Mar. 9:

• More WOWS and AMENS regarding St. Mary's:
• "I was at Mass and I saw a father carrying his son while ushering. It was marvelous. You should name your parish St. Joseph's." (recent email)
• "I didn't realize how talented our young people are!" (comment of parishioner after Mass)
• "You, Sr. Dolores, and the people who bring me communion light up my week." (note from one of our shut-ins)
• "I"d rather serve than just sit in the pew. This way I get to be part of the action and I don't fall asleep in church" (comment by server - good theory on ministry)
• "Our son gave us the most spectacular response to the question of the week. We didn't realize how deep his faith was. Thanks for giving us the opportunity. (parent of one of
• our teens)
• "Your care and concern for persons in need is very evident. The generous donations from St. Mary's certainly make our jobs easier." (thank you note from Community Action)
• "The wedding preparation for our son and future daughter-in-law was great. I, as a parent, came away with a new sense of confidence in our children's celebration. You and Fr. Denny are so understanding of young people." (attendee at our marriage preparation program)
• "This parish really knows how to welcome children into the faith. We will never forget the experience." (godparents at a recent baptism)
• "My kids will fill up the piggy-bank to see Fr. Mike kiss a cow." (parent of children from this parish regarding upcoming Heifer Project)
• "Thanks for opening your parish to the workings of peace" (guest at recent peace gathering)

And the people - Fr Mike

March 16:

For those of us who have cable or satellite television there are all kinds of channels to choose from - shopping networks, news networks, food networks, animal networks,

movie networks and even religion networks. Remember that the purpose of shows on television is to entertain and sell a product.

There is even a "Catholic network" called EWTN. Keep in mind that this network is not under the auspices of the official Catholic Church. What is sold as "Catholic" is seen through the lense of those who produce the show. This network is slanted toward ultraconservative views and does not portray the full dimension of Catholic life. It basically attacks or questions everything that has happened since Vatican II.

My fear with this network is that although it provides a service such as daily Mass, the rosary, and teachings, it also slants the message to the point that we are all terrible sinners and that the world is an evil place. It causes some of our older people to always question their own goodness and the forgiveness of Jesus. If there is anything we have learned from our study of scripture is that Jesus says more about forgiveness, love, and hope than he does about condemnation and guilt.

Right now there are several "Christian based" networks. Television is television. Unfortunately it fills people's lonely moments instead of people. It can fill one's mind through constant repetition of a message. And in order for a network to make money it has to slant its message toward the consumer. In my ministry I have seen people give away money and their free will to organizations that gave false promises and hopes.

The best way to know what it is to be Catholic it has to be seen in the midst of community (and not a television screen). Our elderly and shut-ins need to find their faith from parishioners being an active part of their lives and not just let them find religion on their television. (What would it be like if our rosary groups went to people's homes and prayed the rosary with them and then spent time with them?)

Keep in mind that EWTN and other religious stations do not replace authentic Catholic practices. None of these stations is the official voice of the Catholic faith. No matter what the participants wears or how holy they may sound, they do not have the monopoly on the teachings of Jesus and the Church. Happy viewing but keep the remote handy!

And the people say   - Fr Mike