A CLOSER LOOK

A CLOSER LOOK

YOU’RE STILL BREATHING; IT’S NOT TOO LATE

Because of well-publicized, persistent instances of racial discrimination, the summer of 2020 has seen a rise in raceconsciousness across the political, ideological and religious spectrum. And it is correct to note that racism in American society is, in some sense, systemic. Despite authentic legal, political and social progress, racism can be found in systems of American public life, at the very least as a residue of past institutional injustices.

But without denying systemic elements or the need to address them through legal and political measures, recourse to the language of systemic racism should not shield us from our individual moral responsibility to address racism in our hearts and communities. Rhetoric about systemic racism is often not helpful, either, in thinking about problems of racial prejudice, or about solutions. Speaking solely – or perhaps even primarily – in terms of systemic racism may actually deflect from real solutions. If racism is reduced to a “systemic” problem, from one point of view everyone is at fault; from another, no one is. Both these attitudes are resistant to actual reform.

A CHANGE IN VIEW I suggest some alternative ways to think about race that might be more hopeful of authentic solutions.

First, the more urgent matter is for each of us to confront our own impulse to fear and suspect the “other,” regardless of the ethnic, racial or demographic characteristics that define that other. A significant part of the problem for Catholic Christians is that we are more likely to use language of American politics to frame moral issues, than we are to use the language of Catholic faith. Our default moral language is usually that of individual rights and liberties, which is neither native to Catholic moral thought, nor conducive to fruitful moral development. A language of individual rights is corrosive of authentic community. It atomizes us, and it undermines the fundamental truth that being made in the image of God has no reference to race or ethnicity.

This is in contrast to a more hopeful and authentically Catholic moral language of dignity and solidarity. As Catholic Christians, we affirm the fundamental truth that all human beings share a common inviolable dignity, and that we are bonded together through the natural solidarity of a single human nature. This is a dignity and nature that does not recognize race, ethnicity, class or any other demographic, rooted in our common destiny of people created by, and ordered toward, love of God. For humans created in the image of God, there is no “other.”

THE HUMAN ISSUE Second, we must resist the impulse of being formed by partisan identification or political commitments. Many of our moral conclusions are measured more by allegiance to political ideology or party than they are by Catholic moral theology. We must not allow these political commitments to overdetermine our attitudes about racial injustice and other prejudices. More broadly speaking, we must resist rigid commitment to political parties, especially in terms of moral issues that defy political identification. Racism is not a liberal or conservative issue. It is a human issue that must be addressed in moral terms that shun political ideology.

Third, we must resist the impulse to eschew concern about racial discrimination, preferences and privilege merely because those with hostile ideological commitments or agendas also take those positions. Nor should the coincidental agreement on some policy decisions cause one to abandon those positions, just because they are held by people with whom we have good faith disputes on other issues. And we should not be deterred in our own concern

about racism by those who advance agendas that are the problem rather than alleviates it. We must listen, otherwise disagreeable, or even violent. learn, adapt and redress. But we cannot understand, nor Fifth, we must resist the presumption to speak for people of color or anyone else who is a victim of racism or other unjust prejudice. Yes, we must, to the extent possible, try to be empathetic. We must try to put ourselves in the position of those who are on the wrong side of the advantage/ disadvantage ledger. But to presume to be able to speak on their behalf is both arrogant and patronizing. It aggravates articulate the pain of race-based insults ACKNOWLEDGMENT and indignities that are a part of the Fourth, we must acknowledge residual advantages and disadvantages caused by racist political, legal and social legacies. The question should not be whether Racism is a human issue that must be addressed in daily lives of people of color. We must allow their voices to be their voices. Finally, we must confront our own racist these relative advantages exist, but how moral terms that impulses and our own enabling of racist to address them. We are not morally culpable for privilege that is the effect of historical or social contingencies shun political ideology. attitudes. In his jarring song, “White Man’s World,” Jason Isbell courageously writes, “I’m a white man looking in a that we did not choose, but that does black man’s eyes / Wishing I’d never been not excuse us from our responsibility to one of the guys / Who pretended not to acknowledge, account for and address the advantages that hear another white man’s joke / Oh, the times ain’t forgotten.” come from it. Christian moral agency, rooted in justice and But, in a note of hope, he also calls us to look forward: charity, is about claiming those contingencies, regardless of “You’re still breathing, it’s not too late / We’re all carrying one “fault.” big burden, sharing one fate.” Racism is not someone else’s

burden. There is no “someone else.”

DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT is an attorney and the James J. Gardner Family Chair of Moral Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. He holds a Ph.D. in moral theology from Boston College, and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

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For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio has served local families and changed local lives. Our Caregiver Assistance Network is a valuable resource for primary caregivers of aging and sick loved ones. To ensure safe options during the pandemic, we organized new online support groups, phone call check-ins and outdoor group meetings. It’s one example among our many programs how your generous support allows us to still serve and empower those in need, especially during times of crisis.

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SHINE ON HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?

About one year ago – on August 5, 2019, to be exact – my five-year-old son jumped off a cliff. Yes, literally.

But don’t worry, he’s fine. We were in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the cliff was about 25 feet, we were at a very popular spot where tourists jump into the river, he was wearing a life jacket and he was holding my hand when he did it.

What amazed me about my 5-year-old jumping off this cliff into the river was his complete lack of fear. He stepped up to the ledge when it was our turn, a huge smile on his face, and jumped. No fear. Ready to go.

How do you get started? Are you like my son, ready to jump in with no fear? Do you start cautiously, avoiding risk at all costs? Does it take you a while to get going because you have a tendency to start and stop frequently? Does indecision cripple you into inaction?

I ask how you get started for two reasons: First, it’s good for you to be aware of how you start. Everyone starts a little differently, and how you get started matters. No matter if you are starting a new job, starting a new school year, starting a new project around the house or starting a new relationship, how you start changes your entire experience, so you should know how you start.

Second, now is a time for starting things. This is the time of year when the weather starts to change. The new school year begins. Parish programs resume. Fall sports begin practice. And even in the pandemic world in which we now live, it still feels like every day we are getting some new information or trying to live with some new normal.

Starting is almost always the hardest part. Ever tried to start a habit of running? I usually run four times a week, but the effort it takes to motivate myself to get up and go is always the hardest part. I’ve written thousands of pages as an author, including publishing a couple books, but guess what: Getting the first words out on that blank page are always the hardest. Starting is almost always the hardest part, and it is also the most important.

Woody Allen said, “Eighty percent of life is just showing up.” And so, every time you start is a victory. Every time you start is an occasion to celebrate.

Celebration is a good place to start anything. Isaiah 43: 18- 19a says, “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; See, I am doing something new!”

The first half of 2020 has been… well… eventful. That’s a polite word for it. Perhaps God invites us, now, this very moment, to focus on the new things He is doing in our lives.

Want to start well? Here are some quick tips to do just that:

First, to set yourself up for a great start, identify what helps you get started. Do you jump right in? Do you need to do research to feel ready? Are you hesitant? Do you feel braver when you’re with a friend?

Next, plan your celebrations. Getting started is easier when you celebrate getting started. And having something to look forward to will help you get started in the first place. What will you do to celebrate getting started, and how can you use that celebration to motivate forward momentum?

Last, pray for your new beginning. Everything is better when God is with you. Ask God to send you the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit so that you can start and start well.

DOMINICK ALBANO is the director of digital engagement for The Catholic Telegraph, as well as an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and have four sons.

Joseph Fischer, Emmanuel organist in the 1860s, started the J. Fischer and Bro. music publishing company with his brother, Ignaz, in 1864. They later moved the company to New York and became one of the country’s largest music publishers.

established as a German parish & original church dedicated

Archbishop Elder permitted Emmanuel to erect Stations of the Cross

current marble altars and stained glass windows installed

front spires removed

digital ranks restore organ to original sound cornerstone for current church laid

"It is the largest church in the a rchdiocese, with a seating capacity of 1,400. It is the only church in Ohio with double balconies. Except for the exterior sandstone, the entire structure is made of wood and brick with no steel whatsoever... the architect achieved what others have tried in vain to copy - a church with nary a pillar holding up its ceiling, which is 85 feet from the floor." Father Jamers McKay, SM, Sesquicentennial History

flood destroyed pews & pulpit

rear spire blown down in a windstorm

Father Joseph Sieber ran through falling embers to rescue the Blessed Sacrament from a fire after a lightning strike

organ restored to a smaller size and different style Emmanuel has hosted a Tuesday evening Miraculous Medal novena for more than 50 years. The annual Divine Mercy Sunday celebration dates to 1989 and the Corpus Christi procession along Franklin Street - decorated by parishioners with designs in colored wood chips - will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2021.

“The Downtown Dayton Parishes preserve traditions with an eye to the future. We all desire to evangelize in the city and share the Gospel message with the world. All three are beautiful, and one of the ways you draw people into the Church is through beauty: beautiful music, beautiful art, beautiful architecture.” – Father Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S. | 15

St. Philomena

“My kingdom i s heaven .”

St. Philomena was 13 when she died. Not much was known about her life until 1802, when her bones were discovered in Christian catacombs. There was a palm branch carved on her grave symbolizing that she was a martyr, meaning she died for Christ. Around the same time, she appeared in dreams to three different people from different parts of the world. She told these people the story of her life. The faithful quickly developed a devotion to her after miracles and healings began to occur through her intercession.

Philomena was a Greek princess who had such a deep love for Christ that she made a promise to God to stay unmarried, saving her heart and life for God.

When she and her father, the Greek emperor, traveled to Rome to plead with the Roman emperor to not go to war with them, the Roman emperor took an interest to Philomena and asked her to marry him. She refused because of her promise to God and this made him very angry. The Roman emperor threw Philomena in jail and tortured her for weeks. Philomena had a vision of Mary holding baby Jesus saying that things would end in three days. In three days, the Roman emperor asked to marry Philomena again. When she refused, he tied an anchor to her in an attempt to drown her, but the rope broke. Then, he tried firing flaming arrows at her, but the arrows instead caught the bows on fire. The Roman emperor finally beheaded her.

In 1837, she was officially canonized as a saint. Her feast day is August 11, and she is the patron saint of children, infants and youth.

Pray through the intercession of St. Philomena that you, too, can live a Christ-centered life and strive for sainthood. No matter your age, you can also become a saint!

CATHOLIC AT HOME ACTION AND AUDIENCE

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

My husband Andrew and I have five kids this side of heaven. Five kids from age 10 down to 3, and every single one does an on-point job of imitating us. Our gestures, mannerisms and general approaches to life are all under the vigilant speculation of absorbing eyes. It’s fun, isn’t it, to see how much like you your kids turn out to be?

IT’S ALSO A BIG WAKE UP CALL. For years now, I’ve known that the role of educator goes hand-in-hand with parenthood; but those of us with any number of kids know we’re not just any educators – we’re the first above all others. It’s through us that our kids learn what’s important in life; they catch on to our attitudes and quirks, our phrases and beliefs. I’ve witnessed that even from within the womb, a child learns his mother’s vocal inflection.

Further in life, kids take on their parents’ passions and personality traits. It’s easy for me to take a good look at my own characteristics and trace them back to one or both of my parents. I have my mom’s penchant for house plants and spontaneity, and my dad’s sense of practicality and love for dogs. While I learned life lessons in the formality of conversations at the kitchen table, most of the principles I learned were in our day-to-day encounters. There was no planning involved, just action and audience. My parents had my full attention whether they knew it or not.

The short version is that, as a parent, you’re the first place your kids will look to for how to work and play and, more importantly, how to connect with God. Though we might supplement our kids’ catechetical instruction with Catholic schools or CCD, the foundation is their encounter with faith at home, the domestic church. The Catechism states, “Family catechesis precedes, accompanies and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God” (CCC 2226). This isn’t just a responsibility, but a privilege exclusive to us.

Our kids are going to imitate us; there’s no getting around it. Regardless if we present ourselves as the very epitome of Catholic living or allow our shortcomings to show, children’s eyes and ears are ever keen to their parents’ examples.

One of my favorite saintly quotations comes form St. Therese: “The world is thy ship and not thy home.” In this simple concept lies the fact that, though we are blessed and tried by earthly lives, we were made for full union with God, which, in no uncertain terms, means that heaven is our real home. It’s where we’re meant to be.

We see evidence of this all the time, don’t we? The troubles, sin, injustices and pains of this world, if we pay attention, effect in our hearts a yearning for relief and peace well beyond what the world could possibly offer. Above anything and everything else, we should teach our children that it’s the life beyond that we’re living for now.

WHICH IS A TALL ORDER. In order to convey such big, important truths to the young souls in our care, we have to begin simply and start with ourselves. If we hope our children will love Jesus, we have to open ourselves to the love He has for us. If we talk to Jesus like the friend and Savior He is, we’ll educate our children in the most important way. They’ll learn that, though we’re immersed in this world, it’s the one beyond that’s worth living for. It’s a challenge, but one we face in the company of God, Whose grace abounds. We can achieve all that He asks, including the blessing of educating our children.

KATIE SCIBA is a national speaker and Catholic Press Award-winning columnist. Katie and her husband Andrew have been married for 11 years and are blessed with six children.

Back to School Jitters: Pandemic Style

BY REBECCA SONATAG

“Mom? How long were the school buildings shut down for a pandemic when you were a kid?”

Like countless parents, I have spent unending hours seeking expert and sage parenting advice from books, respected websites, doctors, teachers, family, clergy and friends. But not one single time in all of my preparation or imagined parenting conundrums did I ever consider having to answer this. Pandemics never came up, not once.

It’s not just parents. No infectious disease specialist, economist, politician or teacher has ever seen anything like this. Every day seems to bring with it a new discovery of this stealthy and insidious foe. Guidelines change, as do safety recommendations, with everyone learning as they go.

What if there is a second wave or even a third? Will in-person classes resume at full-capacity? Will dorms open up? Will cafeterias serve lunch? Will buses operate as normal? When will things go back to the way they were? Or will they? How can we answer these questions for our children when we don’t know the answers ourselves?

So much is up in the air and certainty is hard to come by. At least that’s one thing that hasn’t changed: Nothing in life is ever certain except for God. God’s love and care for each and every one of us remains steadfast and strong forever and always. God will get us through.

FEAR NOT

Perhaps the reason Jesus tells us over and over to fear not, cast aside our worries and trust in Him is that He knows the lesson is hard. And it is certainly not a fair exchange – we give God our worries and He gives us peace. As parents, we want to do the same for our children. Here are some ideas to help you along.

Make yourself available to listen to your children

and ask open ended questions. The uncertainty the coming school year holds is bound to cause some feelings of anxiety and angst, which are likely to ebb and flow. Listen to the concerns. Don’t dismiss them. Jesus never said, “You’re overreacting,” “Get over it” and certainly not, “Well, at least…” Take their concerns seriously and listen to what’s really behind their fears. Is your first grader distraught because the back-to-school party was canceled? Maybe you can help her send cards to her classmates and arrange some time for video chat. Is your college junior afraid of missing an important internship opportunity? Perhaps a college advisor can help direct him to a remote opportunity to keep on track for his professional goals.

THERE’S A SAINT FOR THAT

When in doubt, check with the experts. Examining

the lives and meditating on how the saints managed anxiety, fear and worry can be an excellent source of

comfort and insight. Here are several examples to get you started, but most important is prayer. Pray through their intercession for help.

“God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.” – St. John Vianney

“Let nothing disturb you, nothing cause you fear. All things pass; God is unchanging. Patience obtains all.” –St. Teresa of Avila

“Do not have any anxiety about the future. Leave everything in God’s hands for He will take care of you.” –St. John Baptist de La Salle

“I plead with you –never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged.” –St. Pope John Paul II

THOU SHALT NOT LIE

Only God knows everything. When will the pandemic end? What will school be like this year? Will there be choir concerts, football games, field trips? God knows. We don’t. And that’s OK. Lying is a sin. Lying kills trust. And telling children soothing lies helps no one. Sometimes the answer is as simple as, “I don’t know, but let’s pray for God’s help.”

We have to be honest with ourselves, as well. Sometimes, we need expert help. Doctors, mental health professionals and social workers are all part of God’s plan, too, and might be the answer to your prayers.

In times of uncertainty, it is easy to get stressed and anxious. Know that you do not have control. God does.

Instead of letting worry take control of your life, try giving up your stress and anxiety, surrendering your control to God, and taking the steps to trust in Him more deeply. Below is a Divine Mercy prayer card. You can either cut it out and paste the backs together, or download and print a copy at thecatholictelegraph.com. This Divine Mercy prayer card is for you to use when you feel worried or stressed. You can either cut

In times of uncertainty, it is easy to get stressed and anxious. Know that you do not have control. God does. out and paste the backs together, or download and print a copy at thecatholictelegraph.com.

Instead of letting worry take control of your life, try giving up your stress and anxiety, surrendering your control to God, and taking the steps to trust in Him more deeply. Below is a Divine Mercy prayer card. You can either cut it out and paste the backs together, or download and print a copy at thecatholictelegraph.com.

I come to you burdened with worries, fears, doubts and troubles. Calm and quiet me with peace of mind. Empty me of the anxiety that disturbs me, of the concerns that weary my spirit, and weigh heavy on my heart. Loosen my grip on the disappointments and grievances I hold on to so tightly. Release me from the pain of past hurts, of present anger and tension, of future fears. Sometimes it's too much for me Lord, too many demands and problems, too much sadness, suering and stress. Renew me spiritually and emotionally. Give me new strength, hope and condence. Prepare me to meet the constant struggles of daily life with a deeper faith and trust in You. Let your love set me free, for peace, for joy, for grace, for life, for others, forever. Amen. I come to you burdened with worries, fears, doubts and troubles. Calm and quiet me with peace of mind. Empty me of the anxiety that disturbs me, of the concerns that weary my spirit, and weigh heavy on my heart. Loosen my grip on the disappointments and grievances I hold on to so tightly. Release me from the pain of past hurts, of present anger and tension, of future fears. Sometimes it's too much for me Lord, too many demands and problems, too much sadness, suering and stress. Renew me spiritually and emotionally. Give me new strength, hope and condence. Prepare me to meet the constant struggles of daily life with a deeper faith and trust in You. Let your love set me free, for peace, for joy, for grace, for life, for others, forever. Amen.

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SEIZE THE MOMENT 4 WAYS TO SHARE YOUR FAITH AT SCHOOL

It’s hard to share your faith at school. No one wants to stand out or have unpopular opinions. When I first decided to share my faith, it was in college. Through intense study, I became a passionate Catholic – but everyone around me either didn’t care or they strongly disagreed with me. And I was terrible at explaining myself.

I realize now that there were some simple techniques I could have used to share my faith more effectively. Keep these in mind and you can be a positive witness at your school, no matter how old you are, or what kind of school it is.

LIVE YOUR FAITH SIMPLY You don’t have to make loud displays of your faith. You don’t have to shrink into the background, either. Instead, try to have a subtle influence on people.

If people are gossiping, don’t contribute to it. If someone shares a personal problem, quietly pray with them. Tell the truth. Be kind. Help people. Wear Catholic t-shirts. If someone asks about your weekend, don’t be afraid to say you went to Confession. Eventually you’ll start to make an impact simply by living a faithful, Catholic life, and people will want to know more.

GET TO KNOW PEOPLE I went through 12 years of elementary and high school with the same people, and on graduation day there were still classmates I didn’t know. It’s always easier to stick with your friends than to risk rejection from a new person. But, if you are intentional about getting to know other people, then not only will you make new friends, but you’ll also discover how your faith can speak to their lived experience.

This means investing in others. Be present to the person in front of you. Show an interest in their story. Spend more time listening and asking questions than talking about yourself. You might even challenge yourself to meet one new person a week. If you take this person-centered approach to life, then you’ll find open doors to share your faith with others, and your own life will be enriched.

PRAY AND RESPOND When I first tried sharing my faith in public, it was at a crowded farmer’s market. There were so many people walking by that I didn’t know where to begin. Instinctively, I started judging people: “He is too scary.” “She will probably reject me.” “They are too preoccupied.” My partner noticed this and reminded me: I don’t have to judge people. I don’t have to wait for the perfect opportunity. If I stay in conversation with Jesus, He will show me the way.

Even at school, we can get so anxious about new social situations that we forget about Jesus. Try not to wait for perfection or expect people to respond a certain way. Instead, ask Jesus to bring you the person He wants you to meet today. When he or she walks by, you’ll know it. Then the only thing left to do is to respond.

HAVE A HEART Maybe the problem is that the eagerness isn’t there. I get that. My intense introversion compels me never to talk to strangers unless absolutely necessary. But I also know that I have been called by my Baptism to share my faith with others. The Christian is constantly asked to choose between his comfort and the salvation of souls.

If your desire to share your faith is weak, then doubledown on your relationship with God. Start taking prayer and the sacraments more seriously. Start taking your sin more seriously. Ask Jesus to give you His own heart for His people. When He gives you that heart, ask Him to constantly inflame it.

Zeal for the Lord always leads to zeal for souls. Seize the moment! I’m certain that God is waiting to fill you with His love so that you can share that love with everyone around you.

NICHOLAS HARDESTY creates content and leads workshops for Contagiously Catholic, an archdiocesan initiative that seeks to empower parishes and schools to equip the laity for evangelization.