May 7, 2012, Volume VI, Number 19

FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS A KEMPISMonday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Question of the WeekFor the Sixth Week of Easter, May 13, 2012“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you” Remember what it felt like to be chosen first? If not, maybe you remember what it felt like as you waited to be chosen. But here in the gospel it is a wonderful feeling to know that you have been chosen, and chosen to do good, to be like Jesus, to love and to be willing to lay down your life. What a feeling to be chosen by someone who loves and whose mercy continues again and again and who has already given his life for you. Can you handle being chosen?

NCCL News

NCCL Conference Steps Forward in Technology – QR Code and More

If you want to be sure you have the most current information on what’s happenings at the NCCL 76th Annual Conference and Exposition, please go to

http://www.nccl.us/home.html. You can access everything from the daily schedules to presentation overviews as well links to items that will be posted on YouTube.

You can also follow the conference on Facebook and Twitter. Go to the NCCL website and sign up so you don’t miss any of the action including a drink designed for the conference, entitle a Catetini.

Spokesman Notes Pope's Reflections on 'For Many,' 'For All'

Ever wonder what those weird black-and-white square codes are? Here's how to read them with an iPhone, a BlackBerry, or an Android smartphone. And now you will be able to check the Conference schedule and more on your smart phone. Click here to find out how How to Read QR Codes With a Smartphone (http://tiny.cc/ez3jdw). Try it with the QR code on the left.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, says Benedict XVI's reflections on a translation of the words of consecration -- "for many" rather than "for all" -- point to what the Pope considers truly important.

The Vatican spokesman noted in an article published by Vatican Radio that the Holy Father wrote to the German bishops the week after Easter regarding the translation of this phrase, said at Mass during the consecration of the Precious Blood. The Holy Father "favors the translation of the phrase 'for many' – which is more faithful to the Biblical text – to the translation 'for all,' a modification of the Biblical translation which was intended to clarify the universality of the salvation which was brought about by Christ," Father Lombardi said.

He continued: "Some will say that this distinction can only be appreciated by specialists. However, understanding this distinction helps to clarify what the Pope considers to be truly important, and the spiritual point of view from which he approaches it. The words which are used for the institution of the Eucharist are fundamentally important for Pope Benedict, because these words lie at the heart of the Church."

Father Lombardi explained that by saying "for many," Jesus "is saying that he is the Servant of Yahweh who was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. When we say 'for many,' therefore, we both express our fidelity to the word of Jesus, and recognize Jesus’ fidelity to the words of the Scripture. There is no doubt that Jesus died so that everyone might be saved. This, along with the profound significance of the words that are used for the institution of the Eucharist, should be explained to the faithful through the use of solid catechesis."

"When the Lord offers himself 'for you and for many,'" the Jesuit continued, "we become directly involved and, in gratitude, we take on the responsibility for the salvation which is promised to everyone."

Father Lombardi recalled that the Pope already touched on this issue in Jesus of Nazareth. He is "providing here profound and insightful catechesis about some of the most important words in the Christian Faith," the spokesman said. "The Pope concludes by saying that, in this Year of Faith, we must proceed with love and respect for the Word of God, reflecting on its profound theological and spiritual significance so that we might experience the Eucharist with greater depth. We hope to do so indeed."

Two Matriarchs Are Born to Eternal Life

I received this from Anne Comeaux about her mother-in-law. Having met Val and stayed with him while doing a presentation for Galveston-Houston when Anne was called away and was not able to play host, I experienced a man who “done his mom proud”. Anne can be contacted at acomeaux@PDQ.NET

Yesterday, May 5, as Val and I (Anne Comeaux) were driving back home from Louisiana, where we had been to the funeral of one of my dear cousins, we got a phone call from our daughter, Cathleen, saying that Val's mother, Anne Lacour Comeaux had gone to be with God. Her passing was not unexpected, but still has left so many of us with sadness and a huge sense of loss. In January, when we celebrated her 93rd birthday, we counted her direct descendants...children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; the number was 93. Of her original 13 children, 12 survive her. As I spoke to my son, Patrick, about his grandmother he said, "I don't know anyone who lived a fuller life." She and Paw Paw sent all 13 of their children to Catholic elementary school in Baytown, saw each of them earn at least one college degree and endeared themselves to so many people whom they served outside their immediate family. A person of deeper faith, I have never known. The lessons she taught her children about faith, family and service can be seen reflected in all of them. Of course, my greatest example is Val.

Over the past years since we returned to Texas, he has been so wonderfully attentive to his mother. For the past 7 years since her health began to decline he has been her business manager, bill payer, consultant on a myriad of matters, tax man, medicare advocate, and so many other things. Every Thursday was his day to visit her in Baytown and he frequently cooked lunch for her, which she loved. He was the family liaison to the caregivers, paid them, paid taxes, unemployment, social security for them and appreciated them. When we went to an event at her apartment complex last fall, as the music started to one of her favorite songs, he danced with her in her wheelchair. I ask your prayers for the family as we plan for this saying goodbye. Val and I are going to the funeral home today and to the church from which she will be buried. Val was her power of attorney in life, will be the executor of her estate but most of all he is her loving son.

For those of you who planned to be with me in San Diego this week, of course I will miss you, but I know you understand and will keep us all in prayer. Peace and love, Anne

My own mother passed away this Sunday morning. Here is part what I wrote our family and friends. I will share more next week, including my reflections at her funeral liturgy.

Friends and family, I apologize for the impersonal nature of this and thank you for all your kind words and prayers. It is this faith, this circle of life, and the conviction that she is in heaven with her husband, many other saints of God and meeting face to face with the God who knew her before she was even born.

Mom passed away peacefully this morning in her sleep at 6:15am. My brother is not due in until this evening so he

doesn't know and at the advice of the hospice nurse, she felt it best that he tell his wife and daughters so I have not notified them. When I left last evening about 9:30, mom was resting peacefully, her breathing was easier and she looked comfortable. I had told her all day that we loved her and it would be great if she hung in there till Galen came but we didn't want her to suffer and if she was ready to be with dad, then it was okay with us. I reminded her what a great mom she was, how grateful we were that we had been chosen to be her children and we prayed the rosary. I held her and then kissed her and left. I awoke about 6:10 this morning, thought it was just a call to the bathroom and went back to sleep, after getting up and going to the bathroom (more info than you want to know). I got a call this morning right after my alarm had gone off that she had passed away. I guess i missed that clue from God - wake up! And I didn't even realize the Godcidence until I was writing this. So now we are dealing with funeral arrangements and transportation of mom back to Bismarck. A bigger hassle than I realized so I will know nothing more about that until tomorrow (Monday). I was told that we hope it can be done by the middle of the week. The cemetery where mom will be buried next to dad does not do burials on week-ends so I am thinking we will either have the funeral on Friday or Monday but I haven't talked with Corpus Christi and it all depends on when the body can be sent.

So as a family we are facing the Pascal mystery. My sister Colleen Ann is in Corsica and her daughter, Anne Marie, is pregnant with her second child, due June 15. She has been confined to bed and so Colleen will not be coming home as she needs to be with her daughter and the new baby who will be named Anna. The circle of life: a death, a new life. We were blessed to have mom in our lives for 89 years. Prayers are always welcome.

Pope: Knowing God Helps Forge a Personality

Pope Benedict XVI spoke with five new non-resident ambassadors to the Holy See, and touched on a variety of points, ranging from poverty, to human development, to religious freedom. Among his points, he noted that the "global economic crisis has caused an increasing number of families to live in precarious conditions. When the manufacture and increase of needs leads us to believe in the possibility of unlimited enjoyment and consumption, the lack of the means necessary to achieve these ends leads to frustration."

The Pope also spoke against situations where poverty and enormous wealth exist side by side, cautioning that "a sense of injustice arises which can become a source of rebellion. Therefore it is necessary for States to ensure that legislation does not increase social inequality and

that people can live dignified lives. "He spoke of human development as necessarily involving the whole of the person, not just economic factors.

"Experiences such as micro-credit, and initiatives to create cooperative associations show that it is possible to harmonize economic objectives with social necessities, democratic government and respect for nature," the Pontiff affirmed. "It is also advisable to encourage manual work and to promote an agriculture which works in favor of local people, viewing these activities with the respect they deserve."

Benedict XVI also spoke of "another kind of poverty: the loss of reference to spiritual values and to God." When a person lacks this reference, he said, it "makes it more difficult to distinguish good from evil, and to overcome personal interests in favor of the common good. States have a duty to promote their cultural and religious heritage, which contributes to the development of a nation, and to facilitate people's access thereto, because by familiarizing ourselves with our history each of us is able to discover the roots of our own existence."

"Religion," the Pope affirmed, "helps us to recognize others as brothers and sisters in humanity. Giving everyone the opportunity to know God, in complete freedom, is to help them forge a strong personality which will enable them to bear witness to good, and put it into effect even at great cost. In this way we will build a society in which sobriety and fraternity triumph over misery, indifference and selfishness, over exploitation and waste and, above all, over exclusion."

USCCB Requests Feedback from NCCL Members

The USCCB Defense of Marriage staff is conducting a survey about the catechetical initiative Marriage: Unique for a Reason. They are very interested in getting feedback from catechists and religious education leaders. Peter Murphy, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis asked that we share the following letter with you. Please note the survey needs to be completed by May 14. You are also encouraged to forward the survey link to ministerial colleagues, fellow catechists and other educators.

Dear National Conference of Catechetical Leadership members,

I hope this email finds you well. The USCCB Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, chaired by Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, is seeking feedback on its Marriage: Unique for a Reason catechetical initiative.

The Subcommittee would be very grateful for your feedback on current resources (two videos: “Made for Life” and “Made for Each Other”, and a website: www.marriageuniqueforareason.org), as well as your suggestions as to future resources that can help the USCCB effectively promote and defend marriage. Please click on the following link to complete a 15-minute survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/USCCBmarriageuniqueforareasonsurvey

As a sign of gratitude, completed surveys will be eligible to win a gift package of pastoral and catechetical resources from the USCCB.

Also, please consider forwarding the link to fellow catechists and other educators.

The survey will be available until May 14.

Thank you in advance for your helpful feedback and collaboration.

Gratefully in Christ,

Bethany J. MeolaProgram SpecialistUnited States Conference of Catholic BishopsSubcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of MarriageCommittee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth3211 4th Street NEWashington, DC 20017

tel: 202-541-3248fax: 202-541-3176email: bmeola@usccb.orghttp://www.marriageuniqueforareason.org

Holy See at UN Laments Lessened Parental Role in Raising Kids

Speaking last week at the 45th Session of the United Nations, a delegation of the Holy See's permanent observer mission to the U.N., led by Cardinal Francis Assisi Chullikat, addressed the United Nations Commission on Population and Development and asserted the importance of families in the formation of adolescents and youth.

"The family is the original nucleus of society, the primordial foundation of social ties and the locus where the relations of tomorrow -- nuptial, parental, filial, fraternal -- are cultivated,” the delegation affirmed. The statement recalled that the family “accomplishes its mission of being a living cell of society in which human life is welcomed and protected from its beginning until its natural end.”

Citing the importance of the education of children, the delegation lamented a "disconcerting trend" whereby the role of parents is downplayed. “The State has an essential responsibility to assure the provision of educational services, and the right to educate is a fundamental responsibility of parents, religious institutions and local communities. ... Public institutions, especially at the local level, organizations of civil society and also the private sector, can offer their unique and respective contributions to the attainment of universal access to education,” the delegation stated.

Within the educational process, the Holy See delegation reminded members that states should ultimately respect the choices made by parents and avoid attempts at ideological indoctrination. “As affirmed in international law, States are called to have respect for the freedom of parents to choose for their children schools, other than those established by the public authorities, to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions which equally applies to their right to make judgments on moral issues regarding their children”.

The delegation urged the U.N. commission to move more toward an authentic rights-based approach to development that focuses on the human person, the nature of family, the role of parents, and respect for religious, ethical and cultural backgrounds at the center of all development concerns The full text is available at www.zenit.org/article-34700?l=english.

Letter from Jeff Kaster, Chair of the 2011 Collegeville Lay Ecclesial Symposium

Greetings from Collegeville!

I want to sincerely thank-you for referring your colleagues to Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary for information about our Lay Ecclesial Ministry full tuition MDiv degree scholarships. If you recall, Saint John’s committed to provide five such scholarships for 2012-13 at the symposium. We have had a number of inquiries about these scholarships. I am most grateful for your help in spreading the word. It takes a village (or a church) to form lay ecclesial ministers.

I would also like to remind you that at the symposium Saint John’s made a commitment to offer five full tuition scholarships for three consecutive years. This means that we will have another five scholarships available for 2013 and five more for 2014. Once again I invite you share this information with your colleagues.

I am very pleased to announce that, In the Name of the Church: Vocation and Authorization of Lay Ecclesial Ministry will be available in May. The Liturgical Press invites you to pre-order your copy now. This visionary book from the fall 2011 Collegeville National Symposium on Lay Ecclesial Ministry is a unique, collaborative volume that intersects the insights of theologians with the wisdom and experience of practitioners. The essays presented by seven theologians at the symposium are included, along with thoughtful input drawn from the experiences of lay and ordained ministers who gathered to “amplify the voice and strengthen the national will to promote effective ecclesial leadership practices identified within Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord.”

Click here http://www.litpress.org/NAME25/ to save 25% off In the Name of the Church.

New Job Position Posting for The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (UD)

Sister Angela Ann Zukowski announces a new job position in the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton. The Coordinator for Adult Faith Formation and Catechesisworks with the IPI/VLCFF team overseeing the content of IPI/VLCFF courses, supporting VLCFF facilitators, representing IPI/VLCFF at diocesan, national and international conferences and supporting the innovative advancement of IPI/VLCFF. Sr. Angela Ann herself said, “It really is a great position! It offers so much creativity.” For more information, go to the NCCL website www.NCCL.org

Catholic Communication Campaign Helps Church Evangelize Digital Culture

Catholics will have the chance to promote the work of the Church in the worlds of digital and social media, thanks to the Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC), which will be held May 20 in many U.S. parishes.

“The projects funded by the Catholic Communication Campaign help the Church evangelize the digital culture,” said Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati, chairman of the bishops’ CCC subcommittee.

“The bishops firmly believe in the importance of supporting good work that allows the Church to keep pace with today’s rapidly changing communications world.”

In 2011, the CCC funded the Virtual World Youth Day pilgrimage, a web-based project that allowed thousands to share in the celebration of World Youth Day in Madrid by registering online, creating a personal “avatar” and following the five-day event through links to video, news feed and other resources.

Support from the CCC also helped Busted Halo, a website sponsored by the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle, reach a new audience with videos that support evangelization and catechesis. Their “Sacraments 101” project provides videos for each of the seven Sacraments.

To learn more about what the Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign supports nationally, visit http://www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/catholic-communication-campaign/collection/index.cfm.

The Proper Use Project: The Proper Use of One’s Shell

I came across this website (http://www.properuseproject.com/) because of a self-published book, The Proper Use of One’s Shell. The book is a story about a little snail and the snail’s search for friendship, and love. At a time when she feels very lonely, the little snail meets Sonny, the Sunflower. Sonny the Sunflower tells the little snail about love, using the words from I Corinthians 13. The description of the story sounds wonderful and the illustrations are engaging. To see more about this book including the devotional ideas at the back of the book and get

information about ordering, you can read posts from the kick-off event in 2008 at The Proper Use of One's Shell (http://tiny.cc/u1ykdw).

Knowing Jesus and His Message – Conociendo a Jesus y su Mensaje

This is an excellent resource. Immediately following the Learning Session on this resources at the NCCL Conference and Exposition in Atlanta, the NCCL Bookstore sold over twenty (20) copies of the book in English and Spanish.

Based on the protocol used to evaluate elementary religion series, the book used

fifteen standards for Pre-K and K through Grades 7 & 8. Included with the binder is a CD with all the materials available for duplication. This is an ideal help for any elementary catechist regardless of the series you might be using. Check out the following and use the Order Form.

PREFACE - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/nysql) EXPLANATION - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/xuvw8) Standards - Explained (http://tiny.cc/65wmc) Normas y Fundamentos (http://tiny.cc/zfrg2) ORDER FORM - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/9j0mb)

Looking For A Good Book?

Stop by the NCCL Bookstore. Purchasing books, CDs, DVDs, and other products on Amazon through the NCCL Bookstore (http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20) helps support this valuable online ministry.

If you are an on-line shopper and you frequent Amazon.com, please enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore as the organization benefits from every purchase you make. It’s an ideal way to support our ministry. Just go to our Home page (www.NCCL.org) and click on the Store tab or click on http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20 and it will take you directly to our bookstore. It doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as you enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore, we get a percentage of your purchases.

We are just building our bookstore and adding titles every day, so if you have any suggestions for books you believe should be available through our bookstore, please drop NCCL a note. All books mentioned in CL Weekly are available at the NCCL Bookstore.

Feedback/Comments should be addressed to: lnagel@nccl.org