November 16, 2008
November 14th marked the 12th
anniversary of the death of Cardinal Bernardin.
Cardinal Bernardin was closely connected to St.
Francis. He founded the parish and appointed me pastor in 1990;
installed me as pastor in 1991, and dedicated our church in April 1996,
a few months before his death.
Cardinal Bernardin was an outstanding leader, not
just in the Archdiocese, but also in the Church in the United States. He
was the first General Secretary of the Conference of Bishops and worked
to organize the conference to better allow the bishops of this country
to work together. He later served as President of that conference.
He had a passion for the Church. He wanted the Church
to speak to our world in ways that people would understand and therefore
the Church would have an impact and influence in their lives. His
careful study and thoughtful reflection brought deeper understanding to
the complexity of current issues as well as a deeper appreciation of
Church teaching.
When he arrived in Chicago in 1982, the Bishops had
just published the Peace Pastoral, written under his
direction. His Seamless Garment teaching was an effort to offer a
fresh perspective on life issues, and to show the connection and
importance of all life issues. They are all important and related.
Right before his death, he announced a new initiative
he called Common Ground; his point was critical. He wanted to end
shrill inter-church bickering. Instead of arguing about what separated,
he wanted to begin formal conversations on what was shared, Common
Ground. Unfortunately, his death prevented him from carrying out
that plan – though others have continued.
Because he tried to see many sides and understand the
complexity of contemporary issues and wanted to examine how Church
teaching applied, some accused him of weakening Church teaching
authority. His style and insight, while lacking stridency, did much to
make the Church credible.
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Next weekend, the Catholic Campaign for Human
Development will take up its annual collection. The Catholic Campaign is
described as "The domestic, anti-poverty, social justice program of the
U.S. Catholic bishops. It supports community and economic development
projects across the United States. Through promotion and support of
community-based self-help organizations and transformative education,
the Campaign addresses the root causes of the 37 million Americans
living in poverty. Since its foundation in 1970, the Campaign has
awarded nearly 8,000 self-help grants to community-based projects
initiated and led by the poor in urban and rural areas throughout the
country." Your support is appreciated. The collection will be taken
after Communion.
MUNDELEIN INTERN
Last week, I learned from Fr. Ray Webb of Mundelein
Seminary, that St. Francis of Assisi will again be a site for a Seminary
Intern. Jason Parzynski, a second year student at Mundelein will be with
us. The internship does not begin until mid-February and ends at the end
of May. We have been fortunate to have many interns here at St. Francis
and your warm welcome and great spirit has made this a positive
experience for these men.
Last week, I was at Mundelein Seminary when Mike
Grisalano was ordained as a deacon. Mike was an intern here in 2007.
Mike will be ordained a priest in May. As I met with him and
congratulated him, he sends his greetings to all at St. Francis.
THANKSGIVING
The days move very quickly. Thursday, November 27th
is Thanksgiving. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. This is always a
wonderful time for our parish community. I encourage all to participate
and join us at this Mass. "Coffee And" will follow. Mass on Friday
morning, the 28th, will be at 9:00.
