Columns 2022

In the two-plus years that I have been writing this weekly column, I believe that there have been times when, indirectly, I asked for or encouraged “feedback” from you (Dear Readers). I believe that now may be a good time to request that feedback more directly. So, I will begin with two questions: 1. How many of you listen to Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Podcast? (more about that in a moment) and 2. As we consider Bishop Barron’s “strategies for growth,” do you have a practical suggestion or strategy that could help us “evangelize” (grow the Church)?

This past week, from Nov. 14–17, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) held their semi-annual “General Assembly” in Baltimore, Md. The “fall meeting” is always in Baltimore, and the June meeting is held in a different part of the country each year. This year’s General Assembly was my third “in-person” meeting. The first two meetings I “attended” in November 2020 and June 2021 were held “virtually” on Zoom because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has been said that our Catholic Faith and theology will often favor (when possible) a “both/and” rather than an “either/or” approach to life, our experiences, and choices. That thought came to my mind as I chose my topics and “title” for this week’s column. I thought that, in recent weeks, I had been focusing on that “both/and” or, at least, the “and” theme. When I looked back, I realized that my previous three columns had the headings: “Vivere Christus AND the Universal Call to Holiness,” “The Diocesan Ministries Appeal AND the Inspiration of the Saints, “Faithful Citizenship AND our Right to vote.” We will see what next week brings, but for this week, I feel the need to continue with the “AND” theme because there are two events about which I would like to share some thoughts and reflections. First, our Diocesan Respect Life Convocation, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 29, and second, National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 6–12), which is taking place (or has recently concluded) as you read this column.

I begin my column this week with two (somewhat lengthy) quotations and by addressing you personally, with an awareness that, by the time you read this, some of you may have already cast your ballot in this year’s (coming) election. I also hope that many will read this as they consider voting on “Election Day,” Nov. 8. I take this opportunity to remind all Catholics that part of being who we are and who we are called to be as disciples involves our sharing the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus, by contributing to the “common good.” In other words, part of being a faithful disciple or living as a Catholic Christian means that we are called to be good and faithful citizens — wherever and in whatever (political) circumstances we may live.

This is the time of year when the faithful are invited to support the work of our Diocesan Ministries Appeal. Since 1991 when it began as the “Bishop’s Annual Appeal,” the Appeal has focused on four specific causes in our Diocese: Catholic Charities, seminarian education, Catholic urban education, and Nazareth Village, our retirement residence for senior priests. The work of each of these ministries is unique and varied — and inspired by the lives of saints in the Church. This year, the “in pew” Appeal Weekend will take place in most parishes on the weekend of Oct. 29 and 30 — a day before “All Hallows Eve” (aka Halloween) and two days before All Saints Day. Here are just a few of the ways that the “lives of the Saints” are an inspiration to the Ministries supported by the “DMA.”