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SCHOOL BELLS RINGING AMID HIGH HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK
FROM LAWRENCE M. VENTLINE, D.Min. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY:
Mass at 11:40 am in SS. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church in downtown Detroit on Jefferson across from the Ren Cen/GM Tower. Soup at Nathan's after. Join me.
At 2 pm in St. Athanasius Church hall near church entrance (18720 13 Mile Road, west of Gratiot) in Roseville, planners meet to organize a chil benefit for closed caption TV access for PBS's Sunday morning show, Interfaith Odyssey at 7 am beginning in October again. Please help me.
With school bells ringing for children everywhere this week, parents need to be conscious of developing an inner life in their children beyond simply performance and reward. Winning and beating the other gal or guy, or team ony continues the cycle of violence circling this Nation. A new approach is necessary to stop the viscious circle. Let's pray and work with parents and keep families in tact as the foundation of our society. Step up and lead, dads!
The truths and mysteries of life - you don't get eveything you want; you win some and lose some; you may be rejected one day, get sick, and, you will die - need to be taught face to face, father to son NOW! Pleae God budge dad and moms to know of the firstr priority as family.
My own two Bichon Frises remind me of the attention they need. Children need quality time and the tranformative mysteries taught them NOW.
Our older brother, the Jewish faith tradition begins its holy observance of Rosh Hashana, and the Islamic observance of Eid-al-Fitr Thursday, September 9th while Christians mark the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14th. Yom Kippur is observed September 18th and Succot, September 23rd.
We ponder labor as a Nation with Canada this year, and, the ten percent rate of joblessness among Americans Monday, September 6th just before the observance of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, September 8th. Mary is revered among woman everywhere among all peoples, it seems, along with Native Americans who mark Native American Day, September 24th.
In a converesation recently about the violence enveloping our communities, and, the clergy speaking up to condemn it, I was glad to chat with Rabbi Jospeh Klein of Oak Park, MI., who said: "Violence in our streets and home is a concern to me, and, should be to all of us!"
Some clergy, educators, social scientists and others, meet Tuesday, September 14th from 12 noon until 1:30 in St. John Episcopal Church on Woodward at Eleven Mile road, in Royal Oak, MI., to begin a converesation on one action to address the horror of escalating violence around us all. Join Rector Linda Northcraft, Rt. Rev. H. Coleman McGehee, Jr., and, me, please, and, invite the finest hearts and minds you know who are educators, social scientists, clergy, parents, business leaders, among others. Clement Kern once said to gather God's brightest beings to address problems confronting us. So, we will, praise God!
The whirlwind of the Fall season for Faith and Faithful is upon us! Be engaged in conscious connecting with the Creator and all you meet these days!
Here's a list of events I'll be leading for you to consider for growth:
9/1/10:4:30-6 pm Open House at New Office at 22800 Hall Road (M-59) west of Groesbeck in Clinto Twp., with book signing. Welcome! Repeated 9/8 in Sacred Heart Church, lower level, 4:30-6 pm. Please reserve at 586 777 9116.
9/13/10: The World's Greatest Physician: 7-8:15 pm, in Sacred Heart Church, lower level, Scripture's references to life's problems with practicla solutions, including health and healing, emotions, Jesus' answer to anger, finances, the body, relationship, and business and career.
A PASTOR FOR 35 YEARS, A BOARD CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, NATIONALLY CERTIFIED SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, AND FITNESS, NUTRITION, AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ON SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DETROIT, MI.
GREAT GROWTH GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY, ADDICTION COUNSELING AT 22800 HALL ROAD, SUITE 220 A, WEST OF GROESBECK IN CLINTON TWP., MI., AND AT SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH AT 18430 UTICA ROAD AT GRATIOT IN ROSEVILLE, MI., 586 777 9116. GROW A BETTER YOU NOW! ALL IN A SAFE, CONFIDENTIAL, AND COMPASSIONATE SETTING.
CALL NOW FOR THE ENTIRE LIST OF OFFERINGS THROUGH DECEMBER, 2010!
Events that I will lead now through December are available for your attention. The list can be obtained by writng me at sacredheartroseville@saintly.com, or by calling my aide, Diane, at 586 777 9116. Pilgrimages, Mass, the rosary, individual and self-help groups and more welcome your registration for particpation, including Pathways to Recovery With Helps and Hints the last Thursday of September from 1-2:30 pm, and, the last Thursday of October from 6-7:30 pm in the Bad Axe Library on Hanselman, in Bad Axe, MI. Registration is required for all events by sending your contact information.
Monday, Oct. 4th, 6 pm, in Amani's Kitchen, 15411 W. Warren, near Greenfield, in Dearborn. GETTING TO KNOW YOU: The Children of Abraham and What Each Believes. Hear a Rabbi, Pastor and Imam. Dine for $19.95. Includes variety of food, beverages, dessert, tip, tax. Get to know diversity, a neighbor, more. Reserve at 586 777 9116, sacredheartroseville@saintly.com, five days before event.
YOUNG ADULTS: FOR MONTHLY REFLECTIONS, SUSETTE@CCUP.ORG
REFLECTIONS FROM JAMES J. BACIK, CAMPUS CHAPLAIN, UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
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Students in college at the beginning of the new millennium are on a spiritual journey very similar to their parents.
They have the same spiritual longings as previous generations for meaning and purpose in life.
They know the age-old struggle between grace and sin.
Their challenges sound familiar:
Forming their personal identity; developing good friendships; finding a life partner; choosing a career; appropriating their religious heritage; cultivating habits of good citizenship; and, deciding how to relate to the dominant culture.
Millenials still fall in love, treasure friends and empathize with suffering loved ones.
Catholic millenials have grown up with greater religious pluralism than their grandparents. Most of them have not known an integrated Catholic world which transmits a coherent vision of the faith.
They have, rather, gleaned fragments of their spirituality from various sources, including their families, parish liturgies, youth retreats, religious education classes, and, for some, Catholic schools. This process has produced collegians with greater tolerance, but less institutional loyalty than previous generations of Catholics.
Around 90% affirm the divinity of Christ and believe that at Mass the bread and wine become his body and blood. They consider helping the poor as important to their faith as believing in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
My students often find that formal study of Vatican II teachings affirms general perceptions which they already hold. Foremost, for example is the crucial conviction that we are the church, which means practically that the faithful should have a voice in how parishes are run.
Seven distinguishing types of spirituality are current among millenial, collegian Catholics:
1) Eclipsed: Current concerns beyond religious or spiritual matters eclipse collegian culture. Personal crisis, death of a loved one, or, getting married and having a baby may uncover this latent spiritual need.
2) Private: Some seldom attend liturgies or participate in church activities, but pursue spiritual goals in other ways: Reading religious books, communing with nature, and, praying privately. Hope that they will discover and tap the rich, spiritual tradition of their Catholic heritage.
3) Ecumenical: Vibrant Catholic parishes are needed which will utilize the gifts and meet the needs of today's collegians
given the competitive situation in which some have little institutional loyalty. Some will join another denomination if it brings them closer to Christ and better serves their spiritual needs. For a growing number, division among Christians make no sense. They seem to want to work together with all faith traditions.
4) Evangelical: Some manifest a piety that resembles the evangelical Christian groups on campus, speaking easily about their personal relationship with Jesus as they gravitate to prayer groups with emotional intensity. Learn to tap their energy and enthusiasm.
5) Sacramental: Many love their church and are satisfied with regular participation in the offical liturgy and traditional practices. They are attuned to God in every day life and have a general sense of the sacramental character of the world. Affirm them.
6) Prophetic: Catholic social teaching supports students aiming at "green" environment, racial harmony, justice and peace for this collegian type.
7) Communal: Millennial Catholics associate with others who share their values, like worshipping with kindred spirits at Mass, and, engaging their gifts for common good, participating in faith-sharing groups. Remind them that authentic, communal spirituality maintains dialog with the larger world.
All seven, nevertheless, are empowered by the same Spirit -- the basis of hope for this generation of collegians.
(Summary by L. Ventline, 5/26/10, Woodhaven, MI., Father Jim Bacik lecture hosted by Elephants in the Living Room)
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EVENTS THIS WEEK AND BEYOND:
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B A C K B Y P O P U L A R D E M A N D
ON TAP: TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 5:30 pm GATHERING, 6 pm TALK ON MEANING, MARRIAGE, MADDENING LOSS AND MOURNING, FRACTURE, SINGLE LIVING, MARRIED SINGLES, ALONE, TOGETHER, AND, MONEY IN SACRED SCRIPTURE. MEET IN THE BACK ROOM THROUGH THE BACK DOOR OF ROYAL CANADIAN LEGON CLUB, 1005 EAST ELEVEN MILE ROAD, ROYAL OAK 48067 (BETWEEN MAIN AND CAMPBELL). DIANE, 248 541 9474. MEET, GREET, ORDER FOOD, HEAR A TALK, ASK, ENGAGE, AND, LISTEN, LARN AND LIVE WELL. ALL ARE WELCOME, ESPECIALLY YOUNG ADULTS AFTER WORK. CHILL!
LAYMEN'S RETREAT, July 9-11, Olivet College, Olivet, MI
RETREAT: Snowmass, CO., St. Benedict Monastery, July 15-18.
Catholic Alumni Club CAC-Convention, Colorado SPrings, CO, July 18-25.
INTERFAITH ODYSSEY, CHANNEL 56, PUBLIC TELEVISION, SUNDAY, 7 AM FOLLOWED BY RELIGION AND ETHICS AT 7:30 PM.
IMAGINING A WAY OUT OF VIOLENCE IN METROPOLITAN DETROIT, MI., TASK FORCE OF SCIENTISTS, ARTIST, PRODUCERS, SEPT. 14, 12-1:30 pm, with H. Coleman McGehee, Jr., L. Ventline, Linda Norquist, Dr. Lynne Boyle, and more in St. John Episcopal Church, Royal Oak, MI.
INTERFAITH ODYSSEY, BLOOMFIELD, SOUTHFIELD COMCAST CHANNEL DURING THE WEEK. CHECK FOR LOCAL SPECIFIC TIMES.
A CLASS IN ACCEPTANCE, BASED ON THE NOTES AND BEATITUDES OF MATTHEW'S GOSPEL, CH. 5:1-12, LEARNING TO LOVE WHEN I DON'T HAVE A CLUE, WHEN I'M POSSESSIVE, IN A FOG OF FUZZY THINKING, OR, IN ATTACHMENT DISORDERS, EVERY MONDAY IN ST. BARNABAS CHURCH SCHOOL, 10 Mile Road at Phlox, east of Gratiot, 7-8:30 pm. RSVP to 586 777 9116. EVERY FOURTH MONDAY, LAWRENCE VENTLINE ADDRESSES A TOPIC ON HEALING AT THE CLASS. Reservations to lindylou789@yahoo.com, 586 777 9116. EVERY FIRST SATURDAY, LAWRENCE VENTLINE LEADS THE FATHER POPS CLASS IN ACCEPTANCE IN SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 400 SOUTH BLVD., IN PONTIAC AFTER 4:30 MASS, AT ABOUT 5:30-6:45 PM WITH OPTIONAL DINNER AFTER CLASS. EVERY SECOND TUESDAY THE CLASS IN ACCEPTANCE IS LED BY LAWRENCE VENTLINE IN SACRED HEART SCHOOL, ROSEVILLE AT 7 PM BY RESERVATION ONLY TO 586 777 9116, sacredheartroseville@saintly.com.
A FRESH SUMMER PICNIC FOR YOU AND FRIENDS OF ALL FAITHS
Metropolitan Christian Council, Detroit/Windsor (MCC D/W), and the All Faiths Festival (AFF) Family, partner for an Inter-faith Picnic, at Belle Isle, at Grand Boulevard and Jefferson, Detroit, Sunday, August 8, 10 am - 3 pm. Reserve at lindylou789@yahoo.com, or Metropolitan Christian Council, D/W at 313 870 9550, councilweb@sbcglobal.net.
The Metropolitan Christian Council, D/W is a community of churches, empowered by the Holy Spirit and proclaiming the love of God through Christ Jesus. The Council explores, communicates, and celebrates our commonality. It identifies, models, and nurtures practical expressions of Christian love by serving people.
Join its Interfaith Commitee chaired by Lawrence Ventline, D.Min., by contacting councilweb@sbcglobal.net, or, calling 313 870 9550. Reserve now for the Heralds Awards Banquet
June 3rd in Andiamo's Restaruant, in Warren, MI.
The All Faiths Festival (AFF) Mission: To build bridges, create dialog, foster recognition and repsect among all faith traditions, religions and cultures, and to support families and people in crisis.
COUNSELING AND PASTORAL CARE in Clinton Twp. Office in the Foam Factory on Hall Road, west of Groesbeck, and in Sacred Heart Church, Roseville, 586 777 9116 to schedule.
Catholic Care of the Soul Counseling, inspired by Saint Gregory the Great's classic, Cura Animarum, aims to ignite each one's dignity and worth by awakening it in self and others with the famous Father Pops' Class in Acceptance, grief and addiction counseling with spiritual solutions to clinical issues, holy hours and day of prayer, and retreats at local retreat houses such as Manresa in Bloomfield Hills, MI., or St. Paul of the Cross in Detroit, or longer respites of recreating one's spirit at Gethsemane, Kentucky (for reservations, 502 549 4133).
A DUMP STORY
Watch for, A DUMP, A GARDEN, AND ONE'S WORTH, a family-illustrated story about a dump's attraction for more of the same like one's worth or lack there of inviting more of the same debris (AuthorHouse), and a longer version, artfree, by the same title. Reflections on wellness, roots, relationships, and religion.
See the blogs at The Oakland Press.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY IS COURSE TOPIC AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY THIS SUMMER WITH JOHN KINKEL.
DECLARATION FOR LIFE FROM THE FAITH TRADITIONS OF JEWISH, MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS ========================
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Imam Steve Elturk of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) in Warren, MI., David Kasbow and Rev. Earnest Hatcher, Co-chairmen of the American Clergy Leadership Conference, Father Lawrence Ventline, D.Min., on special assignment for the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit, Director of Cura Animarum, J. David Ivers of Macomb County Interfaith Center for Inter-racial Justice, Victor Ghalib Begg of Bloomfield Hills, MI., Chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM), and Rabbi Dr. Mordehai Waldman of Congregation Beth Tephilath Moses, Mount Clemens, promulgated the following document in support of life across the globe with a press conference March 31, 2008 in the IONA, 28630 Ryan Road, Warren, MI (586) 558 6900:
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IT IS TIME THAT WE AS FAITH LEADERS COME TOGETHER AND CONDEMN THE SENSELESS LOSS OF LIFE ALL AROUND THE WORLD, AND AT HOME.
IT IS TIME FOR ALL FAITHS TO STAND TOGETHER: THE JEWISH PEOPLE HAVE DEEP ROOTS IN IRAQ. ABRAHAM, THE OLD TESTAMENT PATRIARCH, WAS BORN IN THE ANCIENT CITY OF UR, IN WHAT IS NOW SOUTHERN IRAQ. ABRAHAM, THE OLD TESTAMENT PATRIARCH, WAS BORN IN THE ANCIENT CITY OF UR, IN WHAT IS NOW SOUTHERN IRAQ. ABRAHAM FATHERED ISAAC, WHO FATHERED JACOB,WHO WAS RENAMED ISRAEL BY GOD AND PROMISED A NATION. JESUS IS SAID TO HAVE DESCENDED FROM THAT LINE. ABRAHAM'S OTHER SON, ISMAEL, WAS ALSO PROMISED A NATION IN THE BIBLE. HE IS CONSIDERED THE PROGENITOR OF THE ARAB PEOPLES. FROM THE BRANCH OF ISHMAEL, ISLAM'S CENTRAL FIGURE, THE PROPHET MOHAMMED, DESCENDED.
THE TIME HAS COME FOR LEADERS TO STAND TOGETHER IN HOLDING HIGH REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE ACROSS THE GLOBE WHEN SO MUCH CONFLICT, CARNAGE AND HUMAN BLOODSHED MOCKS THE MANDATE OF THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: "THOU SHALL NOT KILL." THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES: "LOVE ONE ANOTHER." AND, THE ISLAMIC SCRIPTURES; "KILLING AN INNOCENT PERSON UNJUSTLY IS LIKE KILLING ALL MANKIND."
GLOBAL WAR WITH COUNTLESS HUMAN CASUALTIES DEPRESSED AND DEMEANS THE DIGNITY AND WORTH OF HUMANS MADE IN GOD'S IMAGE AND LIKENESS. GOD HELPS MORAL LEADERS RISE TOGETHER TO STOP THE CARNAGE ENVELOPED IN A CULTURE OF FEAR HOLDING THE CONSCIENCE OF AMERICA.
CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM MUST STOP KILLING EACH OTHER. NONE OF OUR FAITHS TOLERATE UNJUST KILLING. IT IS REQUIRED BY OUR FAITHS TO STAND UP AGAINST ALL FORMS OF TERROR WHETHER COMMITTED BY INDIVIDUALS OR BY SOVEREIGN STATES. WE MUST CALL FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE ON EARTH. GOD ALMIGHTY EXPECTS US, AS THE CHIDLREN OF ABRAHAM, TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ACTS OF UNWARRANTED VIOLENCE, NO MATTER WHERE AND BY WHOM.
CERTAINLY, WAR IS THE MOST PRIMITIVE METHOD OF RESOLVING CONFLICTS. WE URGE A NEW ERA OF RECONCILIATION WHERE WE CAN END CONFLICTS BY LOVING PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES OF ALL ISSUES. GOD LOVES THE PALESTINIANS AND JEWS. HE LOVES MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS. HE LOVES AFRICAN AMERICANS AND WHITES ALIKE.
GOD LOVE DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS, CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS. WE STAND HERE IN REPENTANCE BECAUSE NONE OF US HAVE DONE ENOUGH TO LOVE EACH OTHER AND RECONCILE WITH ONE ANOTHER. WE PLEDGE TO LIVE UP TO A HIGHER STANDARD AND CALL ON OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. MAY GOD FORGIVE US FOR OUR FAILURES, GUIDE US IN HEALING AND HELP US TO USHER IN A NER ERA OF PEACE.
(Respectfully submitted by the leaders listed above,with hundreds of signatures, and, presented to Pope Benedict XVI, (by G. Victor Begg) during his visit with interfaith representatives when he was in Washington, D.C., in April, 2008.)
PLEASE SHARE A HINDU, BUDDHIST, JAIN, MUSLIM, SIKH, BAHA'I, SHINTO, AFRICAN, NATIVE AMERICAN, ZOROASTRIAN, JEWISH, CHRISTIAN, OR OTHER PRAYER HERE, OR SEND IT TO ME AT Ventline1@att.net to post for you.
KEEP IT FRESH - YOUR PRAYER, RELATIONSHIPS, LOVE, PLAY, WORK, COMMUNICATIONS. BE SPIRITED, POSITIVE, AND BUILD BEING BETTER
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