The Good Catholic Life

Today’s topics: Evangelii Gaudium on Parish-based Evangelization Summary of today’s show: Pope Francis has outlined a comprehensive vision for evangelization in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O’Connell are joined by Fr. Paul Soper and Dan Cellucci to discuss one portion of that vision that deals with evangelization within the context of a parish, including how a parish can evangelize as a community, but also how individuals within that parish can walk together with others who are also on the journey of life. Listen to the show: Dan Cellucci and Fr. Paul Soper Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O’Connell Today’s guest(s): Links from today’s show: Disciples in Mission Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaduium (“Jof of the Word”) Excerpted passages from Evangelii Gaudium: 28. The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can assume quite different contours depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community. While certainly not the only institution which evangelizes, if the parish proves capable of self-renewal and constant adaptivity, it continues to be “the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters”.[26] This presumes that it really is in contact with the homes and the lives of its people, and does not become a useless structure out of touch with people or a self-absorbed group made up of a chosen few. The parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration.[27] In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers.[28] It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre of constant missionary outreach. We must admit, though, that the call to review and renew our parishes has not yet sufficed to bring them nearer to people, to make them environments of living communion and participation, and to make them completely mission-oriented. 33. Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way”. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities. A proposal of goals without an adequate communal search for the means of achieving them will inevitably prove illusory. I encourage everyone to apply the guidelines found in this document generously and courageously, without inhibitions or fear. The important thing is to not walk alone, but to rely on each other as brothers and sisters, and especially under the leadership of the bishops, in a wise and realistic pastoral discernment. 169. In a culture paradoxically suffering from anonymity and at the same time obsessed with the details of other people’s lives, shamelessly given over to morbid curiosity, the Church must look more closely and sympathetically at others whenever necessary. In our world, ordained ministers and other pastoral workers can make present the fragrance of Christ’s closeness and his personal gaze. The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this “art of accompaniment” which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. Ex 3:5). The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life. 170. Although it sounds obvious, spiritual accompaniment must lead others ever closer to God, in whom we attain true freedom. Some people think they are free if they can avoid God; they fail to see that they remain existentially orphaned, helpless, homeless. They cease being pilgrims and become drifters, flitting around themselves and never getting anywhere. To accompany them would be counterproductive if it became a sort of therapy supporting their self-absorption and ceased to be a pilgrimage with Christ to the Father. 171. Today more than ever we need men and women who, on the basis of their experience of accompanying others, are familiar with processes which call for prudence, understanding, patience and docility to the Spirit, so that they can protect the sheep from wolves who would scatter the flock. We need to practice the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing. Listening, in communication, is an openness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. Listening helps us to find the right gesture and word which shows that we are more than simply bystanders. Only through such respectful and compassionate listening can we enter on the paths of true growth and awaken a yearning for the Christian ideal: the desire to respond fully to God’s love and to bring to fruition what he has sown in our lives. But this always demands the patience of one who knows full well what Saint Thomas Aquinas tells us: that anyone can have grace and charity, and yet falter in the exercise of the virtues because of persistent “contrary inclinations”.[133] In other words, the organic unity of the virtues always and necessarily exists in habitu, even though forms of conditioning can hinder the operations of those virtuous habits. Hence the need for “a pedagogy which will introduce people step by step to the full appropriation of the mystery”.[134] Reaching a level of maturity where individuals can make truly free and responsible decisions calls for much time and patience. As Blessed Peter Faber used to say: “Time is God’s messenger”.

Today’s topics: Person of the Year, Joy of evangelizing, Catholic health care, Trappistine solar power Summary of today’s show: Our usual Thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, Gregory Tracy, and Fr. Roger Landry look at the headlines of the week, including Pope Francis being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year; Pope Francis’ dream of missionary transformation and the joy of evangelizing; a lawsuit by the ACLU against the US bishops for holding hospitals to Catholic ethical and moral standards; and a Trappistine abbey sets up a solar power farm to power the town of Franklin. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today’s guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today’s show: The Anchor The Pilot Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot’s and The Anchor’s websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. “Pope Francis is third pope to win Time’s Person of the Year honor”, Catholic News Service, 12/12/13 Pope Francis as Time Man of the Year, Aleteia Interview, December 11, 2013 via Aleteia Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel), Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis “Pope Francis’ Dream of the Missionary Transformation of the Church, The Anchor, December 13, 2013”, CatholicPreaching.com “The joy of evangelizing”, Fr. Robert Barron, Catholic News Agency, 12/6/13 “USCCB president says ACLU lawsuit over directives ‘baseless, misguided’”, Catholic News Service, 12/9/13 Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services “Ethicist sees ‘informed consent’ at issue in ACLU suit, not directives”, Catholic News Service, 12/9/13 Mount Saint Mary Abbey, Wrentham Trappistine Candy

Today’s topics: Parish Director of Evangelization Summary of today’s show: Patrick Krisak may be the only parish evangelization director in the Archdiocese of Boston and he joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chip Hines to discuss his ministry in the collaborative parishes in Beverly; his background growing up in New Jersey and previous ministry in parishes in the Diocese of Arlington; and the challenges and opportunities of ministering in one of the first of the parish collaboratives being organized under the Disciples in Mission pastoral plan. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chip Hines Today’s guest(s): Patrick Krisak, Director for Evangelization for the Catholic Parishes of Beverly Links from today’s show: Catholic Parishes of Beverly

Today’s topics: Priest Profile: Fr. Sean Maher Summary of today’s show: Fr. Sean Maher grew up in Ireland, but came to the US as an adult and entered St. John’s Seminary. Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor welcome Fr. Maher to talk about growing up in Ireland, how he came to the US, why he decided to become a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, and the international Emmanuel Community that he’s a part of. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor Today’s guest(s): Fr. Sean Maher Links from today’s show: St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish Emmanuel Community - International Emmanuel Community - North America Emmanuel School of Mission - Rome “He Leadeth Me” by Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J.

Today’s topics: “Pope Francis: Our Brother, Our Friend” Summary of today’s show: When he was elected pope, Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio of Buenos Aires became a subject of intense interest throughout the world as we all wondered who is this Jesuit who is now the first pope from the New World. Alejandro Bermudez joins Scot Landry to discuss his new book “Pope Francis: Our Brother, Our Friend” in which he gathered essays from Jesuit conferes and others of the Pope written shortly after his election, relating their reflections on the person of the Pope from their experiences ranging from his earliest days in the Society of Jesus to his time as Archbishop. The interviews provide a glimpse into the man, his family background, his personality, his simplicity, his authenticity, his preference for the poor, and his desire for the Church to go out into the streets. Alejandro Bermúdez, born in Lima, Perú, is the Director of the largest Catholic news Agency in Spanish, ACI-Prensa, and the Executive Director of the Catholic News Agency. He is the host of the show “Cara a Cara” on EWTN in Spanish, and has been a guest commentator on religious issues for the New York Times. He translated Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio’s book, On Heaven and Earth, into English. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry Today’s guest(s): Alejandro Bermudez Links from today’s show: Catholic News Agency ACI Prensa “Pope Francis: Our Brother, Our Friend” “On Heaven and Earth” Novena to Mary, Undoers of Knots

Today’s topics: 2013 Cheverus Awards Summary of today’s show: Each year for the past six years, Cardinal Seán has recognized outstanding laypeople, religious and deacons from the Archdiocese of Boston through the Cheverus Awards, most of them nominated by their pastors. The recipients have served their parish well over an extended period of time and have done so in a quiet, unassuming and, perhaps, unrecognized fashion. Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O’Connell welcome three representative recipients to discuss their experience receiving their awards and their pastors on why they were chosen and the life of service they have each given. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Mark O’Connell Today’s guest(s): Judy Haglof, Nancy White, Fr. John Ronaghan, Eleanor McFarland, Fr. John Carmichael, Doris Thompson, and Fr. Paul Ring Links from today’s show: Cheverus Awards on BostonCatholic.org The Cheverus medal Bishop Jean-Louis Cheverus

Today’s topics: Evangelii Gaudium, Vatican Commission on Sex Abuse Summary of today’s show: Our usual Thursday panel of Scot Landry, Susan Abbott, Gregory Tracy, and Fr. Roger Landry look at the headlines of the past couple of weeks, including Evangelii Gaudium and its reception and the formation of a Vatican commission on a pastoral response to sex abuse of children as proposed by the Council of Cardinals. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Susan Abbott Today’s guest(s): Gregory Tracy, managing editor of the Pilot, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, and Fr. Roger Landry, pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River Links from today’s show: The Anchor The Pilot Some of the stories discussed on this show will be available on The Pilot’s and The Anchor’s websites on Friday morning. Please check those sites for the latest links. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium “In document, pope lays out his vision for an evangelical church”, Catholic News Service, 11/26/13 “Pope frames vision for church outreach at every level”, Catholic News Service, 11/26/13 “Reading, Practicing and Spreading the Joy of the Gospel, The Anchor, December 6, 2013”, Fr. Roger Landry, CatholicPreaching.com “Pope, cardinal council begin work on reorganizing Roman Curia”, Catholic News Service, 12/4/13 “Pope to set up advisory commission on sexual abuse”, Catholic News Service, 12/5/13

Today’s topics: Prison Ministry Summary of today’s show: The season of Advent is a time of hope and repentance and is a perfect time to discuss the ministry of prison chaplains, who live out Christ’s command to visit the imprisoned. Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor welcome Ruth Raichle, who recently completed 35 years in prison ministry, and Gary Stewart, who was incarcerated for 22 years and was the beneficiary of that ministry. They described the breadth of the ministry including participating in the effort for the beatification of Fr. Jean Joseph Lataste, OP; the work of Bethany House which provides support to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families by operating a thrift store, giving them jobs, and managing volunteer ministry programs in men’s and women’s prisons. Gary also describes his 22 years in prison and how the relentless invitation to attend a Cursillo retreat weekend changed his life and his outlook. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor Today’s guest(s): Ruth Raichle and Gary Stewart Links from today’s show: Archdiocese of Boston Prison Ministry Bethany House Ministries

Today’s topics: Sacred Scripture and Advent Summary of today’s show: As we begin the season of Advent, Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor are on location at St. John’s Seminary to talk with Fr. Joseph Briody to discuss Scripture and his doctorate in Sacred Scripture, his work on the Vox Clara commission, his study of the letters of St. Paul in Scripture, how to read the Bible, and how to approach Advent. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O’Connor Today’s guest(s): Fr. Joseph Briody Links from today’s show: St. John’s Seminary

Today’s topics: Alvaro Vega, the Hip Hop Seminarian Summary of today’s show: Alvaro Vega is a second-year seminarian in the Archdiocese of Miami, but he’s also an aspiring hip-hop musician who believes that God is calling him both to the priesthood and use music in his ministry. Alvaro joins Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams to discuss how he came to discern his vocation to the priesthood and how music played a role in that, as well as his new song called iBelieve, which he composed in Spanish and translated to English. Listen to the show: Subscribe for free in iTunes Today’s host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams Today’s guest(s): Alvaro Vega, a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Miami Links from today’s show: Office for the New Evangelization of Youth and Young Adults The God of This City Tour Communion Hip-Hop Facebook Page Buy the song on iTunes Communion - iBelieve (music video) “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas a Kempis Jack Shaughnessy Sr. I believe in God, the Lord, the Almighty Who embraces the leper of society Gives sight to the blind with clay that He’s spit in, And says, ‘Rise and walk, your sins are forgiven’ I believe our mission is to care for the homeless And bring the Good news to all of the hopeless It’s our responsibility, not merely sage advice In every poor person is the face of Christ I believe in the One who gave His life on the cross And redeemed humanity without counting the cost I believe in the Bible and every word that’s written And in the Magisterium and Catholic Tradition I believe in Jesus who frees us from all diseases, The One who came to teach us the love thy neighbor thesis, The One who came to frees us and redeem us from our sins, If you love Jesus put your hands up in the air and sing: CHORUS I believe that Jesus is the Way For a better tomorrow and today Throw your hands up in the air and lift your voice And say, ‘I believe in Jesus and rejoice’ 2nd Verse I believe in you and me and in all humanity I believe in G.O.D., maker of the galaxy I believe this human race can start to see better days If we only place our faith in the Lord and change our ways But, let me tell you what I don’t believe in I don’t believe in atheism as a valid reason I don’t believe in the redefinition of marriage I don’t believe in the right through with millions have perished Babies are killed before reaching the carriage Moral values nowadays are being disparaged I believe that only love could overcome hatred And bring us to respect human life which is sacred I believe we need to feed the poor and clothe the naked ‘cause a life lived without loving is wasted I believe that only Jesus could wipe away our sorrow And heal the world for a better tomorrow CHORUS 3rd Verse Man deciding for himself right and wrong is nonsense I believe in the law written in our conscience I believe in the return of Christ in glory and power Stay awake, ‘cause we know neither the day nor the hour Persevere in prayer and always be watchful And labor for the Gospel like an apostle I believe through Christ all things are possible We could conquer evil and every obstacle To make the world a better place for the human race Every nation giving God thanksgiving and praise Each man reflecting Christ in his face With an undying charity and love that is chaste Man is a pilgrim on the journey of life Who only finds his purpose in Christ May the good Lord shine on us with His smile And help us get to heaven with the heart of a child CHORUS (x3)