The Associates World: May 2019

May 6, 2019

Perfect for printing: Download this issue in PDF format


Table of Contents

Issue No. 41


A Diocesan Deacon Journeys with Hecker

1_deacondolanBy Deacon Dennis F. Dolan (diocese of Norwich CT and Paulist Deacon Affiliate)

Holy Spirit, Depth of God, I adore you living in the depth of me.
Make me attentive and responsive to your promptings
that I may continue the mission of Jesus for the Reign of God
in my own time and place.

Flow through me, my Advocate and Comforter!
Give me Purity of Heart
That I may abandon myself to you.
Give me Final Perseverance that I may always walk only in your light until that day when I walk into your eternal dawn.
Amen.”

I first met Isaac Hecker in 1971 when I contacted the Paulist Vocation Director Father Don Campbell, CSP.  In the package he sent was a paperback Isaac Hecker and His Friends. From that time on, I was “hooked on Hecker”.
Since I was a college student, the Paulists told me I had to wait until I finished college before joining them. Of course, my diocesan priests challenged me to give the diocesan seminary a try. I did and decided the Holy Spirit was calling me elsewhere even though I had no idea where or how.

As it turned out, I have been involved in full time ministry since then as a layman and for the past 26 years as a deacon. In all that time, I was “hooked on Hecker”.

Being left to my own devices, over the years I read everything I could find written by or about Father Hecker as I tried to understand him in more depth. Eventually, it turned into a kind of “reverse engineering” project.
I read the saints who influenced him. I read the books he read as well as whatever books and articles written about him that I could find.
Especially helpful in understanding his spirituality of the Holy Spirit was Father Louis Lallemant’s, SJ book Spiritual Doctrine (originally published in 1694).  That, you may recall, is the book Isaac found during his novitiate that he told his Novice Master, “It solves all my problems.” Much of his spirituality and vision for the Paulists is right there in plain sight. (Lallemant’s book is currently available on Amazon)

In order for me to move beyond the head into a fuller lived acquisition of the Hecker/Lallemant spirituality, I created the prayer above. I have found the prayer helpful because, like a good Mission Statement, it is portable.
I recite it daily to keep the key elements of Father Hecker’s spirituality before me. I also use it as a meditation, a kind of “Heckerian Examen”. I will daily take one of the sentences of the prayer and examine how well I’m implementing it. I will keep that piece in mind throughout the day. (e.g. Awareness of the Indwelling Spirit throughout my day.)
You will no doubt recognize the ideas in this prayer. Some of the ideas are in Hecker’s wording, some in Lallemant’s, some in mine. There is also just a dash of more recent Holy Spirit theology that appeals to me.
Get the Holy Spirit. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Do what the Holy Spirit inspires you to do.
That is the heart of Hecker’s spirituality. After that, we are free to choose any method of prayer, meditation or practice of virtue that appeals to us from the great buffet of Catholic spirituality. This will be different for each of us but that too will be a leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Purity of Heart” is the key approach for being able to respond to the Holy Spirit according to Lallemant. He considers it the quickest way to remove the obstacles that we put in God’s way. Lallemant’s premise is that God is not holding back. He is already now showering us with his graces. It is we who prevent our reception of them by blocking them.
Here are Father Lallemant’s practical steps (in my words) to attain purity of heart. These too are frequently part of my Heckerian Examen:

  • Note all venial sins and correct them.
  • Observe the disorderly movements of the heart and amend them.
  • Keep watch over the thoughts and regulate them.
  • Pay attention and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
  • Do all of these calmly and with great love for and in imitation of Jesus. (The Spiritual Doctrine of Father Louis Lallemant, SJ)

In a time like ours where young people highly value individuality and inclusion, I believe this spirituality’s time has come again. It fosters the uniqueness of all its practitioners while requiring them to respect the uniqueness of others.
All of us Heckerians should make efforts to make this American spirituality better known and loved. I have no doubt that it would forward the mission of evangelization. I also think that having an understanding of and accepting that the same Spirit guides individuals differently may go along way to curing the current polarization within the Church.
For what it’s worth, I share this little approach with you during this Bicentennial. I offer it in honor of the man who gave me an American mission and a spirituality of liberty that I could grow with over these past 48 years of ministry: a mission and a spirituality that point the way to the future where the Holy Spirit is beckoning us.

Happy Birthday, Father Hecker!

Note: The phrase in the prayer “carry out the mission…” is inclusive of both Hecker and Lallemant’s focus on “zeal for souls” and  ”own time and place” Hecker’s famous St. Joseph Sermon on the laity.


Jesus, in His Passion, sees the reality beyond the moment

2_deaconbillyA homily preached by Paulist Deacon Affiliate Billy Atkins at St. Austin Parish this Palm Sunday.

As human beings, we tend to live in the moment. Whatever is in front of us at any given time tends to be our focus and to capture our attention.

At the beginning of Mass, we all shared in the joyous, triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem by waving our palm branches high and praising God with our voices.

But now, our focus is different, the joy is gone and the last thing we feel is triumph or victory. If Jesus were only a human, he might feel the same way. But fortunately for us, Jesus is not only human, he’s also divine.

Thanks to his divinity, Jesus is not only present in each moment but he also transcends all concept we have of time and is able to see past the events immediately in front of him to any given future moment of time.

Jesus is not merely focused on the meal he shares with the apostles at the beginning of our Passion reading, but he see’s past that and is present at every Eucharist that has been or ever will be shared by the faithful.

Jesus doesn’t focus just on the betrayal of Judas who eats with him and then brings the crowd to arrest him with a kiss. Instead, Jesus reaches out and brings healing to the servant whose ear was cut off.

Jesus doesn’t focus on the disciples who argue about who is the greatest, nor does he brood about how they fell asleep at the Mount of Olives while he was praying. He sees past these disappointments to the faith they would spread throughout the world and the church they would help build.

Jesus doesn’t focus on Peter’s denial and abandonment. He sees past Peter’s human imperfections and sees instead the church that Peter and his successors would lead.

Jesus doesn’t focus on his accusers and persecutors. He sees past the political gamesmanship Herod and Pilate are playing. He sees past the elders, chief priests and scribes who worked up the mob against him. He sees past the mob who forsakes him and calls instead for the release of the murderer Barabbas.

He sees past all this and out of compassion, while hanging on the cross, calls out and says: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”  Finally, to the criminal next to him, Jesus doesn’t focus on the crimes he’s being punished for but instead, he sees the sincere repentance offered and in a profound act of reconciliation assures him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
During this season of Lent, and throughout our lives in general, there may have been times when we’ve said or done something that betrayed Jesus, denied Jesus or even abandoned Jesus. But, in recalling those times, we have to remember that Jesus sees past all that. As we enter into Holy Week let us truly focus on what’s before us.

Let’s focus on the healing, the compassion, and the forgiveness Christ offers us all and let’s try and make ourselves worthy of these gifts as we prepare for our Easter celebration by offering the same gifts to all those we encounter.


Chicago’s Associates create Hecker coloring book for kids

By Levita Anderson, Chicago Paulist Associate

Amy Tracy and Dorothy O’Malley
Amy Tracy and Dorothy O’Malley
Kathleen Dragan
Kathleen Dragan

On December 18, 2018, Old St. Mary’s Church celebrated Father Hecker’s birthday after our student Christmas program with cake and the launching of “All Are Welcome: A Father Isaac Hecker Story.”

The Paulist Associates wanted a children’s book that explained who Father Isaac Hecker was and why he is important to the Paulist. We felt that our parish children and their families really didn’t understand who he is and why we are petitioning him to become a saint.  Therefore, Dorothy O’Malley took the initiative and found people in the parish who could write, illustrate, and publish the book.
We had three parishioners who committed to this task: Kathleen Dragan wrote the story; Jack Marrinson illustrated the book; and Amy Tracy printed the final copy.

At the launch of the coloring book, Kathleen signed copies of the book for excited parents who looked forward to sharing it with their children. She also answered any questions the parents had about Father Hecker in order to educate them about why there is currently a petition for him to be a saint.

In 2019, copies of the coloring book were sent to Old St. Mary’s school to be given to each student in grades K-8.  Jeanne Boyle, Dorothy O’Malley’s daughter, created a lesson plan for the coloring book for the teachers to use with the book.
Our final goal is to have the book available to other Paulist Associates to share with their parishioners and their families.

The following dedication is included in the book: “Read and learn about the founder of the Paulists, be creative and reflective while coloring these pages, and seek a deeper connection with our Lord through the life of His servant, Father Hecker. May God’s blessing be upon you always

Figure 3: Images from the Hecker Coloring book
Images from the Hecker Coloring book

Upcoming Paulist Pilgrimages

 

Paulist Associates National Retreat – July 22-26

lake_george
The retreat will explore St. Paul’s call to all of us to be ambassadors/ministers of reconciliation. Presenters will reflect on this theme in the time of Hecker, in our current society, and in our personal lives.

God…through Christ has given us the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor 18)
Check in Monday afternoon July 22   – Check out after lunch on Friday, July 26
 
Daily schedule includes:
  • breakfast, morning prayer, session, and mass
  • liturgy, lunch, free time in the afternoons;
  • dinner and optional evening events.

Monday, July 22 Mike Kallock, CSP
Setting the Retreat, reflection on 2 Cor 17-20

Tuesday, July 23 Paul Robichaud , CSP
Issues of reconciliation in the life and times of Isaac Hecker

Wednesday. July 24 Frank DeSiano, CSP
Reconciliation in our current church, society, and politics

Thursday, July 25 Steven Bell CSP
Being reconcilers in our personal lives

Friday, July 26
Wrap up, closing service

St. Mary’s of the Lake
The summer home of the Paulist Fathers
3535 State Road 9L, Lake George, NY 12845

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Registration Information for the Retreat for Paulist Associates in 2019

Registration $450.

Space is limited to 30 people, which includes all Associates and guests. Thus, we are limiting the registration to current Associates (those who have taken their first promise or renewed their promise within the last 12 months) and an Associate’s spouse and/or health aide. Each guest is required to submit a registration form as well.

This registration fee includes room and meals, beginning in the afternoon on Monday, July 22 through lunch on Friday, July 26. Linens and towels are provided.

A $200 deposit is due at time of registration; full payment is due by June 15, 2019. Full refunds are available until June 15, 2019. (Another option is to pay the entire fee when you register.) A $200 deposit for a guest is also required at the time of registration.

Guests (spouses and/or health aides) are welcome to participate in the social activities, meals, and liturgies. We are reserving the sessions for Associates only.

Morning prayer and sessions are held after breakfast. Liturgy follows the sessions and then lunch. Afternoons are free time. There are optional evening events following dinner.

The property includes lakefront where individuals can swim. The dock is a great place for seeing fireworks. There are walking paths, outdoor seating, and a screened porch. The grounds do have a few hills, including a steep incline towards the chapel and dining hall. Also note that the main building (the Students House) is two floors, and there is no elevator.

 
TO REGISTER:

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Fr. Mike at [email protected]

Space is limited to 30 people, which includes all Associates and guests. Thus, we are limiting the registration to current Associates (those who have taken their first promise or renewed their promise within the last 12 months) and an Associate’s spouse and/or health aide. Each guest is required to submit a registration form as well.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2019

Cost for the retreat is $450.00.

Deposit of $200.00 is due at time of registration (may pay full fee at this time).

Balance is due by June 15, 2019.

Full refund is available for cancellations prior to June 15, 2019.

 

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.

 

St. Jerome called the Holy Land “The Fifth Gospel.” Today, many people say that to visit the Holy Land is to see the Bible in color, in 3D, or in high definition. Come with Paulist Fr. Rich Andre and Mr. Sergio Pellicano to experience the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in new and powerful ways! We will have Mass every day, including in many of the holiest sites of Christianity. A secondary focus of our pilgrimage will be getting to know the various peoples currently living in the Holy Land.

We will spend our first six days in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.(Click here to download the itinerary and registration packet.)

 

An 11-day pilgrimage with Paulist Father Thomas A. Kane on an unforgettable pilgrimage to Eastern Europe. See the once-a-decade performance of the world-famous Oberammergau passion play and explore the breathtaking cities of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. Register online at: https://paulist.org/pilgrimages/eastern-europe/

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I invite you to join us on our Splendors of Eastern Europe and Oberammergau pilgrimage with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the world famous Passion Play in 2020. The villagers of Oberammergau first performed the play in 1634 in fulfillment of their promise to God for sparing them from the Black Plague, and it has been presented there every ten years since then.

Our journey will take us to some of Europe’s most interesting countries including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and Germany. The scenery is absolutely spectacular as we travel through the plains and valleys of the magnificent Eastern European countryside. The points of interest are very diverse, spotlighting historical places and natural wonders. We will also celebrate the liturgy in some wonderful churches along the way.

In addition to our time in Oberammergau, we will have the opportunity to enjoy visits to Prague, the beautiful 1,000-year-old capital of the Czech Republic; Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital on the Danube River; Vienna, Austria’s elegant city with an old world ambience and a rich musical heritage; and Munich, the capital of Bavaria.

The price of our tour includes roundtrip airfare, first class/select hotels and guesthouses in Oberammergau, most meals, first class admission tickets for the Passion Play, the services of a professional tour director and sightseeing in a deluxe motorcoach.


Reflections from Holy Week/Triduum

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We are delighted with the response and because of the tremendous response we will try to include a few in each of the future monthly Newsletters

Lisa Wellik, LA Associate –  St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Community, Los Angeles: I am both a Paulist Associate and RCIA team member, so the Rites of Initiation at the Easter Vigil are a high point for me. For the second consecutive year, students served by the Paulists at the University Catholic Center (UCC) at UCLA were among the group of elect and candidates for initiation at the St. Paul¹s Vigil. This was also the first Triduum with our new Pastor, Rev. Gilbert Martinez, CSP. I was thrilled to see how Fr. Gil celebrates Sacraments of Initiation! His warm and kind interaction with each initiate was so moving to witness. Before the Vigil, one UCC candidate named Steve was particularly anxious about his Confirmation. However, just before Fr. Gil anointed him, Steve had the most serene and happy expression on his face, (as you can see in this photo). It was amazing to see the transformation and I felt the Holy Spirit was truly present in that moment.

Donald Sommese, Boston Associate – We walked the outdoor Stations of the Cross.  The weather was overcast and gloomy with a threat of rain.  There was a certain beauty to the gloom:  Christ showing us the way to Paradise.  Not a Paradise in some distant time and place, but a Paradise here and now for us.As Cheryl and I walked and prayed quietly, I was moved by the sense of community Christ experienced:  a glass of water shared, words of encouragement given.  And then I saw interestingly, that my wife and I were, in a sense, a small community.  Walking and praying together, loving in silence.  Speaking to God in a language not defined by words or our human senses.  But a reality encased in the harmony of our eternal relationship to God and the Christ.  That too is the Paulist Way.

Katherine Murphy Mertzlufft, Columbus Associate  – Holy Week Reflection: In it’s fullness. Holy Week began for me with an invitation extended by Paulist Fr. Charlie Donahue in his Palm Sunday homily. Rather than rushing from Palm Sunday right into Easter as if, in our familiarity with the story, we think we know the whole story, he suggested entering fully into the events, feelings, and movement of each day of Holy Week. I heard that as an invitation to walk in solidarity with Jesus’s journey from his ‘Hosannah” welcome into Jerusalem to the Easter “Alleluia’ as His mission as Son of the Father, the Christ resurrected, became clear and complete. Journeying through Holy Week being present to the experiences of each day as they unfolded gave me a deeper sense of connection to the Living Word.

Palm Sunday for the crowds would be jubilant and filled with great expectations for this Messiah, Jesus thought to be entering into his reign. How different it is now though knowing the “rest of the story” of a Kingdom that is now and not yet. I too am aware of how things: plans, expectations, life can turn around in a second or turn out to be not at all what it seems at first glance.

Then the frustration, even anger expressed on Monday as the outraged Jesus confronts the degradation of the temple. It puts me in touch with how discouraging, disappointing , enraging it is when what is sacred is profaned in any way. Sadly, travesty abounds in all sectors and everywhere around me. How do I confront? On Tuesday conversely we touch into the compassionate patience of Jesus as he tries (one more time) to prepare the disciples for what is ahead for them (and for us). Following Him is not an easy task for anyone /everyone who is called to discipleship. Am I really up to it or do I just think I am?

And then the waiting of Wednesday…liminal space that must have seemed as if time was standing still. An eternity was/is at stake after all.

Wait I must! Awake and alert!

Thursday brings the utter finality, the stark reality of Jesus sharing his last meal with his friends and yet still and always teaching by example even as far as to wash feet. In the feet washing ritual of Holy Thursday, I witnessed a sweet little girl, probably about 10 years old washing her Dad’s feet with such care and tenderness that it etched an indelible image in my heart.

Friday, the journey to Calvary, Jesus’ journey of betrayal, bewilderment, unspeakable suffering beyond all comprehension and even more so beyond my comprehension that he would remain none the less loving and forgiving showing no discrimination between friend or enemy. I watched in awe as throngs of the faithful: the “all are welcome,” bowed, knelt, held,, kissed, were helped, to reverence the Cross as I (we ) sang “Were you There”?

Saturday, like the tomb itself: barren stillness, an emptiness that invites us inward to the hollow tomblike space in our hearts as we pause in darkness. All is naked, silent, mourning, waiting. And then the fire: Christ is our light! A new or renewed realization and confirmation that Christ IS our light. Even as I shrink in awe and wonder of it all the finale provides a new beginning. He is alive! He is alive!
…sung, shouted from the “rafters” over and over. Alleluia!

Can I keep him alive?

Living fully into our own experiences as Jesus did is to allow ourselves to be transformed with him and through him. It is a gift I am reminded of over and over in a variety of ways by our Paulist Fathers and Associates who provide living testimony to the Living Word. We can be an Easter people when we live into the fullness of the present whether that present is jubilant, challenging, disappointing, empty, painful, sorrowful, or joyful!

Peg Hart, Knoxville Associate. – Good Friday was special for me in Knoxville. I attended “The Seven Last Words “ which was a ecumenical prayer service presented at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville,TN.  Presenters were representing seven neighboring churches—Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, First Church of God, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of the Ascension and our Catholic Church.

It was a time to reflect and pray made more meaningful with our Christian neighbors   Just as 2000 years ago, we come from different walks of life, different places, different faiths and we find our oneness in Christ. The music was especially moving as the choir led the congregation in prayerful song. All the music ministers from the participating churches gave a choral meditation that was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. The song was entitled “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross “. The service ended with all of us reciting the Lord’s Prayer followed by  benediction and the recessional, “Were You There “

Peggy Lavoie, Boston Associate – Good Friday has always been an emotional experience for me, but I still was not really prepared for my reaction to this year’s service.  Due to some medical issues, several hospital stays, surgeries, and stays in rehabilitation centers, I had not been able to go to church for over seven months. 

Arriving at the Paulist Center in Boston, I was filled with gratitude for being able to attend and share this most sacred day with fellow Associates and other community members. 

Approaching the altar to receive Communion, I found myself trembling and with tears welling up. While a dear friend and fellow Associate had brought me Communion during my long absence, there was something almost overwhelming about once again approaching the Table to receive the Body of Christ.

I had no idea just how much I had missed this personal contact. Back at my seat, I quietly shed some tears of joy and said some prayers of Thanksgiving that I was, once again, able to reply to God’s invitation to “Come to the table “.


Proposed Program for This Month

 (It is strongly suggested during the Bicentennial Year of Hecker’s Birth that all groups follow the basic theme for the designated month.)

Submitted by Mary Sullivan, Paulist Associate (Boston)/Board Member

Theme: The Church in the (Modern) Age

Opening Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.  Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.  And you shall renew the face of the earth.  O God, who, by the light of the Holy Spirit, instructed the hearts of the faithful, grant that, by the same Spirit, we may know what is right and always rejoice in the Spirit’s consolation, through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Reading (in advance of the meeting)

It may be fair to say that most Paulists and Paulist Associates are able to say the above Opening Prayer by heart.  We profess to be “attentive to the Holy Spirit”.  The Holy Spirit is our advocate, our Paraclete, the One who is with us in our (modern) world.  Isaac Hecker believed that his whole life was supported by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  

Yet, in our modern age, is the Holy Spirit really our “go to” member of the Trinity?  As followers of Isaac Hecker, the favored answer would likely be “yes” but aren’t many of our personal prayers raised (almost automatically) to the other two members of the Trinity?  And how does the Church in our “Modern Age” see the Holy Spirit (and note that all generations believe that their age is the “modern” one).

Daniel P. Horan, OFM, offers some thoughts on this via an article that appeared in the National Catholic Reporter on March 20, 2019 entitled, “The Church is Suffering from Holy Spirit Atheism”.  Horan, who is an assistant professor of systematic theology and spirituality at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, has been a guest on the Busted Halo radio show with Dave Dwyer CSP.  [The entire article is worth reading if you have access to the National Catholic Reporter on line.]  Below are some random excerpts:

“…If, as we profess, the Church was birthed at Pentecost with the sending of the Spirit, then the ongoing presence and action of the Holy Spirit should be the founding principle of how we think of the church.”

“ … the contemporary fear over frank conversations about doctrine and church discipline hints at an underdeveloped or nonexistent faith in the Holy Spirit.  Such seems to be the case with those who scream schism or invoke ‘heresy’ at the prospect of discussion about the discipline of presbyteral celibacy or the role of women in the Roman Church, such as the German bishops have recently suggested.  It seems to me that this sort of call reflects a deep trust in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, which unites together all the baptized and continues to be giver of the church’s life.  Those afraid of it appear to forget about the Spirit’s existence or role.”

“We would do well to remember that it is not simply up to us and should instead adore and glorify the Holy Spirit by recognizing God’s continued presence and action in the world, even if that action is not exactly what you may personally want or desire.  Let us begin again to believe in the Holy Spirit, who has indeed spoken through the prophets and continues to do so today.”

Conversation Catalysts:  

  1. Do you agree that there is an actual “Holy Spirit atheism” in our “Modern Age”.  Why or why not?  Does it matter?
  2. Isaac Hecker was a charismatic preacher and writer ho held the attention of his audiences because he presented ancient truths in new and understandable ways.  He saw the “signs of the times” and looked to the Holy Spirit for guidance in and interpreting these signs so others might benefit.  What are some “signs of the times” in our Modern Age?  How are we (or are we) recognizing and interpreting them?  Are we paying attention to how the Holy Spirit might be involved? 
  3. Do you think Isaac Hecker would be discouraged by Horan’s article or do you believe that he might see it as an opportunity?  Why?
  4. Hecker believed that the same Holy Spirit who is working within the individual is also working within the Church and the results should be the same.  Would he say that now, despite the current polarization (i) between people of presumed faith and good will and (ii) between individuals and the institutional Church?
  5. Hecker had success in drawing in people who had had no previous connection with the Catholic Church.  He made it attractive. Today, the challenges seem very different.  How do you think he would try to make the Church (and even the Holy Spirit) attractive to those who have walked away?  Would he believe it was even possible?

News/Announcements:

Closing Prayer:
Holy Spirit, we pray to you for your holy Catholic Church.
Fill it with your truth.
Keep it in your peace.
Where it is corrupt, reform it.
Where it is in error, correct it.
Where it is right, defend it.
Where it is in want, provide for it.
Where it is divided, reunite it.

For the sake of our savior, Jesus Christ.

 


Consider submitting an article for inclusion in an upcoming issue of The Associates World

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.


 Prayer for the Intercession of Father Isaac T. Hecker

hecker-assoc-18Heavenly 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.


Contacts

Paulist Associates Web Site

Find us on Facebook

Paulist Associates National Director

Mike Kallock, CSP
Paulist General Office
New York, NY 10023

Board Members

Carol Wagner Williams
Tuscon, AZ

Frank Desiderio, C.S.P.

Katherine Murphy Mertzlufft
Columbus, OH

Joe Scott, CSP

David Rooney
Chicago, IL

Mary Sullivan
Boston, MA


Paulist Associates Promise:

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.