female, and so too we must strive, with God’s guidance and Grace, to be excellent men and women. John Paul II’s great theological gift called the “Theology of the Body” examines the things that are essential to our masculinity and femininity and how the genders should relate to one another in holiness.

I am so excited that the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation will be offering men’s and women’s retreats to both Youth and Young Adults this year so that many Catholics in Maine can discover the truth and beauty of who they are as a son or daughter of God.  I have the privilege of working on the men’s retreats which are titled ‘Fully Alive.’ Our Catholic Faith is full of examples of authentic manliness lived out in a life of holiness. Just take a look at the lives of the saints and you will find men who strived to imitate Christ and serve His Church. 

I find it interesting then, that in our contemporary times, living an authentic Catholic life of virtue and prayer isn’t seen as a manly thing to do! Perhaps it is because modern men feel like a generation of men raised by women. The reality is that for a lot of guys, male role models are not present in everyday life. Could it be that when men get involved in their local Catholic Parish, they don’t find a spirituality relevant to their masculinity or a faith that challenges them as men?

What I think we need is a sort of renaissance. Men who imitate Christ, men who live sacrificial lives of service as priests, husbands, and fathers. Men who strive to be the most excellent man they can be and in doing so fulfill God’s plan for them as His son’s. 

 Joe Mailhot

Operation Epiphany

Today, January 6, 2011, marks the official Feast of the Epiphany, which we (the Catholic Church in America along with several other countries) have come to celebrate on the second Sunday following Christmas. The 12 days of Christmas end on January 6th regardless. And to make things more complicated, liturgically, we are in the Christmas season until the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, which this year falls on Sunday, January 9th.

So, as we begin the seemingly confusing transition back into “Ordinary Time” – as we take down our Christmas trees, pack up the decorations and retire our poinsettias – the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation wants to remind you that there is nothing ordinary about Ordinary Time. This is especially true thanks to today’s launch of Operation Epiphany; we have officially opened up registration for a plethora of wonderfully Catholic opportunities in the coming months and YOU are invited.

I leave you with this quote from J.R.R. Tolkien, "The only cure for sagging of fainting faith is Communion. Though always Itself, perfect and complete and inviolate, the Blessed Sacrament does not operate completely and once for all in any of us. Like the act of Faith it must be continuous and grow by exercise…Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament... There you will find romance, glory, honour, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves on earth." Open your hearts in 2011 to an encounter with Love!

January

Hands Around the Capital Youth Rally – Open to youth groups and families – January 15, 2011. Join us and hundreds of other people of faith as we support a culture of life in our state’s capital. There will be mass at 10am with Bishop Malone at St. Michael’s in Augusta followed by an adult rally and a walk/demonstration over at the state building. Afterwards, enjoy a bite to eat in St. Michael’s gym followed by a Keynote, a presentation by the Catholic Youth Leadership Team, a skit by the Catholic Youth Leadership Team and ending with a Praise & Worship concert. The cost is $10 (to cover the cost of food). Please register your group/family ahead of time so that we know how much food to order.

February

Capture My Heart – A Retreat for Young Adult Women – February 11-13, 2011: Theme- “I am my Beloved’s & His desire is for me” – Song of Songs 7:10. Ladies, join us for a weekend-long get-away to help women fall more in love with Jesus Christ, their Beloved. This retreat approaches womanhood in a completely positive light; it is designed to be a celebration of who we are as women, to build women up by affirming their femininity. The focus is on the truth of who God has created us to be. More information and registration information is available at cyamme.org.

Fully Alive – A Retreat for Young Adult Men – February 25-27, 2011: Theme- “The glory of God is man fully alive” - St. Irenaeus. Gentleman, join us for a weekend of brotherhood and retreat from the daily duties of life to help men refocus on their relationship with Christ. This retreat is designed to call men forth to be self-sacrificing after the model of Christ and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It will focus on authentic manhood and elements intrinsic to the nature of men. More information and registration is available at cyamme.org.

March

New Evangelization Weekend (N.E.W.) – A Retreat Weekend Open to Adults – March 4-6, 2011: "I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church's energies to a new evangelization. No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples." -Redemptoris Missio 3. Join us for a weekend-long retreat opportunity for any adult age 18 or above looking for an opportunity to grow in their faith and have a weekend away to focus on their relationship with Christ. The focus is two-fold: Discipleship & Evangelization. The retreat is designed to deepen your own relationship with Christ (discipleship) and assist you in sharing that with others (evangelization). In addition to dynamic talks centered on these two themes, the weekend will consist of opportunities for prayer and the sacraments, small group sharing and times of fellowship. More information and registration is available at camome.org.

April

Catholic Youth Convention – A Retreat for Teens in Grades 8-12 – April 29-May 1, 2011: Theme – Extreme Makeover Soul Edition: Renovated, Rooted, Redeemed. “As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col 2:7). More information and registration is available at cymme.org.

May

Capture My Heart – A Retreat for Teen Women – May 20-22, 2011: Theme- “I am my Beloved’s & His desire is for me” – Song of Songs 7:10. Ladies, join us for a weekend-long get-away to help women fall more in love with Jesus Christ, their Beloved. This retreat approaches womanhood in a completely positive light; it is designed to be a celebration of who we are as women, to build women up by affirming their femininity. The focus is on the truth of who God has created us to be. More information and registration information is available at cymme.org.

Fully Alive – A Retreat for Teen Men – May 13-15, 2011: Theme- “The glory of God is man fully alive” - St. Irenaeus. Gentleman, join us for a weekend of brotherhood and retreat from the daily duties of life to help men refocus on their relationship with Christ. This retreat is designed to call young men forth to be self-sacrificing after the model of Christ and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It will focus on authentic manhood and elements intrinsic to the nature of men. More information and registration is available at cymme.org.

July

New Evangelization Week (N.E.W.) – A Retreat Weekend Open to Teens – July 10-14, 2011: Join us for a 5-day retreat opportunity for students who will be in grades 9-12 in the fall. The focus is two-fold: Discipleship & Evangelization. The week is designed to deepen your own relationship with Christ (discipleship) and assist you in sharing that with others (evangelization). In addition to dynamic talks centered on these two themes, the event will consist of opportunities for prayer and the sacraments, small group sharing and times of fellowship. More information and registration is available at cymme.org.

Shaina Tanguay-Colucci

Seeking Peace

In Alexandria, Egypt the New Year began with a suicide bombing against Christians leaving Mass with 21 being killed and almost 100 injured.  This on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the same Mother who implores all people to seek out her Son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.  Pope Benedict XVI in his Message for this World Day of Peace reminds us of the sad reality that Christians are the most persecuted people on the planet:  

At present, Christians are the religious group which suffers most from persecution on account of its faith. Many Christians experience daily affronts and often live in fear because of their pursuit of truth, their faith in Jesus Christ and their heartfelt plea for respect for religious freedom. This situation is unacceptable, since it represents an insult to God and to human dignity; furthermore, it is a threat to security and peace, and an obstacle to the achievement of authentic and integral human development.

As I reflect on such a story in light of the beginning of 2011 I find myself pausing to think about peace in my own life: in my home, in my relationships, in my workplace.  It is my fervent prayer that as this new year begins that I humble myself in seeking out God's grace to assist me in being an instrument of His peace in my life.  It is my prayer that we will all embrace such a cause, which is the cause of all who are baptized and people of good-will everywhere.

Continued best wishes during this Christmas season and for a blessed 2011!

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.


Michael