November 4, 2018
Issue No. 35, November 2018
A Monthly Newsletter for Paulist Associates
The Associates World is the newsletter of the Paulist Associates. You can download a copy of this newsletter in PDF format (excellent for printing), or scroll down to read it in your Web browser.
- Heart Speaks to Heart: Paulist Campus Ministry
- Happy 20th Anniversary
- A Letter from Fr. Frank
- Upcoming Paulist Pilgrimages
- Paulist Associate Board: Visions/Thoughts/Reflections
- Proposed Program for This Month
- Consider submitting an article for inclusion in an upcoming issue of The Associates World
- Prayer for the Intercession of Father Isaac T. Hecker
- Contacts
- Promise
(This October, the Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment was convened at the Vatican. We offer this pastoral letter on campus ministry as a contribution to the discussions taking place at the Synod. This document started as a conversation about campus ministry on the Paulist list serve. That conversation led to a meeting at Lake George this past summer. That meeting led to this letter. Here we excerpt sections of contributions to the letter by various Paulists. A link to the entire letter is found at the end of this article.)
Introduction
By Fr. Eric Andrews, C.S.P., President of the Paulist Fathers
Since 1907, the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (“The Paulist Fathers”) has been reaching out to students, alumni, faculty, and staff members at secular university campuses across the United States and Canada. We were inspired in this work by our founder, Servant of God Isaac Hecker (1819 – 1888), whose mission was to “Make America Catholic,” as well as the witness of Blessed John Henry Newman (1801 – 1890), the English cardinal who sought to establish a Catholic presence at Oxford University and who lived the motto “Cor ad cor loquitur” or “Heart speaks to heart.”
Beginning with our first campus ministry at the University of California at Berkeley, we sought to pastor Catholics at public universities and also to engage in a dialogue on faith, culture and the world of ideas. Soon thereafter, Paulist Fathers were invited by other bishops to secular campuses in their dioceses.
Whether it is at the Catholic chapel for daily Mass, discussing faith with a student at the coffee house, cheering with the Newman Club members at the football stadium, or attending events at the student center, Paulists seek to build up the Body of Christ. As missionaries, we strive to exude a spirit of welcome to all we meet, seeing Christ in every person we encounter. We are keenly interested in those who are not in the pews on Sunday, especially those no longer interested in practicing their faith, or those on the margins of church and campus life. We also invite the spiritual seekers to learn more about Catholicism, presenting our timeless faith in fresh, new ways. …
Dialog
By Fr. Bernard Campbell, C.S.P.
… Hans Kung’s oft repeated assertion, “no world peace without religious peace” can have application in the university setting. A highly respected university oceanographer, Roger Revelle, once described the university as a collection of academic interest groups (departments and programs) united only by a heating and cooling system. Faculty from different departments rarely talk seriously “across disciplines” to one another. Religion, so often seen by the academy as divisive and self-interested, must make the effort to set an example for dialog and cooperation. Bringing together students and faculty to listen to one another around important issues, e.g. global warming, racism, visions of justice and peace and yes, how their religious faith may inform and deepen those visions. …
Collaboration
By Fr. Larry Rice, C.S.P.
The Paulists value the idea of collaboration in ministry: seeking out the gifts, talents, and insights of the lay people we serve and with whom we serve. In campus ministry, we have a long history of supporting our lay colleagues, and laboring along side them to strengthen the faith of university students. …
Our collaboration with these many Catholic evangelical groups should be rooted in an appreciation of the Spirit’s diverse gifts, but should also remain rooted in an authentic Catholic ecclesiology, and a respect for the responsibilities given to us by our bishops. We should also work from a presumption of good will. As in so many areas of Church life, transparency and accountability are key to our flourishing.
Leadership Development
By Fr. Peter M. Abdella, C.S.P.
,,, A further compelling approach to leadership would promote multiple opportunities for education (e.g., speakers, panel discussions and workshops) combined with opportunities for social justice work. This work can be accomplished by direct service to the poor and needy or by proposing more equitable and humane social structures. Still another model would marshal and train personnel for lively outreach on campus so as to encourage students to “come and see,” i.e., to experience the faith community in person and address common misperceptions or misunderstandings.
One model with strong Paulist roots involves a selected team of undergrad and/or grad students charged with planning and coordinating much of the student programming for campus ministry. Campus ministry staffs personally invite students into a lively, healthy experience of church. To better handle this ministry, these student leaders also receive strong Christian formation, team and individual spiritual direction and accompaniment provided by staff (Paulist and lay). This “ministry to the ministers” approach recognizes that these student leaders are likely privy to and aware of their own needs and the needs of their peers far better than staff. This model encourages them to work with their peers and advisors to advance initiatives for worship, educational, social, service, and spiritual events (including retreats). …
Paulist Spirituality
By Fr. John Geaney, C.S.P.
… As Paulists involved in campus ministry in some of America’s largest universities, we believe it is our task to assist members of the University community to recognize the importance of the indwelling Holy Spirit in their lives. That principle was clear in the life of Father Hecker and also in the life of Blessed John Henry Newman after whom many University ministries in the United States were named.
Hecker and Newman, separated by an ocean, lived and taught in the 19th Century. Both converts to Catholicism, Hecker was an American Church leader; Newman was British. Both were compelled by, and lived out in their lives, a transcending wisdom of the importance of the love between God and his Son, which is the Holy Spirit. Both died before their spirituality was well known. Eventually, Newman’s name and spirituality was attached to campus ministry; in Hecker’s name the Paulist Fathers followed their founder in bringing his conviction about the Spirit to campuses across the United States.
Both Hecker and Newman found the fullness of the Trinity in the Catholic community. Their spirituality spoke of the depth of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Cardinal Newman lived a spirituality that spoke of living each day well in the Spirit. Hecker would clearly have noted that a human spirituality based on the indwelling Holy Spirit would create a relationship with and a responsibility to others and the world. In other words, such a spirituality is communal and social as well as personal. We as Paulists believe that had Hecker and Newman lived into the 20th and 21st centuries, they would have been champions of the Second Vatican Council whose wisdom led Catholicism to the awareness that the Church is the people of God, and has a continuing role in shaping our world.
Conclusion
By Fr. Peter M. Abdella, C.S.P., and Fr. Bernard Campbell, C.S.P.
Rich notions of dialog, collaboration, leadership development, Paulist spirituality — all of these elements we Paulists envision as fundamental to reaching out advantageously to today’s young adults on university campuses.
Nevertheless, we are also highly cognizant of the vast numbers of young people beyond the scope of collegiate campus ministry. While we have developed these essays specifically out of our long-standing experience of campus outreach, we believe the application of these elements similarly extends to parishes and other centers whose ministry will encounter young people looking to make sense of their lives and their futures. These young seekers — be they involved in the workplace, in long-distance education, or in two-year colleges, or even having no particular religious affiliation (i.e., the so-called “Nones”) — may also benefit from the whole Church’s consideration of the themes addressed here.
We Paulists humbly offer all of these reflections in service to the wider Church in anticipation of its Synod on Young People 2018.
Heart Speaks to Heart: The Paulist Fathers Pastoral Letter on Campus Ministry
By Fr. Mike Kallock, CSP
This past summer marked the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the Paulist Associates with the mandate of 1998 Paulist General Assembly. Below are excerpts from the resolution which is also found on page one of the Associates Handbook:
The Paulist Associates were formally begun in 1998 by an action of the
General Assembly, in response to C3 of the Constitution of the Paulist
Fathers (the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle): “Paulists welcome as
affiliates men and women who are not members of the Society but wish to
share in the Society’s ideals and work.”The 1998 Assembly stated:
We propose concrete experiments to develop and evaluate opportunities
for men and women who identify closely with the charism of Isaac Hecker
and the mission and spirit of the Paulists to
- Explore the spirituality of Hecker and the Paulists for its
relevance to their own life of faith and- Appropriate the mission and spirit of the Paulists in their own
lives and vocations
The following concerning the Paulist Associates was taken from the FINAL REPORT TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE, APRIL, 2002 of Paulist President Frank DeSiano, CSP as he prepared to leave office.
Were we to identify the major consequence of the 1998 Assembly in terms of external effects, probably the emergence of Paulist Associates would be the most dominant. At the present time clusters of Associates are active in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Knoxville, and Columbus. Groups of Associates are in various stages of formation in Tucson, Horseshoe Bay, Toronto, Good Shepherd, and Portland. As the 2002 Assembly approaches, scores of lay people will have become involved in bringing Fr. Hecker’s legacy into their lives through prayer and apostolic efforts appropriate to their vocation. As the first step in our systematically addressing the many-layered issues of the laity, these efforts have indeed been successful. Mike Kallock and his team have, following the General Council, deliberately not centrally organized these clusters, and wisely so. The Assembly will probably be beset with a constant pressure to “have these Associates do something” or “explain how they help us in our ministry,” – aims explicitly set aside in the Community’s conception of these groups. These distractions should continue to be set aside; Associate groups should continue to be formed according to their two-fold purpose: prayer in the Spirit of Hecker, and apostolic vision in the world of the laity. We Paulists are inarguably strengthened by these scores of people who identify with us and join in praying for us.
.
By Frank Desiderio, CSP – Outgoing National Director, Paulist Associates
Associating with the Paulist Associates helped me to be a better Paulist and gave me a greater understanding of Paulist ministry. My four years as director is done and it’s difficult to think of anyone better to take my place than Fr. Mike Kallock. Fr. Mike will bring a great deal of imagination and solid leadership.
My association with the Paulist Associates dates to 1998 when I left my position as Director of Formation at St. Paul’s College. The Paulist Associates had been recently formed. I suggested to the President of the Paulists, Frank DeSiano, that the Associates and Paulist students would benefit from a Paulist prayer book. A prayer book that specifically focused on the spirituality of Fr. Hecker and had resources that resonated well with the Paulist charism. I used a three-month sabbatical in Berkeley to edit the Paulist Prayer Book and to prepare for my transition from being Director of Formation to working with Fr. Bud Kieser at Paulist Productions.
When living in LA I came to know the LA Associates and then when I moved to Boston I met monthly with the Boston Paulist Associates. I benefited greatly from both groups. In 2014 the president of the Paulists, Fr. Eric Andrews, asked me to be director of the Paulist Associates. I saw it as an important ministry, which extends the Paulist spirit and mission in the world.
The Associates that I’ve met, and I’ve met many of them, are individuals who live out the spirituality and mission of the Paulist Fathers in ordinary and extraordinary ways. They commit to the Paulist Fathers and each other that they will carry their Paulist spirituality and mission into the world in the course of their daily lives. Their sense of ministry is carried out in many ways; through their jobs, their volunteer activities and church ministries. They find support for their way of life in meeting with the other Associates.
It’s been a privilege for me to be a part of the Paulist Associates ministry and learn from them the importance of Fr. Hecker’s vision as a way to see our contemporary American culture.
Paulist Fathers Thomas A. Kane and Bruce Nieli will lead an unforgettable 12-day pilgrimage to Israel and the Holy Land. Registration and pricing available now.
Join Fathers Thomas A. Kane and Rich Andre for a 12-day pilgrimage to Greece and the Islands. Who better to explore Pauline sites than two members of the Paulist Fathers? St. Paul, our patron saint, is a key inspiration in our lives and ministry! Fr. Thomas has traveled extensively throughout the world, leading many pilgrimages in Greece and Turkey. His knowledge of art and culture will enhance the spiritual depth of our time together with special prayer services and liturgies. Fr. Rich has journeyed to the Holy Land, bringing scriptural insights and a liturgical enthusiasm to the group. Registration and pricing available now.
A ten-day Retreat Pilgrimage into the Heart of Ignatius Loyola with Frs. Thomas A. Kane, CSP and Geoff Wheaton, SJ. Our life is a pilgrimage, a journey of faith to deeper communion with God and with one another. In many traditions, the faithful travel as pilgrims along the paths of the saints. Join us on this retreat-pilgrimage to Spain as we pray together, enjoy new sites, experience community, and deepen our awareness of God’s grace. As we trace the life and spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola, we also celebrate the common life we share with fine wines and regional foods.
We begin in Bilbao with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum and continue to the town of Azpeitia for a three-day retreat at the Casa Arrupe near the Sanctuary of Loyola. We have retreat talks on the life of Ignatius of Loyola and special prayer opportunities at various pilgrimage sites nearby. We journey next to Pamplona, where Ignatius was wounded, then on to Javier, the birthplace of St. Francis Xavier. As we make our way south, we visit the ancient monastery of Leyre.
As we ascend Montserrat, we view the breathtaking vistas of Catalán and enjoy the beauty of this lofty Benedictine monastery. As we ride along the Cordoner River, we remember The Pilgrim at the cave of Manresa where Ignatius wrote the Spiritual Exercises. We conclude our pilgrimage in Barcelona with a festive Eucharist at Sagrada Familia, a special sightseeing program around the city and a farewell lunch.
Come join us in discovering the richness of our vast spiritual tradition as we journey through these historic lands. This pilgrimage promises to broaden your faith and be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
More information available at paulist.org/pilgrimages.
Personal Essay – David Rooney
October 21, 2018
Thank you for the opportunity to serve on the national board, alongside Cathy, Katherine, Mary, Fr. Joe and Fr. Mike. Our attentiveness to the Holy Spirit comes from sharing the good news, building bridges, understanding and reconciling differences. Even in simplest terms, the mission seems more challenging than sixteen years ago, when I first made the Associates’ promises. Evangelization, Reconciliation and Ecumenism are our common language and the most direct way to introduce myself, because I know that you understand the mission and the many places it takes us. I’m happily into a second decade living and growing with the Associates, which currently happens alongside my friends in Chicago.
The most affirming aspiration that I can imagine for us Associates is that we all commit to sticking around. Taking our charisms to heart almost demands that from us. How can we begin to approach any of the three without staying put, living in them and sharing those experiences? I recognize life pulls us in many directions and that is precisely why I see this as an aspiration. My prayer for us is that we can continue to support each other in our daily callings and support the Fathers as much as we can. The board acknowledges that we serve all Associates and we keep listening for your input.
As a new member, I see the board implementing the processes in place from the past four years, especially in formation and those outlined in the new handbook. I see us continuing to support the annual, national and regional retreats and distributing the Associate’s World. I also see this as an opportunity to renew our commitments to our local and national Associate communities by support, prayer and fellowship.
– Yours, in our Patron, St. Paul and Servant of God, Isaac Hecker.
.
(This is a suggested format; each group may select another outline or topic.)
Submitted by Mike Kallock, CSP
Theme: Living Hecker’s thoughts and ideas in one’s own life.
Opening Prayer
We ask your blessing upon us, O Lord, as we gather as Paulist Associates. May our sharing in this meeting deepen, O Lord, our understanding and experience of the Spirituality of the Paulists: so that in each of our individual lives we may express and extend the Mission of the Paulists. Amen
Reading (in advance of the meeting)
The four selections below are some of my favorite and most striking from Hecker’s writings. Please note where there are italics in the selections that I have used or added a more inclusive word.
Conversation Catalysts:
Be prepared for the discussion and faith sharing portion by choosing one or two of the four selections that mean the most to in your spiritual life as a Paulist Associate and sharing them with your Group.
The conversion of the American people to the Catholic faith has ripened into a conviction with me which lies beyond the region of doubt. My life, my labors, and my death is consecrated to it…. In the union of Catholic faith and American civilization a new birth awaits them all, a future for the Church brighter than any past.
The Catholic never forgets that the fruit of God’s reign in the individual is the establishment of his kingdom upon earth, and that the gate of the kingdom of heaven above is opened only by the key of his or her earnest and sincere and heroic labor in establishing this kingdom of heaven here below.
Christ came down upon earth from the abode of His eternal bliss and was made flesh with the purpose of increasing our happiness a hundred-fold in this life, and in addition to this to secure for us an ever-blessed life in the world to come. True Christianity knows no divorce between this life and the life to come, no separation between this world and the next, the past, the present and the future, but makes a synthesis which embraces all.
The Catholic Church … affirms the natural order, upholds the value of human reason, and asserts the natural rights of everyone. Her doctrines teach that reason is at the basis of revelation, that human nature is the groundwork of divine grace, and that the aim of Christianity is not the repression or obliteration of the capacities and instincts of man and women, but their elevation, expansion, and deification.
News/Announcements
Closing Prayer
We pray to You, O Holy Spirit, that through this meeting’s prayers, faith sharing, and support of one another, we have experienced more deeply your presence and guidance. Continue to help us know that you are with us, as we strive to follow the wisdom and way of Servant Isaac Hecker and the Paulist Fathers. Amen
CORRECTION:
In last month web newsletter the meeting program was incorrectly attributed. It was prepared by Fr. Bruce Nieli, CSP
The Associates World welcomes submissions of articles or information about upcoming events. These should be sent as Microsoft Word documents and attached to an email to [email protected]. Except for reporting on late-month events, we would appreciate receiving submissions by the 20th of the month before the publication date. Please contact editors Kathleen Lossau ([email protected]) or Denis Hurley ([email protected]) with questions or article proposals.
Heavenly Father, you called your servant Isaac Thomas Hecker to preach the Gospel to the people of North America and through his teaching, to know the peace and the power of your indwelling Spirit. He walked in the footsteps of Saint Paul the Apostle, and like Paul spoke your Word with a zeal for souls and a burning love for all who came to him in need.
Look upon us this day, with compassion and hope. Hear our prayer. We ask that through the intercession of Father Hecker your servant, you might grant us (state the request).
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, forever and ever. Amen.
When you pray this prayer, and if you believe that you have received any favors through Hecker’s intercession, please contact the Office of the Cause for Canonization of Servant of God, Isaac Hecker at [email protected]. Visit the web site: isaachecker.org to learn more about his life and the cause for his canonization.
Paulist Associates National Director
Mike Kallock, CSP
Paulist General Office
New York, NY 10023
Board Members
Cathy Hoekstra
Grand Rapids, MI
Frank Desiderio, C.S.P.
Katherine Murphy Mertzlufft
Columbus, OH
Joe Scott, CSP
David Rooney
Chicago, IL
Mary Sullivan
Boston, MA
I believe that I am drawn by the Holy Spirit to the spirituality and qualities of the Paulist Community. I have discerned both by prayer and study that God calls me to become associated with the Paulists. I promise that I will pray for the works of the Paulist Society, meet with others, who are also members of the Paulist Associates, for spiritual sharing and formation; and I seek to embody the apostolic qualities of the Paulists in my daily life.
Attentive to the Holy Spirit and faithful to the example of St. Paul and the charism of Father Isaac Hecker, I commit myself for one year of membership in the Paulist Associates.