Newman Center Hosts 'Theology of the Body'

Clipped this from the bulletin of the UW Catholic Newman Center. Starts Wednesday, April 18.

Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm we will be hosting Theology of the Body, a series by Christopher West. For those of you who are not familiar with Christopher West, he is a well known speaker, who promotes Catholic teaching on life and love, especially as given to us by Pope John Paul II in his "theology of the body." He is one of the most sought after speakers in the Church today. In the 8 week series we'll deepen our understanding of God's plan for marriage and human sexuality. It will be run by Michaeland Liz of the Education committee and we'll be watching talks by Christopher West then discussing what we think about them. We hope to see you there!

UW Catholic Newman Center is located at 4502 20th Ave NE, Seattle 98105. Phone 206.527.5072.

Dean Brackley, S.J., Speaks at SU

Magis presents An Alumni Evening & Dinner with Dean Brackley, S.J., Tuesday, April 17, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Casey Commons at Seattle University. Here's the info from the Magis website.

Dean Brackley, S.J. is a professor at the University of Central America, San Salvador and author of The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times: New Perspectives on the Transformative Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola.

Brackley reintroduces us to Christianity as a lived experience, rather than a set of doctrines. In these times of spreading violence, poverty, and environmental crisis, Brackley points us beyond paralyzing fear to inner freedom, hope, and constructive response.

After the 1989 murders of the Jesuits in El Salvador, he relocated from the United States to El Salvador to continue the ministry of the Jesuit martyrs. He has also been instrumental in the development of Santa Clara University's CASA program. Sponsored by Office of Jesuit Identity and Magis: Alumni Committed for Mission.

There was an RSVP by April 12, but you can still drop by for the talk. For more information, call the Magis Office at 206.296.2637.

Faith, Justice, Film, Dialogue This Weekend

Here's the 411 on the film, faith and justice forum happening this weekend. Clipped this article from the FFJ website.

Film, Faith and Justice is a landmark, weekend long event in Seattle that looks at current issues of social justice and faith through film and dialogue.

As host to the internationally respected Human Rights Watch Traveling Film Festival, the weekend will engage in substantive conversations regarding the role of faith in contemporary issues of injustice.

Film, Faith and Justice is hosted by the online theology and arts journal, The Other Journal (www.theotherjournal.com) and will include award-winning documentaries, nationally known theologians and local leaders giving lectures and participating in discussion panels.

We hope you join us the weekend of April 12-15th at University of Washington, Kane Hall. For more information about the event, please visit: www.filmfaithandjustice.com.

Global Climate Change and You

"Save our planet" and "Did you hug a tree today?" are not just friendly bumpersticker aphorisms emblazoned on your Prius. Stewardship of creation is one of the key themes of our Catholic social justice teachings. Ahead of Earth Day (April 22), check out the Step It Up Seattle events happening this Saturday, April 14, 2007.

To find out more about taking action to address the issues surrounding global climate change, download this action alert from the USCCB Office of International Justice and Peace.

Coming your way this week...UPDATED

Recovered yet from all the liturgies and celebrations of the Paschal Triduum and Easter Sunday?

Here's an update on SJ YAG at St Joe's activities this week.

• Speakeasy Thursday, our weekly faith-sharing of the Sunday readings, happens at 7 pm, Parish Center, April 12.
  
• Young Adult Speed Dating originally scheduled for Saturday, April 14, has been postponed until this fall or late summer.
  

Happy Holy Triduum

Lent comes to an end as the Triduum is upon us: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil. The American Catholic website has good resources for learning more about this liturgy. Here's a sample.

Triduum rituals

Lent comes to an end before the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. That liturgy begins the Triduum, the great Three Days that celebrate the central mystery of our faith. Triduum rituals invite us all to baptismal renewal, par excellence. Here are some examples.

Washing of Feet: After the homily on Holy Thursday, we imitate our master in the washing of feet. This ritual reminds us that our baptismal commitment means we are to be servants of one another. In the time of St. Ambrose in Milan, those who were baptized also had their feet washed, because of Jesus' words to Peter: "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed" (Jn 13:10). Many scholars have seen a baptismal reference in those words.

Veneration of the Cross: As part of our observance of Good Friday, we venerate the cross on which Christ died. The veneration challenges us to be willing to accept the cross, too, for it is the only way to resurrection. Through Baptism, we shared in Christ's death that we might come to new life. Every year we are called to deepen our identification with his cross and resurrection.

Waters of Baptism: The core of our celebration of the Easter Vigil is the Baptism of the elect. As we share in their joy on this holy night, we are all called to renew our own baptismal promises, to live in the joy of life in the Risen One. Lent comes to its fulfillment around the waters of the font.

Remembering John Paul II

Take a moment this week to remember Pope John Paul II who passed away two years ago today. Clipped this piece from the introduction to a feature article on the Franciscan website American Catholic.org:

"One of the most beloved popes in history among Catholics and non-Catholics alike, John Paul captured the world’s attention and admiration during his 26-year pontificate. In his final years, his step became halted by illness and infirmity; his speech became labored. But his indomitable spirit touched and taught us all. The following articles are about Pope John Paul II’s extraordinary contribution to the Church and the Church's appreciation of his ministry."

St Joe's Speed Dating Coming Soon

Single young adults, 20s-30s+, you have about two weeks to register for the next St. Joe's Catholic Speed Dating. Registration deadline is April 11. But why wait? Space is limited, so register early. Do it now! Email your your name, age, and gender to sjspeeddating@yahoo.com.

St Joe's Speed Dating Details:

• Where: St. Joseph Parish Center, 732 18th Ave E, Seattle 98112

• When: Saturday, April 14, 2007; 6:45 pm registration, 7:00 pm start

• Cost: Donation of $10, proceeds benefitting St. Vincent DePaul Society

Passover Seder Supper at SU

Seattle U campus ministry is sponsoring a Passover Seder Supper on Tuesday, April 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Student Center on the campus of Seattle University. RSVP required.

The event will be potluck but if you can't bring a traditional dish to share with others, you can still participate in the celebration. If you are planning on bringing a dish of your own, let them know what you might be bringing and how much. Contact Seattle U Campus Ministry at (206) 296-6075 or rsvp today to oxenhand@seattleu.edu.

Into Great Silence Opens This Friday

Into Great Silence is must-see Catholicity that peers into the lives of the Carthusian monks of La Grande Chartreuse. This movie deeply resonates with the sounds of the sacred and the cycles of nature whose still small voice speaks volumes through this intimate portrait of men who are called to serve God in a unique way.

Life in this charterhouse, nestled deep in the French Alps, is imbued with the sacred rhythms of the Divine Office. We are brought back again and again into chapel by ringing of the bell and by candlelight glimpse into the Liturgy of the Hours and the chants that reside as heartbeats within each monk. These are lives lived in silence and solitude but we see too their daily dedication to ora et labora and to their community in Sunday meals and recreation.

On the film's website, Philip Groning discussed how he shot the film: living in a cell and carrying on the highly structured daily routine in addition to shooting with minimal equipment and natural lighting. "My main effort actually consisted in avoiding cliches and not shooting the types of scenes that we expect from our view of monastic life," Groning said.

Into Great Silence played at the Seattle International Film Festival last year. It's showing again at the Varsity Theatre in the U-District for one week only beginning March 30.

Remembering Romero

Take a moment this week to remember Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero.
Appointed as archbishop of San Salvador in 1977, Romero became a powerful voice for peace and justice, speaking out against the military repression the government of El Salvador imposed upon its' campesino citizens. He was assasinated on March 24, 1980, as he was celebrating Mass in a small hospital chapel.

In a collection of Romero's pastoral letters and statements titled Voice of the Voiceless, Ignacio Martin-Baro writes in the introduction: "Had one known Father Romero in the church of San Francisco or in the central parish of San Miguel, or had one known Bishop Romero of Santiago de Maria, it would have been difficult to foresee the role he was later to play to as archbishop of San Salvador. All the signs would have pointed in the opposite direction, ...to a man more likely to be at ease with the powerful than to act in unshakable solidarity with the poor."

In his last homily in San Salvador cathedral, the day before he was assasinated, Archbishop Romero directly addressed the immorality of the military's actions.

"I would like to appeal in a special way to the men of the army, and in particular to the troops of the National Guard, the Police, and the garrisons. Brothers, you belong to our own people. You kill your own brother peasants; and in the face of an order to kill that is given by a man, the law of God should prevail that says: Do not kill! No solidier is obliged to obey an order counter to the law of God. No one has to comply with an immoral law. It is time now that you recover your conscience and obey its dictates rather than the command of sin. The Church, defender of the rights of God, of the law of God, of the dignity of the human person, cannot remain silent before so much abomination.

"We want the government to seriously consider that reforms mean nothing when they come bathed in so much blood. Therefore, in the name of God, and in the name of this longsuffering people, whose laments rise to heaven every day more tumultuous, I beseech you, I beg you, I command you in the name of God: stop the repression!"
(from Cloud of Witnesses rev. ed, Wallis and Hollyday, Orbis Books, 2005)

To learn more about Archbishop Romero, check out Oscar Romero, 25 Years Later written by Fr. John Dear, S.J., on his website. Other good resources are Remembering Archbishop Oscar Romero and also After 25 years 'St. Romero of the World' still inspires. The icon portrait pictured here is by Robert Lentz.

Speakeasy Thursdays

Speakeasy is our weekly faith-sharing experience Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the St Joseph parish center (except for third Thursdays which feature the Ignatian Spirituality Center's Spirituality On Tap). Next Speakeasy is Thursday, March 29.

Take a break from your busy life and reflect on the following Sunday's scripture in a contemplative setting.

Fishstick Fridays Update: Digital Stations + YA Mass

Fishstick Fridays is a series of Lent events sponsored by the Young Adult Group that invites everyone to share a variety of prayer experiences followed by a simple supper and fellowship.

(UPDATED) This week our Fishstick Fridays is a two-fer. That's right. Both St. Joe's and UW Newman Center young adult groups. Both the multimedia "Jerusalem Stations" prayer experience and a Young Adult Mass followed by a simple supper and socializing in the parish center.

The fun starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 7 pm, at St. Joseph Church. St. Joseph Church is located at 732 18th Ave East, Seattle 98112.

Save The Dates!

Just wanted to give y'all a heads up to a busy April for St. Joe's Young Adults. More details and events to follow. Stay tuned.

April 1: Movie Matinee - Into Great Silence - must-see Catholicity!
April 14: St Joe's Young Adult Catholic Speed Dating!
April 28: St. Joe's Centennial Gala - Celebrate St. Joe's hundreth in grand style!

How do you know it's Catholic speed dating? When you ask your date, "What's your sign?" She (he) makes the sign of the cross. (insert rimshot here)

Day of Reconciliation this Saturday

As part of the celebration of the St. James Cathedral centennial celebration, a Day of Reconciliation will be offered on Saturday, March 24, 10:00am to 5:00pm in the Cathedral. Saint James Cathedral is located at 804 Ninth Ave, Seattle 98104.

Archbishop Brunett, auxiliary bishops Elizondo and Tyson, as well as many priests from across the archdiocese, will be available throughout the day to hear confessions. Music and scripture at the top of each hour invite everyone in a short call to prayer. Drop in at any point during the day.

The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation is an important of Lenten observance. To learn more about the sacrament, download Come Back to the Lord.

Fishsticks Fridays travels to Blessed Sacrament

Fishstick Fridays is a series of Lent events sponsored by the Young Adult Group that invites everyone to share a variety of prayer experiences followed by a simple supper and fellowship.

This week Fishstick Fridays travels to Blessed Sacrament Church for soup supper at 6 p.m. in the parish hall and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the church on Friday, March 23. We'll meet up with some of our friends at Blessed Sacrament there.

Blessed Sacrament Church is located at 5041 Ninth Avenue NE, Seattle 98105.

Walk for Water Saturday, March 24

On March 22 and 24, cities around the country will observe World Water Day to draw attention to the plight of the more than 1 billion people world wide that lack access to clean, safe drinking water.

The Seattle Walk for Water takes place Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m., at Alki Beach (Statue of Liberty Plaza across from the Alki Starbucks). Distance is 3 miles.

The Walk For Water is inspired by the three to six-mile journey women and children make every day in water stressed countries. The time spent fetching water for their families prevents them from pursuing an education, maintaining their households or earning additional income.

The world water crisis is one of the largest public health issues of our time. Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world’s population) lack access to safe drinking water. The lack of clean, safe drinking water is estimated to kill almost 4,500 children per day. In fact, out of the 2.2 million unsafe drinking water deaths in 2004, 90% were children under the age of five. Water is essential to the treatment of diseases, something especially critical for children. (from the World Water Day website)

IPJC features Great Turning author

The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center (IPJC) hosts author David Korten on Tuesday, March 13, 7-9pm, at Pigott Auditorium, Seattle University. Korten will discuss his new book The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community. Free will offering. Open to the public.

The Great Turning reveals how Empire, which has always resulted in misery for the many and fortune for the few, now threatens the future of humanity and the planet. Advocating for "Earth Community," Korten will show that we humans can choose to turn this moment of planetary crisis into a new era, grounded in the life-affirming values of community, caring and cooperation.

Sponsored by the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center and Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. Seattle University is located at 901 12th Ave, Seattle 98122.

“We are Catholic, after all.”

Recently read a great feature piece in the NY Times Magazine, Directors Without Borders, on the caliente trio of Mexican directors, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro, and Alfonso Cuarón. Interesting that they all have different cinematic styles yet one thing they do hold in common is their Catholic faith. The quote in the headline is from the article.

Currently showing are Babel by Iñárritu, Pan’s Labyrinth by del Toro, and Children of Men by Cuarón. Pan's Labyrinth and Children of Men both bring forward elements of sacrifice and redemption while Babel speaks to the universal bonds of the human experience.

Speaking of his movie, Babel, Iñárritu said:
“There’s no question that this movie was my reaction to the war in Iraq,” Iñárritu explained. “This war cannot help but impregnate you with strong feelings. There was so much fear after 9/11, and that fear caused people to make the wrong decisions. People are dying by the thousands, and the American TV does not want to show the photographs, so I have to show it in my own way. Americans easily forget that the air they breathe is the same as those in Europe or Africa or Asia; it’s the same air as Jesus breathed. I would like them to remember that connection.” (NY Times, 3/11/2007)

So what do you think? Seen any good Catholic movies lately?

Fishstick Fridays: Adoration and Benediction

Fishstick Fridays is a series of Lent events sponsored by the Young Adult Group that invites everyone to share a variety of prayer experiences followed by a simple supper and fellowship.

This week our Fishstick Fridays event is benediction and adoration on Friday, March 16, 7 pm, at St. Joseph Church. Our own pastor, Fr. Chris Weekly, S.J., will lead us in prayer. St. Joseph Parish is located at 732 18th Ave East, Seattle, 98112.