CRIS Newsletter Winter 2014 .pdf - Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide

23 Pages·2014·1.81 MB·English

Catholic Resource & Information Service
112 Kintore Street Thebarton SA 5031
PO Box 179 Torrensville Plaza SA 5031
Ph: 8301 6869
Email: [email protected]

Winter 2014

“The joy of the
“I came that
Gospel is such
they may
that it cannot
have life, and

be taken away
have it
from us by
abundantly”.
anyone or

anything”
(Jn 10:10)

(cf. Jn 16:22)
.
— Pope Francis,

Evangelii Gaudium

Meryl Weetra 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/jpg/4560466

CONTENTS: C.R.I.S. OPENING HOURS:

 Book Reviews Monday - Friday 9:00 – 5:00

 Themes:
Catholic Education Staff Days 2014:
Joy of the Gospel resources (Library closed):

Pope Francis Thursday, 27 June, 9am – 4pm
Parish book clubs Thursday, 7 August, 9-1pm
Tuesday, 16 September, 9-11am

 New Resources Thursday, 30 October, 9-1pm

 CRIS review questionnaire
Closed weekends and public holidays.
Rediscovering the lost body-connection within
Christian spirituality :
The missing link for experiencing yourself in the body of the whole

Christ is a changing relationship to your own body
Edwin M McMahon and Peter A Campbell
Tasora, Minneapolis. 2010
233.5 MCM

Just to complete the cover blurb, this book is described as: “Practical body-learnings
and exercises that transform your awareness of who Christ is today and who you are in Christ by developing a
new habit of noticing and nurturing your important feelings”. This is a timely book for me and I guess it is an
important book for everyone. It has seventeen chapters of highly documented material that is necessary for all
times. It is interspersed with six “workbook of body learning” inputs. Much of it is practical and demanding.
Much of it has personal, simple, touching stories in it.
Both authors have years of experience in their field. Both are Jesuit priests seeing the content of this book
from a wide perspective. There is something of Teilhard’s “whole within wholes” in this searching for human
wholeness within the search for Christ.
Let me quote from the book so you will have a sense of its scope and plan. From the ‘Author’s Preface’: p.xiv
“If Christians cannot help one another to experience their bodies as living membranes within the Body of the
Whole Christ, giving witness by their organic presence in the world as the continuing Incarnation of God “in
Christ”, then Christianity will be experienced as increasingly irrelevant within the lives of those suffering the
pain of aging, physical trauma, or those carrying the insecurity and emotional-physical impact of violence, as
well as the inevitable dying we all go through.”
In the Chapter ‘Why this book’ under a sub-heading ‘Living a New Christian Paradigm’, we read p.xxiv
“The real challenge for any of us can never be overcome by merely explaining this interior process more
clearly. Rather, the path becomes more evident as you learn how to put one foot in front of the other and walk
your own, unique, body path of actually living your life forward as you develop a new habit of being open and
attending to what your body knows and not solely to what your mind thinks. This maturing experience holds
the key for discovering yourself as an integral part of something greater than yourself. By the repetitious
practice of simple exercises in this book you can develop the habit of noticing and nurturing what your body
has to tell you about the Larger Body within which we all “… live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28
RSV).” The price of course is facing up to what bars our progress … “Yet surely the very meaning of God’s
self-revelation in Christ tells us with no uncertain clarity that a Continuing Incarnation of the Divine Presence
becomes possible through our ongoing, embodied experience of transformation. In fact such transformation
unveils the core witness and meaning of Christian life itself.”
Under the ‘Process-skipping’ heading Ed and Peter write “Most of us have feelings. What we don’t know is
how to follow our important feelings all the way down into the story of our body whenever that feeling needs
to change”. From p.113 I quote “The simple morning habit, which I have described above, can teach you the
art of allowing, along with an inner freedom, not to fear the change that greater wholeness always necessitates,
as it creates a conscious physical posture which senses and learns through “the eyes of your body in Christ’s
Body” – the felt presence of God in all things (Eph 1:18-10. 3:14-19).”
This book has immense depth. It can be read but it is really a study programme. It has great personal
challenge but it is a pastoral must for all of us. I have my own copy and I’m reading and re-reading it. I highly
recommend it.

Br Ben McCabe, cfc
From Teilhard to Omega : Co-creating an unfinished
universe
Ed. Ilia Delio

Orbis Books, New York 2014
261.55 DEL
I’m inspired to write this review with two thoughts in mind: viz. This is vital for some
people I know who are searching in their lives for a spirituality based on a “new story”
of evolution. Secondly it’s an effort to say thanks to the Resource Centre staff for
providing such thought-provoking and inspiring material for us.
I had read 4 books by Ilia, The Humility of God, The Emergent Christ, Christ in Evolution and The Unbearable
Wholeness of Being. I daily ponder her challenge in the statement she makes in The Unbearable Wholeness of
Being viz. “The goal of Christianity is the aim of Evolution – unity in Love”, knowing she is talking about
“Omega” love coming out of the future and echoing (‘unire’ to unite) and (‘uniri’ to be united) from the heart
of Teilhard. In this book “From Teilhard to Omega”, Ilia acts as Editor and summons 12 other gurus to
support her, each of whom has their own flavour but each pointing to the sub-title of this book “creating a new
universe”.
Teilhard is revealed as a brilliant Palaeontologist, a deeply mystic Jesuit priest, a controversial character,
underestimated and mostly misunderstood and surely discredited in his own times and just now being
rediscovered. Each article, and there are thirteen, takes a similar approach. There is first the title giving
direction and the article itself expounding the title, followed by “points to ponder”, a sort of summary of the
articles main points, finalised by “questions for discussion.”
I would like to introduce you to the wonder of this book by using some of the “points to ponder”, and then
some “questions for discussion”:
From Edward Vacek S.J.’s “points to ponder”
 Christian Ethics is not at its base a matter of “Do good and avoid evil …” Rather it is a relational task:
we are to contribute to our relationship with Christ who is building the universe.
 Without human beings, God cannot accomplish what God wants to accomplish
From his “questions for discussion”
 Discuss the importance of “Future” for an evolutionary based ethics. What are some Gospel passages
that support Teilhard’s insights in this respect.
From my favourite article by Kathleen Duffy on “Teilhard’s Sophia” p.34 “points to ponder”
 Reflect on these words: “From within the heart of matter, I hold together the foundations of the
Universe. Since everything in the Universe is made my union, I labor to condense the elementary
particles that continue to emerge from the energy ejected from the primordial fire. I am the principle of
union, the soul of the world. Especially within the human family, I stir up passionate desire for the
more – for dedication to scientific discovery, for the creation of beauty, for compassion towards those
in need. My love is like a tremendous vital current running through the cosmic landscape. I am love, a
wild and daring cosmic love – as strong as the sexual force between lovers, as tender as the nurturing
love of a parent.
“Questions for discussion”
 Who is Teilhard’s “Eternal Feminine”? How is she vital to the forward movement of life?
 Most of Teilhard’s writings on Wisdom were composed during World War 1. What connections do
you find between wisdom and suffering?
The book had many challenges for me personally. Can I fathom the significance of the changes that have
taken place in my life in the heart of Jesus? How can the Church respond in the light of changes thrust on us?
Can I see virtue and sin in a Cosmic sense as it calls to me from science and medicine etc. Personally, I think
this book would provide great material to inspire small group meetings coming together for prayer and
reflection.
Best wishes, Br Ben McCabe, cfc
Sacred Fire : A Vision for a Deeper Human and
Christian Maturity
Ronald Rolheiser

Image, New York (2014)
248.482 ROL

My expectations were high when Susan (CRIS) introduced me to this new book by
Ronald Rolheiser. His two ‘Daybreak’ books of daily reflections for Advent and
Christmas and for Lent and Easter I have used daily each year. His regular reflections
are readily available and always challenging. I was confused / lost when I started to read this book until I
realised that this book is the second of a series of three. The first ‘The Holy Longing’ (1999) was well received
and the third is planned but not written. Rolheiser says that as there are stages in human development there are
stages in growth in discipleship and hence in spirituality. Chapter 2 of this new book is a brief synthesis of his
first book. See P45 for a brief overview of essential discipleship. Chapter 9 of this book outline plans for the
third book of the Series. For a brief note on the focus of this book see P.21. Chapters 3 to 8 develop the theme
of this book i.e. Mature Discipleship.
This book is the second phase of three books on discipleship. The first of three books is ‘The Holy Longing :
The Search for a Christian Spirituality’ (New York: Doubleday 1999) which dealt with Essential Discipleship
and laid out some fundamental principles in terms of getting our lives together. It could be called
‘Discipleship 101 – The Introductory Course.’ This book is intended to take this further and could be called
“Discipleship 201 – The Graduate Course.” The third book when written by Rolheiser will cover Radical
Discipleship.
Rolheiser has the ability to ask key questions at each stage which enable the reader to trace progress in
discipleship and hence spirituality. His first book was well received and this book should be also - ‘Sacred
Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity’. James Martin S.J. says, ‘It will be a way of
coming to know the God who desires evermore to know you.’ This book suggests practices for the reader’s
growth in human Christian maturity.
This book asks the questions: How can we live less self-centred, more mature lives? What constitutes deep
maturity and how do we reach that place? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus? (See subtitle) As
we face up to disappointment, boredom, frustration, tiredness and resentment we sort out more who we are.
When once we struggled with Eros, the god of passion, we now struggle with anger. God does not meet us in
the abstract but in our real lives. As Richard Rohr says “God comes to you disguised as your life” P.66 Falling
Upward – A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life.
Chapter 3 asks us to be ready to take up a new struggle. ‘Jesus doesn’t call the ready: he calls the willing! P.62.
Loneliness is part of the struggle. Resentment of duties can lead to a joylessness bordering on anger.
Workaholism may result from over commitment and therefore neglecting relationships P.75. Rolheiser is
especially insightful in considering the present-day forms of ‘the seven deadly sins’ during these years when
we try to be unselfish. P.84 “Pride, invariably, brings with it a harsh or condescending judgment of others”
P.86. In considering envy and jealousy the author asks the question ‘When did I last praise a young person of
the same sex?’
In Chapter 4 Rolheiser considers some general invitations from scripture, inviting us to be more generous and
life giving e.g. the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Peter’s commitment to Jesus, the invitation to be perfect
(compassionate).
Chapter 5 considers particular invitations from scripture e.g. the rich young man, the pondering of Mary.
See p.139 for an example of a group of priests who are trying to move from being good priests to being great
priests. Chapter 6 is on the need to draw strength from prayer while in Chapter 7 Rolheiser considers the full
flower of maturity – the capacity and willingness to bless others and explores among other things the whole
nature of blessings. Chapter 8 commences with the quotation, “In the Gospels the moral heart of discipleship is
articulated by Jesus, and this challenge lies at its centre: Can you love and forgive your enemy?” P.243.
In this Chapter Rolheiser is at his best as he considers ten themes for Mature Living. He is especially good
exploring Living in Gratitude P.246, Forgiveness P.256, Transforming Jealousy, Anger and Bitterness P.251,
Bless more and Curse less P.260 and Live in a more Radical Sobriety P.261. The concluding Chapter 9 is
readying the reader for Book 3 of the series yet to be written.
This book is Rolheiser at his richest and deepest with many examples especially from scripture and with
practical challenges.

Michael Flaherty, cfc


Ask the beasts : Darwin and the God of love
Elizabeth Johnson

Bloomsbury, London. 2014
261.8362 JOH

This is a profound book and could be essential reading for all people for its beautiful
prose but more for its wondrous wisdom. It introduces the reader to creation /
evolution, through a sensitive picture of Darwin (the beholder) and his writings –
“The Origin of the Species”. Elizabeth’s aim is to engage with what John Haight
called “God’s creative and redeeming action in the world”.
Through the book her two lovely metaphors of “the entangled bark” and “the Tree of Life” tie together a
journey within “endless forms most beautiful”, that make up the Species. Early she warns us they are facing
death – horrifying to behold in “God’s Holy Dwelling place”.
She places God, not so much as life giver – but as “Lover” – a sort of new paradigm touching into the
Scientific (allurement) in an “Unscripted Adventure” in which the human being participates on a level playing
field.
There is a marvellous Christian Chapter (my words) under Paul’s great paradox of “all Creation Groaning” that
called me to read and read again and again especially “Deep Incarnation and Deep Resurrection”.
What a challenge this book is for all in the final chapters which call for a response to the predatory stance of
the human in the face of our industrial greed and irresponsibility. She positively points out the redeeming
efforts of growing numbers of people who intervene and even give their lives to face destruction and
despoliation that seems beyond our feeble voices.
Throughout the book the passage of Job “Ask the beasts” and its call to wisdom comes to the fore again and
again. What a marvellous consideration 269 – 273 under the heading “Where were you” we get as she
grapples with Job’s wisdom ending in: “humbled and delighted by the other life around us, we can grow to
know ourselves as members of the community of creation and step up to protect our kin”.
What strikes the reader is the beautiful almost poetic language that in no way hides the deep and carefully
crafted Theology that flows from a mystic spirit who wants to inspire us to be responsible for our part in being
in solidarity with all nature by being with Einstein and his call for us to build a field of compassion with all
living things and the whole of nature in its beauty. (poetic licence).
Read it.

Br Ben McCabe, cfc
The Homeless Bishop
Joseph F. Girzone

Orbis books, Maryknoll, New York. 2011
813.54 GIR
This is one of the 16 titles by Girzone – a retired American priest. All at CRIS. It is
the story of a much loved and revered Italian Archbishop, Carlo. He is in search of
the human Jesus, how He fared as an itinerant, homeless preacher – a beggar on the
streets. In post-Resurrection Church, we worship the Divine Lord. Jesus in His life
did not seek worship, but reciprocal love. The other side of Church doctrine is that
He was truly human, “like us in all things except sin”.
Archbishop Carlo consults his friend, the sympathetic Pope. He asks permission to embark on an 18 month
“pilgrimage-retreat” – acting as a homeless person. For him, the very basis of our salvation – according to
Jesus – is how we treat others. He wants “to preach Jesus rather than Church”.
The kindly Pope – reminiscent of Pope St John XXIII – gives permission. And so Carlo, raggedly dressed and
penniless, begins his quest. He starts in Rome, but fearing recognition, moves on to America, where he
becomes “Charlie”. He experiences all the humiliations and rejections heaped upon the homeless – even by
priests and the Churchy “pious”. His strong prayer life sustains him. He is able to “make a difference” among
the poor by becoming one of them, as Jesus did.
Eventually Carlo returns to his mentor at the Vatican, reeking, as the Pope jovially remarks, NOT “of the
odour of sanctity” – and he sends the Archbishop to “clean up”.
Carlo was inspired by the words of Jesus: “the Son of Man has no-where to lay His head” – which is the fate of
the homeless. As he soon learns, “Time passes very slowly when life is hurtful”. (P56)
This is a novel, so it is not fair to reveal too much – especially what happens when “Charlie” returns home to
resume his duties as Bishop. Suffice to say he fulfils the aims of his manifesto to the Pope:- “If I am to be a
good shepherd after the heart of Jesus, I have to get to know my sheep, not just in fantasy, but in real life. I
need to feel their pain as Jesus did and respond to them with the feelings Jesus had – because He understood
the loneliness and the fears and the pain that His sheep were suffering”. (P38)
Girzone wrote that in 2011, so he had not heard the words of Pope Francis, Holy Week, 2013, urging the
Church to “get out of the Sacristy”. For him, “priests” – and surely all of us – “should be shepherds who live
‘with the smell of the sheep’ in the midst of their flock”. Not terribly flattering to the “flock”, but we know
what he means. Carlo as Charlie became part of the “odour” of the homeless, lived with it daily, learning deep
Christ-like compassion for his companions in need.
This little book shakes us out of complacency – makes us examine our prejudices, our true Gospel values. The
causes of homelessness are multiple, as Charlie discovers. The consequences dire.
Recently, the organisation “Mission Australia” reported that in Australia alone, this Winter there will be
105,000 homeless people. This number comprises more than 62,287 families and includes 17,845 children. It
only takes job loss, redundancy, physical or mental illness to add to these appalling statistics. As Girzone
reminds us, these beloved precious Children of God are not merely “lazy and unwilling to work”.
This novel is simple in style, direct in its message. Teaches us a lot, too, about the workings of the Church at
high levels – not always pleasant. Fair enough – it’s ‘fiction’ – but with some shades of the late, great Morris
West.
Carlo’s twofold quest was : What was it like for Jesus then? What is it like for Jesus present in the
disadvantaged today? As he says, good people are longing for Gospel spirituality, and too often, in preaching,
“all they hear about is Church”. Girzone challenges us. First to a change in attitude. Then, perhaps to respond
to many non-government institutions, ever present both within and beyond “Church”. They do so much
without government assistance – to alleviate a need in society which daily grows more urgent.
Archbishop Wilson reminded us recently, that Jesus humbly washed the feet of the disciples – on his knees - so
that he could see them “eye to eye”. That’s what Carlo did – and in the eyes of others, he recognised Jesus
today. We have good role models in the Gospel of Luke. A group of women “provided for Jesus – and the
twelve! – OUT OF THEIR OWN RESOURCES”! (8:1-3). They saw Jesus “eye to eye” and responded
accordingly.
During his “post-pilgrimage” activities – read the book to find out – Carlo manages great inter-faith relations,
particularly with Islam. We learn of the power of Sufism – Islamic mysticism – to be a healing force to unify
all faiths. So it seems appropriate to end with a prayer from the Sufi, Hafiz. It speaks to the theme of the book
– of the spiritual value of those whom society often casts aside as “worthless”.
My
Beloved said,
“My name is not complete without yours.”
I thought:
How could a human’s worth ever be such?
And God knowing all our thoughts-and all our
thoughts are innocent steps on the path-
then addressed my heart,
God revealed
a sublime truth to the world,
when (God) sang,
“I am made whole by your life. Each soul,
each soul completes me.”

- Hafiz

Kay Stringer
5th Week of Easter.
Gospel: “Have I been with you so long -
and still you do not know me?”

To ponder:
“We are all just two steps from homelessness”
This 34 minute documentary features the stories of 8 people
from diverse backgrounds who share their story of becoming homeless,
and who have beaten homelessness.
By South Queensland Council for Homeless Persons and Homelessness Australia.
DVD accompanying booklet, and more available for download:
http://www.2steps2.com/2_Steps_to_Homelessness_booklet.pdf
http://www.2steps2.com/
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3899504.htm?site=perth
CRIS Selected Resources for
“The Joy of the Gospel”
Evangelii Gaudium

The following resources have been selected for schools and communities to engage
with Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis.

Included are related resources within the topics of Eucharist, the Gospel, Mission,
New Evangelisation, Hope, Community, Love for Others, and Social Justice.
Online articles and resources have also been added.

These resources are available from the Catholic Resource & Information Service,
112 Kintore Street, Thebarton. T: 83016869 E: cris @cesa.catholic.edu.au

Evangelii Gaudium : The Joy of the Gospel
Pope Francis
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2013
253.7 FRA

Contents: The Church's missionary transformation -- Amid the crisis of communal commitment -- The proclamation of
the Gospel -- The social dimension of evangelization -- Spirit-filled evangelizers.

The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium) is the long-awaited teaching of Pope Francis on the proclamation of the
Gospel. Pope Francis is calling upon the Church and the world with encouragement to begin a new chapter in
evangelization. This dynamic document is written in the plain, everyday language for which the pope has become
famous. Pope Francis lays out a vision of the Catholic Church dedicated to evangelization in a positive key, with a focus
on society's poorest and most vulnerable, including the aged and unborn.

The Joy of the Gospel : Seven Challenges from Pope Francis :
A pastoral resource based on Evangelii Gaudium
Teresa Pirola
Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, 2013
253.7 PIR

This resource invites you to ponder and respond to seven challenges posed by Pope Francis in
his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium.

For a papal document, Evangelii Gaudium is remarkably reader-friendly. That said, it is a lengthy
document and can take some time to read in full. For this reason, and to supplement a full
reading, this resource offers a series of reflections based on the document for pastoral use: e.g.,
for individual or small group reflection, for homiletic ideas or bulletin inclusions. It is formulated around seven bold ‘calls’
to conversion and action which thread their way through Evangelii Gaudium. It takes each one, to find out what Pope
Francis is asking of our lives and of the pastoral agenda of the Church. Evangelii Gaudium is packed with rich themes,
challenging pastoral teachings, and ‘quotable quotes’. This resource takes up a small sample as a place to start.
However don’t stop there... Go to the document itself and keeping exploring the hopes and dreams of Pope Francis for
the Church. This resource can be found at
http://www.dbb.org.au/_uploads/_ckpg/files/The%20Joy%20of%20the%20Gospel%20(6).pdf
The Francis Effect: Living the Joy of the Gospel
Danielle Achikian
Catholic Mission and Catholic Religious Australia, 2013
253.7 ACH
The inspiring insights put forward by 12 prominent Australian Catholics following the release
of Pope Francis' much-anticipated Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" aims to help
everyone from parents to teachers, parishioners to youth leaders, students and Catholic
employers as well as employees to embrace the Joy of the Gospel and incorporate the Holy
Father's teachings into their daily life.
The 12 reflections published in "The Francis Effect" cover a wide range of insights,
possibilities, challenges and highlights. While the reflections address many aspects of
Evangelii Gaudium, joy remains the central theme of the message of Pope Francis' Evangelii
Gaudium and the insights published in "The Francis Effect - Living the Joy of the Gospel."
The book can be read online for free and also purchased as a book. The website also enables contains information on
Colloquiums hosted by Catholic Mission and Catholic Religious Australia, and held across the country.
https://www.catholicmission.org.au/educationformation/the-francis-effect-living-the-joy-of-the-gospel

The Joy of the Gospel: A Group Reading Guide to Pope Francis'
Evangelii Gaudium
Bill Huebsch
Twenty-Third Publications, 2014

This unique, in-plain-English study guide offers a paraphrased summary of every article in Pope
Francis' latest groundbreaking document, with reflection and discussion questions for group or
individual use. Bill Huebsch is a well-known national speaker and Vatican II scholar.

Resources for related topics

Eucharist
Become one body, one spirit in Christ (DVD) 264.36 BEC
Consuming the Word : The New Testament by Scott Hahn 225.6 HAH
Why go to Church? The drama of the Eucharist by Timothy Raddcliffe 264.36
RAD

Gospel
Lectio Divina : transforming from within. Kylie Cullen. Inform 146.
The ‘Friendly Guides’ series: Jesus ; The New Testament ;
Matthew’s Gospel ; Mark’s Gospel : Luke’s Gospel ; John’s Gospel.
by various authors.
Lectio Divina : the sacred art : Transforming words & images into heart-centered prayer
Christine Valters Paintner 248.3 PAI

Mission
The Mission of the laity : Understanding the laity's role in the body of Christ
Thomas Waugh. Inform 148.
Come, follow me : the commandments of Jesus : invitations to discipleship
Anthony Gittins 241.5 GIT
New evangelisation
The New Evangelisation. Julian Porteous. Inform 134.
The New Evangelisation : Issues and challenges for Catholic schools.
Richard Rymarz 268.433 RYM
Basic Evangelisation : guidelines for Catholics.
Pat Collins 234.13 COL

Hope
Christian Hope : Summary and highlights of the encyclical Spe Salvi.
Inform 112.
Encyclical letter : Spe Salvi on Christian Hope
Hope in an age of despair
Albert Nolan 234.25 NOL
Hope : promise, possibility, and fulfilment
Richard Lennan (ed) 234.25 LEN

Community
Community, Eucharist and spirituality
by Kenan Osborne. 234.63 OSB
Staying faithful today : to God, ourselves, one another
by Alfred McBride 241.4 MCB

Love for others
The Beatitude of Mercy : Love watches over justice by Terry Veling.
Voices : Quarterly essays on religion in Australia Vol 3:2. 241.622
The work of mercy : being the hands and heart of Christ by Mark Shea
241.4 SHE

Social justice
The Eucharist and Social Justice by Margaret Scott 234.163 SCO
No Salvation outside the poor : prophetic-utopian essays by Jon Sobrino 261.8 SOB
Lazarus at the Table : Catholics and social justice by Bernard Evans 261.8088 EVA

These resources are available for loan from
Catholic Resource & Information Service 112 Kintore Street Thebarton SA 5031

T: 8301 6869 E: [email protected]