Jim St.Germaine was preparing a cicular enclosed mound of soil enshrining a polished statue of Mary on the campus of Saint Nicholas Catholic Church in Clinton Township, MI..
The next day he aimed to plant pansies.
Between uprooting weeds, Jim, now in his 80s, conversed with me about many topics.
Our connection was Saint Rene Goupil Church in Sterling Heights, MI., where his family prayed after joining years after I had moved from there to St. Christine Church in Detroit.
My son thinks that the answer to the priest personnel problem is clergy having another job besides being a priest.
"That's the worker priest concept," I said.
Father Jacques Loew spawned the worker-priest movement when he worked in the docks at Marseilles in 1941.
A re-examination of priestly life and vocation began with hundreds of other French Catholic priests.
Loew, a Dominican order priest studied the condition of the working classes with clergy engaging in jobs in car factories, among other jobs. They intended to experience the everyday life of those they ministered among daily.
Father Karol Wojtyla, a young Polish priest and future Pope John Paul II, visited Marseilles in 1947. Wojtyla seemed certain that this "apostolic work" was the way for the French church "to reach its
own believers."
However, the abandonment of the traditonal preist way of life and the worker-priests' growing role in left-wing politics, raised concerns and Pope Pius XII ended this experiment in 1954.
Merit mounts, it seems to me, when pastors work in the trenches with the people, however. Experiencing their daily struggles and joys assists clergy in pastoral care, and, fruitful ministry.
"I wish my son would get a real job," my dad once told an usher of my home church of the late Saint Thomas the Apostle, on Detroit's east side.
Dad was a farmer who worked hard with his hands.
Exploring anew the worker-priest movement merits such examination.
In a way, my special assignment as a counselor that was not my idea is part of the worker-priest movement. Although my bishop asked me to do this, I suspect that the lack of enthusiasm and support for this cryptic assignment, as Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, wondered out loud about its meaning, has its roots in fears of the worker-priest movement.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
A Poppy and Memorial Day's Meaning Monday
A poppy.
"In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row."
John McCrae, a Canadian army officer and physician penned those words after witnessing carnage's horror at Ypres.
Those departed dead soldiers, including my own brother, Lucas Ventline, since World War I who are recalled this Memorial Day with the red crepe-paper poppies, have that 1915 poem, entitled, "In Flanders Fields."
Responding back to the poem's beginning, those memorialized dead this Monday voice:
"To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields."
A poppy ripe with red of blood shed and spread across the globe.
Never again a war!
War's primitive ways of resolving conflict, and, tradition never again.
But, a poppy merits Monday's meaning mostly for memory of many women and men mighty warriors defending liberty bell and beyond.
A poppy to wear.
Like a penny pressed in one's palm to remind in God we trust, the poppies we wear, "blow between the crosses, row on row."
They signify the meaning, and, the many we mourn this Monday's Memorial
Day.
"In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row."
John McCrae, a Canadian army officer and physician penned those words after witnessing carnage's horror at Ypres.
Those departed dead soldiers, including my own brother, Lucas Ventline, since World War I who are recalled this Memorial Day with the red crepe-paper poppies, have that 1915 poem, entitled, "In Flanders Fields."
Responding back to the poem's beginning, those memorialized dead this Monday voice:
"To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields."
A poppy ripe with red of blood shed and spread across the globe.
Never again a war!
War's primitive ways of resolving conflict, and, tradition never again.
But, a poppy merits Monday's meaning mostly for memory of many women and men mighty warriors defending liberty bell and beyond.
A poppy to wear.
Like a penny pressed in one's palm to remind in God we trust, the poppies we wear, "blow between the crosses, row on row."
They signify the meaning, and, the many we mourn this Monday's Memorial
Day.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Door Ajar
Keep your door ajar.
It's like your soul. And, like poet, Emily Dickinson, who notes:
"The soul should always stand ajar
that if the Heavens inquire / He will
not be obliged to wait."
Thomas Moore says that. He's a former monk and psychotherapist, and author of the bestselling book, Care of the Soul, by the same name, Cura Animarum, Cure of the Soul, in Latin, of the organization I head, Care of the Soul and Companions Counseling in Clinton Township, MI (22800 Hall Road, Suite 220-A, west of Groesbeck, 48036).
A closed door, he suggests, is like a lid on a coffin.
In Spirituality and Health magazine, Moore offers tips on growing and forming spiritually.
Human development is like that.
To be open.
That is to be alive to each new day, fresh relationships, engaging adventures, and more.
Ajar is OK, wide open, however is not advised, the counselor claims.
Another poet wrote about walls that keep people in. And, they keep others out.
Absolutes and exclusions are sure factors in ruining relationships.
My way or the highway. Members only.
At a church festival, a suspect helped in the poker tent. Mr. Bashara was noticed and the pastor wondered why he was even there.
"He's not even a member," quipped the pastor who ousted the suspect who may have something to do with the murder of his wife in Grosse Pointe, MI.
Outside.
Many of the people at that festival were probably not members of the church in St. Clair Shores.
Absolutely out!
Keep your door ajar.
There's something fresh in the air with light, and more, when the door is ajar.
Much like one's soul ready for the Maker's knock.
It's like your soul. And, like poet, Emily Dickinson, who notes:
"The soul should always stand ajar
that if the Heavens inquire / He will
not be obliged to wait."
Thomas Moore says that. He's a former monk and psychotherapist, and author of the bestselling book, Care of the Soul, by the same name, Cura Animarum, Cure of the Soul, in Latin, of the organization I head, Care of the Soul and Companions Counseling in Clinton Township, MI (22800 Hall Road, Suite 220-A, west of Groesbeck, 48036).
A closed door, he suggests, is like a lid on a coffin.
In Spirituality and Health magazine, Moore offers tips on growing and forming spiritually.
Human development is like that.
To be open.
That is to be alive to each new day, fresh relationships, engaging adventures, and more.
Ajar is OK, wide open, however is not advised, the counselor claims.
Another poet wrote about walls that keep people in. And, they keep others out.
Absolutes and exclusions are sure factors in ruining relationships.
My way or the highway. Members only.
At a church festival, a suspect helped in the poker tent. Mr. Bashara was noticed and the pastor wondered why he was even there.
"He's not even a member," quipped the pastor who ousted the suspect who may have something to do with the murder of his wife in Grosse Pointe, MI.
Outside.
Many of the people at that festival were probably not members of the church in St. Clair Shores.
Absolutely out!
Keep your door ajar.
There's something fresh in the air with light, and more, when the door is ajar.
Much like one's soul ready for the Maker's knock.
Monday, May 21, 2012
A Crazy Sort of World, O God!
How do you manage this loving world, O God?
So many guns.
So much violence.
You don't give up on us, however. And, you don't interfere in our resolving these major problems we're drowning in, it seems, no?
Adoration's derivative reminds me of the close love you have for us and hearing your voice as I get close in adoring you in prayer and praise. Communion with you. Prayer is our ground with you.
Young men need mentors to show them the way, your Way! Fathers of sons, step forth! Lead yor son you abandoned. Be a real man who makes a father, more than just a baby any guy can make.
Thanks for who and what you are, O God, and what you do for us fragile crack pots, to borrow from the prophet Jeremiah!
The wild west is not what we need with more guns and more youngsters shooting up this town.
I will not give up in siding with you who says: "Those who live by the sword will die by it."
Wow!
Guns are a primitive, cowardly ways of settling conflict, no, God?
Better ways you have given us to solve grievances. Human ways. Talking.
The world is so different now. I grew up with the Golden Rule people seem to have thrown out.
How we need you, Creator, Maker.
Help us, I pray, to come to our senses.
Help us, I beg you, to stop the escalating numbers of guns and anger all around us.
Amen. +
So many guns.
So much violence.
You don't give up on us, however. And, you don't interfere in our resolving these major problems we're drowning in, it seems, no?
Adoration's derivative reminds me of the close love you have for us and hearing your voice as I get close in adoring you in prayer and praise. Communion with you. Prayer is our ground with you.
Young men need mentors to show them the way, your Way! Fathers of sons, step forth! Lead yor son you abandoned. Be a real man who makes a father, more than just a baby any guy can make.
Thanks for who and what you are, O God, and what you do for us fragile crack pots, to borrow from the prophet Jeremiah!
The wild west is not what we need with more guns and more youngsters shooting up this town.
I will not give up in siding with you who says: "Those who live by the sword will die by it."
Wow!
Guns are a primitive, cowardly ways of settling conflict, no, God?
Better ways you have given us to solve grievances. Human ways. Talking.
The world is so different now. I grew up with the Golden Rule people seem to have thrown out.
How we need you, Creator, Maker.
Help us, I pray, to come to our senses.
Help us, I beg you, to stop the escalating numbers of guns and anger all around us.
Amen. +
Sunday, May 20, 2012
7 day novena in preparation for Pentecost Sunday
A week from today, Christians observe the close of the 50-day Easter season on Pentecost Sunday, the last Sunday of this month, the day before Memorial Day.
"Come Holy Sprit, renew the face of the earth," is sung with gusto as parishioners wear red, the color of passion for the powerful Holy Spirit who rests within at baptism.
Worshippers prayer this day we recall the Ascension of the Lord:
Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devoit thanksgiving, for the Ascension of CHrist your Son is our exaltation, and where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope, we pray for ever and ever.
At Mass today at Saint Thecla Catholic Church, and Saint Claude Chapel in Clinton Township, I will ask those believers who were received into the Church through formation in the rite of Christian initiaiton of (RCIA) to join me for breakfast. This period of reflection allows them to ponder and pause what their baptism, reception and experience of the Church has been so far.
Seven days are filled with prayers for the powerful coming of the Holy Spirit in our hears and living each day. It is called Novena to make all things new and fresh like the Spirit's dwelling and taking residence within believers.
Come, Holy Spirit!
For seven days I will say those words slowly and reflectively.
I will urge the coming of the Spirit to morph and mend minds and hearts of the church community.
In a particular way, I will ask the Holy Spirit to assist leaders in strenthening the fragile and financially-struggling Detroit. Motown, as Detroit is called, is my birthplace.
It is my hope to rebuild and morph Motown with other clergy, civic and citizenry.
US Congressman Hansen Clark (D-13) will join a group of these leaders June 4, with a meal at 6, followed by a panel presentation on ways to strengthen Detroit.
Concrete actions will be given, and proposals are marked with a timeline to see each one through with accountability.
The novena will build confidence in me to make all things new!
"Come Holy Sprit, renew the face of the earth," is sung with gusto as parishioners wear red, the color of passion for the powerful Holy Spirit who rests within at baptism.
Worshippers prayer this day we recall the Ascension of the Lord:
Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devoit thanksgiving, for the Ascension of CHrist your Son is our exaltation, and where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope, we pray for ever and ever.
At Mass today at Saint Thecla Catholic Church, and Saint Claude Chapel in Clinton Township, I will ask those believers who were received into the Church through formation in the rite of Christian initiaiton of (RCIA) to join me for breakfast. This period of reflection allows them to ponder and pause what their baptism, reception and experience of the Church has been so far.
Seven days are filled with prayers for the powerful coming of the Holy Spirit in our hears and living each day. It is called Novena to make all things new and fresh like the Spirit's dwelling and taking residence within believers.
Come, Holy Spirit!
For seven days I will say those words slowly and reflectively.
I will urge the coming of the Spirit to morph and mend minds and hearts of the church community.
In a particular way, I will ask the Holy Spirit to assist leaders in strenthening the fragile and financially-struggling Detroit. Motown, as Detroit is called, is my birthplace.
It is my hope to rebuild and morph Motown with other clergy, civic and citizenry.
US Congressman Hansen Clark (D-13) will join a group of these leaders June 4, with a meal at 6, followed by a panel presentation on ways to strengthen Detroit.
Concrete actions will be given, and proposals are marked with a timeline to see each one through with accountability.
The novena will build confidence in me to make all things new!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Shopping
After a memorial for fallen firefighters and police personnel in Roseville, Michigan today I headed to Cosco.
Up and down the aisles I went trying to determine the merit of renewing my membership there.
Up until I arrived at the counter with "live" mussels deep in crushed ice from Canada, I was quite sure that renewing my membership was not in my best interest as a single person.
I was so intrigued with the mussels, and the challenge of steaming them.
After all, I recalled eating them on Long Island with an old priest friend of mine, Louis Reuss of Bohemia, New York.
Having been told how to prepare them, I was confident with the purchase, and, the updated card.
An executive card seemed worth my while as well.
The experience in the store was incredible. People readily engaged in conversation.
In my black suit and Roman collar - the ID for clergy - talking with many people at most counters was inspiring and exciting.
Much counsel. A lot of advice from drinking water only, without juices, and, staying in the garden area of grocery stories about 90 percent of one's shopping spree is what a Filipino nurse told me.
The mussels needed to breathe so I had to keep the plastic bag open as I toured the store to decide.
Then, I'd have to walk about a mile to the parish office near Jack's Bar-b-que where I left my Prius.
Worried about the fish, I moved quickly to get the mussels home and in the regrigerator for supper.
If the mussels died, and, I steamed them, I would get terribly sick, I was told.
So . . .
What an adventure it was to steam them later this evening.
And, to eat them.
Steam them in wine, some garlic, butter, oregano, I recall the selling saying to me.
Delicious.
And, different.
The challenge.
I love it!
Shopping.
What a trek, indeed.
Up and down the aisles I went trying to determine the merit of renewing my membership there.
Up until I arrived at the counter with "live" mussels deep in crushed ice from Canada, I was quite sure that renewing my membership was not in my best interest as a single person.
I was so intrigued with the mussels, and the challenge of steaming them.
After all, I recalled eating them on Long Island with an old priest friend of mine, Louis Reuss of Bohemia, New York.
Having been told how to prepare them, I was confident with the purchase, and, the updated card.
An executive card seemed worth my while as well.
The experience in the store was incredible. People readily engaged in conversation.
In my black suit and Roman collar - the ID for clergy - talking with many people at most counters was inspiring and exciting.
Much counsel. A lot of advice from drinking water only, without juices, and, staying in the garden area of grocery stories about 90 percent of one's shopping spree is what a Filipino nurse told me.
The mussels needed to breathe so I had to keep the plastic bag open as I toured the store to decide.
Then, I'd have to walk about a mile to the parish office near Jack's Bar-b-que where I left my Prius.
Worried about the fish, I moved quickly to get the mussels home and in the regrigerator for supper.
If the mussels died, and, I steamed them, I would get terribly sick, I was told.
So . . .
What an adventure it was to steam them later this evening.
And, to eat them.
Steam them in wine, some garlic, butter, oregano, I recall the selling saying to me.
Delicious.
And, different.
The challenge.
I love it!
Shopping.
What a trek, indeed.
Where is all the violence heading?
Daily one hears of the violent murders and shootings in my Motown where I grew up on Detroit's east side not far from the Detroit City Airport.
Good people are told to get a gun.
It seems as though everyone has a gun.
After all, it is our second ammendent constitutional right.
But, if we have all these guns, will we not use them?
And, why are we not teaching people, and, the young to repsect guns if there are to live with us, and accompany so many each step of the steps they trek?
Without thinking deeply, last night while watching Channel Two News the thought of the Michigan National Guard coming into town seemed like a viable way out.
At least temporarily, anyway!
We must stop the killing!
Are we heading to self destruction in my Motown?
All the talk about this must find us all acting to put down the guns that are meant to murder.
Or, else?
Can we sit by and just let it continue?
Or, will we rise up in soidarity with our faith leaders taking the lead to stop the slaughter?
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
Good people are told to get a gun.
It seems as though everyone has a gun.
After all, it is our second ammendent constitutional right.
But, if we have all these guns, will we not use them?
And, why are we not teaching people, and, the young to repsect guns if there are to live with us, and accompany so many each step of the steps they trek?
Without thinking deeply, last night while watching Channel Two News the thought of the Michigan National Guard coming into town seemed like a viable way out.
At least temporarily, anyway!
We must stop the killing!
Are we heading to self destruction in my Motown?
All the talk about this must find us all acting to put down the guns that are meant to murder.
Or, else?
Can we sit by and just let it continue?
Or, will we rise up in soidarity with our faith leaders taking the lead to stop the slaughter?
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
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