Pastoral Formation Monthly Update
What's buzzin' in Faith Formation?
From the desk of Sr. Kathy....
Dear Friends:
Hopefully, the summer months will give us some time to enjoy family and friends through nature, by reading a good book; and, perhaps by spending more time in prayer.
In this month’s edition of Buzz News, I have included the link of a speech that our Holy Father gave to journalists earlier this month in Rome. I was taken by what he said to them about formation: “Being a journalist relates to the formation of people, their vision of the world and their attitudes when faced with events,” he reflected. There is so much talk today about “fake news”, and I thought Pope Francis’ words are so true. The title of the article is Peripheries, truth, and hope: Pope Francis on upstanding journalism.
Nationally, I had the opportunity to attend the National Association of Lay Ministry (NALM) in Chicago from May 29-June 2, 2018. Please take a moment to read about my wonderful experience.
Locally, and at the beginning of June, were we not excited to have our transitional deacons ordained, Jimmy Touzeau and Francisco Javier Onate Vargas, as well as Deacon Rhett Williams ordained to the priesthood. May we always remember to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
I pray your summer is grace filled!
Peace,
Sr. Kathy Adamski, OSF
Global
Pope Francis greets delegates of the Biagio Agnes International Journalism Award at the Vatican's Clementine Hall, June 4, 2018. Credit: Vatican Media.
National
NALM Conference 2018
I recently had the opportunity to attend the National Association of Lay Ministry (NALM) in Chicago from May 29-June 2, 2018. The Lay Ministry group joined the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, and we had a wonderful group of keynote, capstone and workshop speakers. Sean Callahan, President of Catholic Relief Services, shared what is being done around the world to help those on the peripheries…the poor and vulnerable. His stories were profound and made one proud to be a Catholic. On Wednesday afternoon, I had the opportunity along with about 30 others, to go to downtown Chicago and experience St. Paul Street Evangelization…wow first time in my religious life where I was teamed with another woman and equipped with Miraculous Medals and rosaries and asked individuals on the street if they needed a miracle in their life…the responses of individuals were amazing. Most were willing to listen to our message that Jesus loves them!
Later in the afternoon, we heard from Fr. Michael Pfleger who works with the African American community to heal the racial divide in that city. He works with gang members, and he has founded many social service and peace and justice organizations. Father’s many challenges caused me to ponder the question, what am I doing to heal the racial and sexist divide in my community? Edwina Gateley, a laywoman from England, shared her experiences with women involved in prostitution in inner Chicago over the past 30 years…what an example of the love of Jesus she has for these women. She brought about six women with her so that we could talk to them after her talk.
The next day, our keynote address was done by Fr. Richard Fragomeni who shared his thoughts on Proclaiming the Joy Experienced. His message, too, was profound. He clarified the difference between happiness and true joy and even used the writings of St. Francis on Perfect Joy.
I also got the opportunity to hear from a biblical scholar that taught me at a seminar on Wisdom literature years ago—Diane Bergant, OP of Catholic Theological Union. Diane challenged us not to forget the importance of Vatican II and that orthodoxy (correct teaching) must be balanced with orthopraxis (correct living of the faith) to truly be a missionary discipleship. I was honored to have been given this opportunity to experience such wonderful women and men.
Local
Racial Justice Resources Now Available
If you were unable to participate in S.C. Racial Justice Sunday, June 17, the following link has resources to use any time of the year:
http://files.constantcontact.com/4eac7125301/daac77bd-8c8e-478e-b51c-cc73b4e6dd3d.pdf
This Sunday will be celebrated every year, closest to the date of the Emmanuel Church Massacre; and, this year we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Orangeburg massacre at S. C. State University.
Congratulations Father Rhett Williams!
“This man who [has been] ordained will be consecrated as a true priest of the New Testament to shepherd God's people. It is on the feast of the Sacred Heart that we celebrate this great gift. He is called to act in the person of Jesus Christ.”
~ Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone
South Carolina Catholics In Action Conference
Factoid
30,000 newly baptized or fully initiated Catholics were welcomed this past Holy Saturday in over 195 Catholic Dioceses in the United States. Praise God!
Book & Video Club
Formed.org
If you belong to Formed.org, a new release of Francis of Assisi and his life is offered…and, it’s only 57 minutes.
Office of Pastoral Formation
Email: kadamski@charlestondiocese.org
Website: https://sccatholic.org/pastoralformation/
Location: 901 Orange Grove Road, Charleston, SC, USA
Phone: 843-261-0504