SOCIAL JUSTICE

June 6, 2010

Though I am retired, migrant ministry is important to me.  The farm workers provide us with services for wholesome economic food.  They are families struggling financially and do back breaking work in the sun.  They are welcoming to us as we should be welcoming to them.  The majority are Catholics who need us to help them stay tied to their faith.  Please consider helping to minister to them for during the next few months. 

This year we are joining with other churches from the BG Ministerial Association (BGMA) to do outreach to the migrant camps in the area.  Vineyard Church is heading up the operation and they will house food and clothing collections.  Starting on June 12 and ending August 21, the plan is to visit the camps two Saturdays each month and bring clothing and food items, offer children activities/book readings, grill some food to share a meal with them and end with a brief message (in Spanish) along with some live Spanish worship music. 

You do not need to be bilingual to help.  The dates are June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21.  We will meet at Vineyard church at 10:30 am to say a quick prayer, divide up into teams, load the cars with donations/ food items, and head out.  We plan to return by 12:30 PM.  Items that are needed:
        CLOTHING:
              Long sleeve shirts &  T shirts - Adult men & women                                                          
              Jeans - Adult men & women
              Socks - Adult men & women
              Work shoes & tennis shoes - Adult men & women
              Infant & Children Clothing (all sizes) 
        HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:
               Pots and pans
               Fans, sheets
               pillows, blankets
        BOOKS:  Any kind of children books or activities are needed.  Books with bible stories will help spread the word of God.  We are also working in cooperation with Wood County Library who have received a grant for this ministry from the Dollar General Stores.  Please support this store.

Contact person is Annette Obregon, (annetteobregon@hotmail.com) at Vineyard Church, 1180 N. Main St., BG   or 419-494-4617.  Pastor Gary Bair at 419-575-1949.  Pick-up is available.   

St. Aloysius Church will offer sacraments to the migrants.  If you would like to help with this process please contact Barb Whitman

Apr  11, 2010

ST. LOUIS HELPING HANDS: Thanks to all who helped prepare, cook and serve turkey in March. We made Turkey ala King for 200 along with mashed potatoes, green beans, jello, dessert, and  fruit.  The servers carry back the many blessings and thanks we receive from the patrons at the kitchen.  Our next turn is April 28, the 4th Wednesday of the month.  We have more turkeys in the freezer by the gym.  They need to be cooked and then diced and returned to the freezer by April 25th. 

Jan 24, 2010

Today we commemorate the unborn, the most innocent and helpless of our brothers and sisters.  Dioceses across the United States have set a day aside as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life.
We ask you to listen to what God is asking you.  Are you valuing all life? God challenges us not to just pick and choose who we think are valuable but to value all life from the moment of conception to when we naturally breathe our last breath.

This weekend, the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, many persons have traveled to Washington D.C. to show our Representatives and Senators that they value life.  It is our moral obligation that we remember and try to stop abortions.  Some will march, others can spend time in prayer and penance to change the situation, but we are all called to DO SOMETHING!  

We, as a parish, will observe the 37th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade by tolling the bells after Communion this Sunday and the 37 flowers around the statue of the Blessed Virgin will honor those babies who have been aborted since the legalization of abortions.

Jan 17, 2010

This coming week we will observe the Octave of Christian Unity.  Before I was asked to write this article, I thought this was just another special prayer day until I did some research.  I was surprised that the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began in 1908 as the Octave of Christian Unity, and focused on prayer for church unity. It was proposed by two American Episcopalians, Father Paul James Wattson and Sister Lurana White, co-founders of the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement, who were totally committed to the reunion of the Anglican Communion with the Roman Catholic Church. As such, they started a prayer movement that explicitly prayed for the return of non-Catholic Christians to the Holy See. Needless to say, such an observance would attract few of our separated brothers and sisters except for a small number of Anglo-Catholics and Roman Catholics themselves. They conceived of the week beginning on the Feast of the Confession of Peter, the Protestant variant of the ancient Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, on January 18, and concluding with the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul on January 25.  When Fr. Paul and Sr. Lurana became Roman Catholics, Pope Pius X gave his blessing to the Church Unity Octave and in 1916, Pope Benedict XV extended its observance to the universal church.
   
So then I thought, is this something we just pray for and then forget about the rest of the year or has there been some steps forward?  On the worldwide church level there has been more dialogue between heads of churches, on the diocesan level, former Bishop Hoffman and Northwest Ohio Lutheran Synod Bishop Marcus Lohrman signed an agreement to pray and work towards unity.  But what about the people in the pews, are we doing anything? 
   
I awoke during the night thinking about this article and how to answer the question. I slowly was able to form an answer and it is YES.  We have parishioners who attend a book club and are able to help out at the Deacon shop at the
Presbyterian church.  The BG Ministerial Association held a Community Thanksgiving Prayer at Plain Congregational Church the evening before the holiday which many parishioners came.  We serve many persons through the works of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louis Helping Hands Kitchen, with no regard of religious backgrounds.  For years we have been part of a coalition of churches to serve Martha’s Kitchen at First United Methodist Church. We now are a part of Wood County Area Ministries to provide assistance to those who are unable to get public/governmental assistances. Our choirs have been known to join together to not only provide entertainment but worship together.  All these things and much more is our personal way to break down walls or even fears of other faiths.  Whether we know it or not it is a grass root method to understand our brothers and sisters in Christ. 
   
There is a long road ahead for heads of churches to unify but here in Bowling Green, we have unity and good company on our journey of faith. The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins tomorrow and will conclude Monday, January 25. Let us join other Christian churches in our area as we remember the 2010 theme "You Are Witnesses of These Things" (Luke 24:48). As a heads up, May is the National Day of Prayer watch future bulletins to see how you can
participate.

Let’s take a step and be a witness!

Dec 13, 2009

A thank  you to all who cooked hamburger and baked desserts.  We made beef stroganoff over noodles with fresh green beans. We served approximately 230 meals to needy families and individuals. Our next turn will be December 23rd, the fourth Wednesday of the month.  This month we need volunteers to help cook turkeys.  The frozen meat is in the bottom of the freezer off the gym.  They need to be returned by December 21st.  If you would like to serve we leave at 8:15 AM and return at 1:30 PM.  If you like to donate fresh fruits or dessert they can be dropped off Tuesday afternoon or early Wednesday morning.  Contact Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195 if you’d like to help!
    I would also like to thank the volunteers who helped last month: Deb, Marie & Dick Feehan, Jean Geist, Sue Leffel, Mary K Williams, Deacon Gary Thrun, John & Mary Aman, Elmer Spreitzer, Mary Ellen Monaco and her father, Bob, and Phyllis Simpkins.

Nov 8, 2009

A thank  you to all who cooked and shredded chicken and made desserts last month.  We served 279 meals to needy families and individuals.  Thanks to each of you.
Our next turn will be November 25th, the fourth Wednesday of the month. This month we need volunteers to help brown hamburger.  The frozen meat is in the bottom of the freezer off the gym.  Please return the cooked meat to the freezer by November 22nd.
To help, contact Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195.  If you would like to serve, we leave at 8:15AM and return at 1:30 PM.  If you like to donate fresh fruits or dessert, they can be dropped off Tuesday afternoon or early Wednesday morning.

Oct 11, 2009

ST. LOUIS SOUP KITCHEN: Last month we served 300 meals to some very needy families and individuals. Thank you to all who cooked and shredded chickens, baked desserts and served. Our next turn is Wednesday, October 28, the fourth Wednesday of the month. We have several smaller blocks of frozen chicken and turkey that need to be cooked and shredded. If you would like to serve on October 28th and need a ride, contact Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195. We leave St. Tom’s at 8:15 a.m. and carpool from there. Donations of fresh foods and desserts are greatly appreciated. These donations can be placed in the St. Al’s gym kitchen on Tuesday after 3:30 pm. Again, thanks for all the help.

Oct 4, 2009

RESPECT FOR LIFE: Today life is being attacked from every angle:

  • abortion robs children of their fundamental right to life;
  • embryonic stem cell research destroys living human beings for speculative medical research;
  • legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia arise out of the false view that some lives are not worth living;
  •  the death penalty kills those who kill.

Sometimes the temptations not to follow the Church’s teaching regarding the various stages and conditions of life are compelling – and clearly supported by secular society.

Because of the many aspects of respect for life, we have provided pamphlets on these topics from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at the side entrance of church.  We hope you take them, read them and pray about them.

On Wednesday, October 14 we have committed St. Aloysius to a Day of Prayer for the Forty Days of Life at the Center for Choice Abortion Center at 328 22nd Street in Toledo.  We will keep a prayerful presence there from 8 am to 8 pm each day during the campaign.  I ask you to take the time to witness for life.  We are having sign up after each Mass this week-end and on the 10th & 11th. Please stop over and sign up for an hour of prayer or contact Barb Whitman to register at 419-352-4195 or
socialjustice@stalbg.org.

As we ask for prayers for the unborn, we also ask for prayers for those who will be executed this month.  All have to be included in respecting life.
  October 5            Virginia               Larry Bird Elliott (stay)
  October 8            Alabama             Max Payne
  October 9            Ohio                   Lawrence Reynolds  Jr.
  October 22          Pennsylvania       Christopher Kennedy              
  October 27          Texas                 Reginald Blanton

September 13, 2009

USCCB Position on Health Care Reform: The following is an excerpt from the United States Committee of Catholic Bishops  article regarding Health Care. Sometimes we get torn between how something will affect us, whether you are in the Senior category, where you fear you might not get services you need or how much it is going to cost.  And for us whose children are just going out on their own we talk about their new jobs and the fact they have health care.  We live in an imperfect society, but we need to be responsible for our brothers and sisters who can’t afford health care or do not receive it as part of their employment package.  Look up the full statement, pray about it and then make your decision on how you can respond.  
    “In our Catholic tradition, health care is a basic human right. Access to health care should not depend on where a person works, how much a family earns, or where a person lives. Instead, every person, created in the image and likeness of God, has a right to life and to those things necessary to sustain life, including affordable, quality health care. This teaching is rooted in the biblical call to heal the sick and to serve "the least of these," our concern for human life and dignity, and the principle of the common good. Unfortunately, tens of millions of Americans do not have health insurance. According to the Catholic bishops of the United States, the current health care system is in need of fundamental reform. To learn about Catholic teaching on health care in more detail, read the full statement by the United States Catholic Bishops, A Framework for Comprehensive Health Care Reform, at
usccb.org/sdwp/national/comphealth.shtml.”  On July 17, Bishop William Murphy, Chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, wrote to Congress saying: “The USCCB looks forward to working with you to reform health care successfully in a manner that offers accessible, affordable and quality health care that protects and respects the life and dignity of all people from conception until natural death.”  Then Bishop Murphy drew a line, declaring that “no health care reform plan should compel us or others to pay for the destruction of human life, whether through government funding or mandatory coverage of abortion.”

August 9, 2009

St. Vincent DePaul Society Monthly Report:  Each first Sunday of the month our parish takes up a collection to help those who come to our doors.  We are very dependent on your contributions to do this ministry of the poor/needy.   As stewards we would like to share with you where our resources were distributed. During the month of July we collected $1478.11.We assisted 44 people with rent, prescriptions, shoes, dental, food, and utilities, for the total of $1482.56.  We also helped feed 87 (36 families) persons.   We still need volunteers who will donate 2 hours of their time, once a month, either from 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm to help take information and hand out food bags.  If you are able to help in August, please call the receptionist to sign up for a slot. Again thank you for your generous aid and to those who have brought food at the Sunday masses for the pantry.  We couldn’t do this without you.  

ST. LOUIS HELPING HANDS KITCHEN:  We served 275 people in July.  The next date we are going is August 26.  We have frozen turkeys that need to be cooked and the meat cubed to make turkey salad sandwiches next month.  Also, remember in May when you blessed your gardens and now have an abundance of produce? Consider donating it to the kitchen for our rotation, please call Barb at 419-352-4195.

Jul 26, 2009

We would like to thank everyone who helped out with this year’s migrant collection.  Special thanks go to Tim, Megan and Nathan Fuerst and Chuck McGranahan from St. Rose and Mike, Jaekob, & Gryffin Sader, and Bob Whitman from St. Al’s, who helped with the deliveries.  We also want to thank Ken Cappelletty and Fred Moor for allowing us to use the Ken’s Flower van.  So far we’ve been accident free with no speeding tickets.  More noteworthy is that the people living in the camps recognize the van and volunteers and are less timid about coming out to receive the donated items.  Maria Ybanes’ help as translator was invaluable.   Most important we want to extend our appreciation to all of the parishioners who donated to this worthy cause. The migrant workers and their families were very grateful to be on the receiving end of your charity.
    In all we went to six camps with about 100 people not including the children This is the first year we’ve been invited inside their homes.  We discovered that many beds didn’t have any sheets.   Pillows for most of them were a luxury beyond their means.  It was very moving to witness their heartfelt gratitude when they received in many cases new sheets, pillows, towels, blankets.  It was also very humbling to see how simply these families live.
    We are truly blessed to be a part of a caring, giving and loving parishes.  Thank you again for your continued support to the migrant community.    

The following is a letter sent to me by one of the persons who helped distribute supplies to the migrant camps on June 28th.  It is his witness to the day.

Dear Parishioners,
    I would like to "THANK YOU" for contributing to the Migrant Worker Collection.  I would like to share my thoughts with you about our experience.  For many of us, this was our first, second or third year. The donations have been ongoing for many years.  We met at 9:30 a.m. Sunday , June 28th.  Ken's Flower Shop loaned us a van (Thanks Ken and Fred) and we left for Bowling Green, loaded up the vans and truck with your donations of canned goods, clothing (pre-sorted), shoes, sheets, pillows, towels, fans and a few baby beds.  After introductions, we left to visit the first camp.   The camps are very simple and quite nice.  This year the turnout was great as compared to previous years when the workers appeared to be shy.  As word spread, the several vans arrived bearing workers.  They sorted thru everything, taking what they needed.   This year was special as they felt very comfortable being with us.  We were invited in to some of their apartments.  Bob (Whitman) was putting together a baby bed as Katie (McKibben) was holding a tiny baby with the sunlight glowing over her shoulders, a touching moment.  Finally, Laurie (Snyder) and I went to the last camp on Five Points road, fully expecting to have a lot left over.  The migrant workers and their families came out in droves.  They needed everything we had.  Their dog just had puppies and invited us in to show them to us.   We left with having shared an experience of a life time.  Before we parted, Laurie stopped me and said, "We can't end this wonderful day without a hug".   Again, to all of you, "Thanks A Million". 

Chuck McGranahan

Jul 12, 2009

St. Vincent DePaul Society:  This organization has been functioning for many years in the Catholic Church and at St. Al’s.  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international lay organization, Catholic in character, where all are welcomed, who through personal contact seek to relieve those in need without regard to wealth, position, social status or ethnic origin.  In promoting human dignity and integrity, the Society works to redress situations which adversely affect peoples' lives and their basic rights.  The Society was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam while he was a student at the Sorbonne in Paris.   Frederic and some of his close friends were challenged to put their Christian beliefs into action. Their objective was to undertake practical work among the poor.  They firmly believed that in order to address the needs of the less fortunate, one must be prepared to visit them in their homes, see for oneself the conditions of their lives, and then go about helping them.
  The organization grew rapidly, and its members chose St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), the patron saint for Christian charities who devoted his life to helping the poor, the downtrodden and the underprivileged, as their patron and renamed it the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 1835.
  Here at St. Aloysius, our St. Vincent de Paul Society have worked faithfully to meet the ever going number of needy, especially with the economy today.  But  sometimes when everything seems to be going well, then people don’t think they may need help, but we are at that point where assistance is needed.  Nancy Ketner and Marilyn Oliphant are two of the volunteers who have been committed to helping the poor and they are here twice a week, every week of the year for many years.
   At the parish staff level it has been decided that to better help others, we need to help our volunteers, so we are seeking your help.  In previous bulletins it was announce that besides taking up a monthly collection at the doors at the end of Mass, the parishioners are asked to bring forward specific food items that are needed in the pantry, at the Offertory. This is one way to help, another way is we need volunteers to go to Seagate Food Bank and Northwest Food Bank to help shop and pick up food. It would be helpful to have someone who is comfortable driving in Toledo, has a pickup or van and capable of lifting.   Some of this food is free or sold, based on number of person served, at reduced cost which will help stretch the allotment for food purchases.
   Once we have the food at our pantry, we will need persons to bag the food for several days of meals and then restock the shelves.  If this is something you might want to be involved in call the parish office 419-352-4195 and leave your name and phone number or email Barb Whitman at rwhit@wcnet. org.  We have plenty of opportunities for everyone!

St. Louis Helping Hands Kitchen: This last time in June we served approximately 240 persons.  I want to thank all those “silent” preparers who take the meat and prepare it and then return it to the freezer and I and others don’t know your name.  Thanks for your continued support.  For July 22 we have packages of chicken that need cooking and then diced, if possible to make chicken salad sandwiches.  We can use donations of pecans, celery, onion and grapes for the salad, which will premade on Tuesday, July 21st.   Also we will take donations of any garden produce to round out the meal.  Again many thanks to those who work behind the scene to make the meal we serve so good.

Jul 5, 2009

ST. LOUIS HELPING HANDS KITCHEN: This last time in June we served approximately 240 persons.  I want to thank all those “silent” preparers who take the meat and prepare it and then return it to the freezer even though I and others don’t know your name.  Thanks for your continued support.  For July 22, we have packages of chicken that need cooking and then diced, if possible, to make chicken salad sandwiches.  We can use donations of pecans, celery, onion and grapes for the salad, which will be premade on Tuesday, July 21.  Also, we will take donations of any garden produce to round out the meal.  All donations need to be in the parish office by July 21.  Again many thanks to those who work behind the scene to make the meal we serve so good.

Jun 6, 2009

MIGRANT WORKER COLLECTION: In our diocese there are 14,000 migrant and seasonal farmworkers.  They live in 130 active camps plus apartments and trailer courts.  “En Camino,” the migrant ministry program in NW Ohio sponsored by St. Wendelin Parish in Fostoria, addresses specific issues facing the Hispanic migrants by networking with professionals in the areas of health care, legal issues, language skills, and religious education.  All of these outreach efforts strengthen the migrants’ bond with the Catholic Church.
    As a collaborative effort, the parishes of St. Rose, St. Al’s and St. Tom’s will be taking up a collection for our area’s migrant workers.  The collection will begin June 7th and last through June 21st.
    Items needed are:

  • Bedding:  Single and double sheets, pillow cases, pillows, blankets, towels and fans (new or used in good condition).
  • Cash donations:  Money is needed to purchase food and other supplies.  Checks can be made out to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Migrant Ministry.
  • Food:  Masa harina (Maseca brand for tortillas) flour, rice, dry pinto beans, cooking oil, canned tomatoes or tomato paste.

Donations can be dropped off in the vestibule of church through June 21st.
    If you are interested in delivering supplies to the migrant camps on June 28th, please contact Laurie Snyder, Katie McKibben, or Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195. 

VOLUNTEER TO HELP A MIGRANT STUDENT!  We need volunteers to teach sacramental preparation instruction for First Communion to a migrant child.  Last year two teens from this family took instruction and received First Holy Communion and Confirmation.  Their brother is now ready to receive instruction.  The child speaks English, so it is not necessary to speak Spanish.  If your heart leads you to help the rewards are bountiful. The time commitment would be one and one-half hours per week in the late afternoon or evening. 
    We would also like a science tutor for a Junior High migrant.  Barb Whitman will obtain any books for the sessions.  If we can lay the groundwork for a child to learn during the last weeks of Spring and the first 4 to 6 weeks of fall, this will pave the way for them to eventually graduate from high school in Florida.  Please consider tutoring for 10 to 12 sessions for one and one-half hours per week in the late afternoon or evening.  Please call Barb Whitman to volunteer.

HELPING HANDS OF ST. LOUIS KITCHEN:  Thanks to all those who helped to prepare chickens and dessert for our last turn at the kitchen.  We served over 250 persons and they were very appreciative of all the good food made possible through your help and donations.  At the present time we have five turkeys in the freezer that need to be cooked and shredded and returned to the freezer by June 21st.  Our next turn will be June 24th. If you have any abundance from your garden that you would like to donate, please call Barb at 419-352-4195.

Apr 5, 2009

To recognize and honor our military we would like to create a poster showing photos of our parishioners’ sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters who are on active duty in the armed forces or reserves.  Please send a picture, preferably in uniform, to Barb Whitman, socialjustice@stalbg.org, or drop it off at the parish office.  Include your name, your relationship to the person and their name, their branch of service and where they are stationed.  Thank you.

On March 25 St. Aloysius Parish served nearly 300 persons at the St. Louis Helping Hands Kitchen in Toledo.  Thanks to all who volunteered to work and prepare food.  Our next turn will be on April 22.  We have frozen chickens in the bottom rack of the freezer that need to be cooked, cubed, and returned by Sunday, April 19.  Again, thanks to all those who help.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is inviting public comment on a proposal to rescind an important December 2008 federal regulation that protects the conscience rights of health care providers.  Help protect the rights of our Catholic health care professionals and institutions.  Please visit www.usccb.org/conscienceprotection to access links, to make a comment, and to find out more information.  Comments must be posted by April 9, 2009.

Mar 29, 2009

SOME SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES: Recently, New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson, signed legislation making New Mexico the second state in two years, and the first Western state, to repeal the death penalty since executions resumed in the U.S. in 1977.  New Jersey abolished its death penalty in December of 2007.  Three years ago, New York legislators declined to revive that state’s death penalty after considering statistics about its practice, costs and risks.  Ohio ranks second to Texas in the number of its executions in 2006.  Isn’t it about time we outlaw more killings?  
    Here is the schedule of upcoming executions in the U.S.:

  • April 1      PA        Richard Boxley  *
  • April 7      OH        Brett Hartman
  • April 7      TX        Jose Garcia Briseno
  • April 15    TX        Michael Rosales
  • April 16    AL        Jimmy Lee Dill
  • April 30    TX        Derrick Johnson

                                    * stay likely

Mar 22, 2009

RESPECT FOR LIFE: The ministry of Social Justice and Concerns would like to form a group to recognize Respect for Life.  I can visualize that this Respect for Life group would encompass the areas emphasized by the Seven Catholic Social Teachings:  The right to life of the unborn, of the elderly, and of those on death row.  It would enfold the seamless garment philosophy to educate ourselves and others about issues such as abortion, capital punishment, militarism, euthanasia, social injustice and economic injustice.  The group would also target the spiritual welfare of migrants, offering sacramental prep for their children.  When social legislation appears on the ballot, our group will contact legislators with our special concerns.  It will also be an active force in the Ecumenical Outreach ministry which is just forming among many churches in the BG area.  All of these issues demand a consistent application of moral principles that value the sanctity of human life.  
    Since all life is valuable, the challenge to this group will be to offer the spectrum of issues while allowing its members to focus on a particular interest.  An initial meeting date will be announced in an upcoming bulletin.  If you are interested in this please contact Barb Whitman at the Parish Center so we can measure the response.

ECUMENICAL OUTREACH: For the last few years it has been the dream of the Bowling Green Ministerial Association for the churches in the area to work together in serving the needs of the poor.  For the last several months, Father Mark and I have been meeting with representatives from Dayspring, United Christian Fellowship (UCF on BGSU campus), Plain Congregational Church and First Christian Disciples of Christ to bring about an opportunity for everyone to come together.  We did this several weeks ago at First Christian Church and had approximately 20 churches present to hear various methods of collective outreach.  Several follow-up meetings have happened and more are planned to form this Ecumenical Outreach.  It is exciting to see this group grow from a small seed to a bud.  Though still in formation, we expect this ministry to expand.  As a side note, it is very gratifying to hear other churches speak about the generosity that St. Aloysius has constantly shown to the poor, without regard to background or affiliation.

Mar 8, 2009

On February 25 St. Aloysius volunteers served almost 300 persons at St. Louis Kitchen.  We thank John Bratton for the five hams and Nancy Keys for the cakes she baked for us.  Our next serving day is March 25, Wednesday.  Several of our regular volunteers are on vacations, so we need more help for this rotation.  If you cannot serve at the site, please consider taking one of the 5 turkeys from our freezer, in the room off of the gym, and prepare it in our usual way, returning it to the freezer for next month.  If you have any questions please contact Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195.

Mar 1, 2009

I have been invited to share a project from the Social Justice and Concern Ministry.  It’s a vision of how things could be working together. It’s a concept with many facets but under one name, Respect for Life with the seven Catholic social teachings as the guidelines in addition to the philosophy of the seamless garment, from the late Cardinal Bernardin.  This philosophy is from the reference from John 19:23 to the seamless robe of Jesus, which his executioners did not tear apart. The seamless garment philosophy holds that issues such as abortion, capital punishment, militarism, euthanasia, social injustice and economic injustice all demand a consistent application of moral principles that value the sacredness of human life. 
    From this, this ministry would be actively involved in outreach projects and educational groups.  They would be participants and leaders reaching out to the poor, the needy, the migrants, the hungry, those in prison, and those on death row.  They would support and participate in activities to support the BG Pregnancy Center, they would reach out to the spiritual welfare of migrants especially with sacramental prep for their children, and they could contact our legislators when all life issues are up for votes.  They could be an active force in the Ecumenical Outreach ministry which is just forming.   There are so many things that can be done. In other words, a visual presence of Church to those they meet.  I would be the first to admit that it would be a diverse group, and the different facets of this group would also lend itself to other facets. 
         During Lent we will be holding an organizational meeting so look for upcoming details.  Let our presence of Christ in us be ALIVE.

Feb 22, 2009

 Last Spring’s JustMatters’ focus on Climate Change convinced some of us that our parish could do much to decrease its carbon footprint.  In November Jack Kapron tested the energy leakage of our facility and found that the windows in Clare Hall and the school lost heat due to deterioration of the caulking.  During the Christmas break Steve Benner, Mike Warner, Alex Avalos and Bob Whitman re-caulked the classroom windows.  We intend to do the same to the windows in Clare Hall as soon as possible.
    For our new Social Concerns project we will connect with the Bowling Green Ministerial Association (BGMA) in their introduction of Love, Inc. to the Bowling Green Community on February 15 at 4:00 PM in the First Christian Church.  The meeting, at the corner of Poe & Haskins, will present various models of co-operation that we might adopt to soften the expected impact of economic downturn in Bowling Green.  The subcommittee that planned this includes the United Christian Fellowship of BGSU.  Father Mark and I are very enthused about this meeting and hope that all interested parishioners will plan to attend.  
    I am pleased to report that the Food Drive with the Day School and Religious Education was very successful.  We were able to help stock the pantries here in our parish as well as those of St. Louis Helping Hands and LaPosada in Toledo.

Jan 11, 2009

Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA):  The following is a statement by United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), on behalf of the USCCB, Nov. 12, 2008,  “Parental notification and informed consent precautions would be outlawed [under FOCA]. As would be laws banning procedures such as partial-birth abortion and protecting infants born alive after a failed abortion.  Abortion clinics would be deregulated.  The Hyde Amendment restricting the federal funding of abortions would be abrogated.  FOCA would have lethal consequences for prenatal life.”
    The USCCB committee on Pro-Life Activities has approved a campaign to oppose the FOCA.  A key component of the campaign is focusing on sending postcards and emails to our elected officials.  There will be three postcards that will go to our U.S. Representative and two for our U.S. Senators.  At St. Al’s we will have available these postcards and an information sheet regarding the aspects of FOCA after each Mass on the week-end of January 17 & 18.  
    Please take time to pick-up the cards, sign and mail them.  This voice for the unborn is just as important as your right to vote and express our beliefs.  

Dec 28, 2008

CHURCH OF THE SECOND CHANCE: JustMatters will be doing a 6 week pre-Lenten series dealing with prison reform. We had to reschedule this series but will start on January 14th at St. Rose’s Parish, Perrysburg. The starting time is 6:30-8:30 PM and we will car pool from St. Al’s, leaving at 6:00 PM. Some may be turned off when it deals with Prison reform. But the emphasis on the series, and that’s why it is a good Lenten introduction, is on the redemptive grace that we all have been given with the crucifixion of Jesus. If you would like to participate please call Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195 or e-mail at rwhit@wcnet.org. The cost is $25.00 for books.

Nov 2, 2008

For the last year we have published the execution dates for the United States. It has brought an awareness that Texas, Florida, Virginia and Ohio are the leaders in executions. What does that say about the other 46 states? It is a hard question, how do we give honor to those who have been murdered yet stand and say as Catholics that ALL life must be respected? Starting Nov. 11 and for the following 5 weeks (on Tuesdays) the Social Justice taskforce is going to delve into Prison Reform: Church of the Second Chance. The program will be held at St. Rose, starting at 6:30 and we will car pool. Cost is $25.00 for the 2 books. Call Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195 for more information. Remember, in Jesus, God became a death row prisoner, a condemned criminal executed alongside two thieves. When Christ laid down his life, he accepted to do so as a “dead man walking.” Executions for November, 2008, in Texas: Elkie Taylor, George Whitaker, Denard Manns, Eric Cathey, Rogelio Cannady, and Robert Hudson. In Ohio, on the 19th: Gregory L. Bryant-Bey.

Oct 19, 2008

The multi-parish Social Justice Taskforce is presenting the JustMatters program, Prison Reform: Church of the Second Chance, from November 11 to December 16 starting at 6:30 PM. The site for the program is St. Rose’s, Perrysburg and we will do car-pooling from St. Al’s. This program was designed and written by Jens Soering. The title comes from the book, The Church of the Second Chance, by the program developer. Soering is an inmate who has written three other books while in prison, including the award winning The Convict Christ. Soering introduces the “radical” Christian principle of restorative justice, points out the critical need for comprehensive prison reform, and provides a strong criticism of the U.S. prison system. At the same time, Soering focuses throughout the program on the power of centering prayer and the Christian messages of reconciliation and redemption. The program, while focusing on the factual background for prison reform, is grounded in a deep spirituality and sense of humanity. It highlights interviews with long-term inmates and ministers from the “outside.” Using the tools of reading, dialogue, active listening, videos, short research projects, and the possibility of guest speakers or an immersion experience, participants will: Engage the issue of prison reform from many angles, Learn what people of faith have to say about punishment and justice, Identify common myths and misconceptions about prisons and the corrections system and why these myths and misconceptions have come to be so well accepted, Explore the concepts of rehabilitation and restoration as well as prison “profiteering”, Discuss the systematic denial of the humanity of prison inmates, most obvious in excessive sentences and prison conditions, as an essential problem in prison reform. Cost of the program is $25.00 person for the books that will be used. If you are interested please contact Barb Whitman, (St. Al’s) at 419-352-4195, Katie McKibblen (St. Tom’s) at 419-354-1239, and Laurie Snyder (St. Rose) at 419-874-4854.

Oct 12, 2008

ST. LOUIS SOUP KITCHEN: Last month we served 388 meals to some very needy families and individuals. Thank you to all who cooked and shredded chickens, baked desserts and served. Our next turn is Wednesday, October 22, the fourth Wednesday of the month. I have several smaller blocks of frozen chicken that need to be cooked and shredded and also one large block (freezer in Clare Hall). If you would like to serve on Oct. 22 and need a ride contact Barb Whitman at 419-352-4195. We leave St. Toms’ at 8:15 AM and car pool from there. Donations of fresh foods and desserts are greatly appreciated. These donations can be placed in the kitchen (Gym) on Tuesday evening and on Wednesday place items on cart outside of gym. Again thanks for all the help.

Oct 5, 2008

Reflection: My husband, Bob, has said quite often that if he hadn’t been married to me, he wouldn’t have done many of the things he has done. Some of these things sometimes initially really stretched him out of his comfort zone but afterwards he was glad he did it. That was the experience he had on the first day of the Forty days for Life. After getting him to go to St. Louis Helping Hands to serve for the first time, we went to be prayerful witness outside of the Center for Choice, an abortion clinic. Sometimes we are scared to do something for the first time, not knowing what to do, and also maybe a person has never took a public stance against something that is wrong. I can tell you Bob and I were like that but it was easier than I thought. Together with several others who dropped by to pray we recited two mysteries of the rosary and stood or sat in the shade. It was peaceful, not only as an activity but as an inner peace. We do not stop anyone from entering. There’s a vacant parking lot across the street to park.

Today, Oct 5, is another day that St. Al’s and St. Tom’s have committed to cover the day for prayer, if you haven’t signed up, take a drive today, maybe with your family, to 328 22nd St. (Center for Choice) and find yourself at peace and maybe with your prayers you’ll save a life

Today marks the U.S. Church's annual celebration of Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October. At the end of each pew we have a short pamplet, Hope and Trust in Life, which is the theme for the month. Please take one home with you and read. The life of our children, parents, family and friends is very important to each of us. But sometimes we let the secularism of our culture overcome the Church’s teachings of our responsibilities toward the poor and marginalize in the global society. If you are not already familiar with the bishops' pro-life website, I recommend you stop by for an extended look: usccb.org/prolife. It is loaded with lots of great information and free resources, especially on issues that are controversial, complicated and/or misunderstood, sometimes even by Catholics.