Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Choir Director Fired




~ Edward Arguelles ~
After 23 years of exemplary service,
long time Holy Spirit Choir Director is FIRED!

Reason Given: In the best interest of Holy Spirit Parish!



Here is the complete text of the above scanned Termination Letter:

January 31. 2006

Dear Edward Arguelles,

On behalf of Holy Spirit Parish in McAllen, Texas, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your service to the parish.

With much discernment and prayer, your part-time position as choir director has been eliminated.

This is not a disciplinary action but it is an action which must he taken in the best interest of the Holy Spirit Parish. As a matter of grace, the parish will pay your salary through March 3. 2006. We are willing to do that for your past service to this parish.

This letter is effective upon receipt. Thereafter you will not be authorized to conduct any further business for or in the name of Holy Spirit parish or any of its ministries. From now on, you are not authorized to directly or indirectly use the name of Holy Spirit Parish or any of its ministries in any future activity or event.

Hilda Wedgeworth will arrange with you how you may pick up any of your personal property remaining in any of the parish buildings after today.

Again thank you and wishing you the best.

Rev. Louis Brum





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Monday, January 30, 2006

A New Parish Council.



New Parish Council
According to some, the new Holy Spirit Parish Council Members were published in the Bulletin last Sunday. I say ‘according to some’, because not all of the bulletins had the Parish Council announcements. Mine didn’t.

I didn’t even know that we had a new Parish Council, much less who the new Parish Council members were. I remember being asked to nominate people for Parish Council some time back (years?), but never recall actually being asked to VOTE for those that were nominated, as we have always been privileged to do in the past. Maybe I was absent on the voting Sunday?

When a friend called to ask my opinion of the new 'appointed' Parish Council Members, I asked that she NOT tell me the names of the ‘selected ones’, as I wanted to see if I could guess who they were! Low and behold, I guessed all but three. It was really quite easy, based on recent activity at the parish.

Remember, these Parish Council Members were all secretly hand selected by our Most Reverend Monsignor so that he can henceforth declare, “I have the full blessings of the Parish Council” for all of the changes that he makes to our parish. That being his objective, I think he made some excellent choices.

The three Parish Council Members that I didn’t guess, however, kind of caught me by surprise. I guess I considered each of them to have a bit more than a 'follow the leader' mentality. Time will tell, I just don't think we should get our hopes up; even if they were to firmly stand up for Christ's teachings, they are far from a majority.

At this point, I seriously question if some of the appointed members were even nominated. Who can know with secret ballots? I also haven't seen some of the selected few at mass recently. Maybe I go to a different mass!

I am VERY ANXIOUS for this new Parish Council to start meeting. I am sure that meeting times will be well publicized and that meetings will allow input and questions from parishioners, as has always been the case in the past. Boy, I know A LOT OF PEOPLE that will want to attend and present questions on what has been going on!
~A Parishioner




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Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Christ Amongst Us


CHRIST AMONGST US

Many years ago, during the formative years of Holy Spirit Parish, when we were still having mass at Rayburn Elementary School Cafeteria, our then resident priest, Fr Gus Pacheco, spoke to all of us about the great opportunity that each of us had in establishing a new Catholic parish in North McAllen.

He spoke of a place where parishioners would actually “live out” the teachings of Christ. He told us, numerous times, that if we just concentrated on being “that kind of a parish”, that we would have people of all nationalities, from all walks of life, from throughout the Untied States and Mexico, come to McAllen, Texas, just to visit our church community… to see and experience what that special wonder of Christ, LIVING AMONGST US, could accomplish.


That vision of a true Vatican II parish, as envisioned by Fr. Gus Pacheco, soon became a reality. People of all faiths, from far and near, came to visit Holy Spirit Parish… to experience the GREATNESS of HIS teachings… to be a part of that GREATNESS!


You could truly feel Jesus Christ ALIVE at Holy Spirit Parish… in the attitude of our parishioners… in the reverence of our youth… and in the dedication of our staff.


It was the most incredible place that any of us had ever experienced. It was about being part of a gigantic Christian Family... one that loved, cared for and was concerned about one-another… rich or poor. It was a place where our kids learned right from wrong… and we all learned about Peace and Justice issues… all in the spirit of Christ’s teachings. It was home for us all.


You ask why we fight so hard for our “old” Holy Spirit Parish… why we criticize our bishop for destroying what we had … why we ask, “Why? For what reason… a show of power?”


Hundreds of our former parishioners (family) have now left our parish… some have gone to other Catholic Churches… some to other denominations… others have simply quit going to mass at all. We remember… we cry… and we pray that one day all Catholic Churches will have what Holy Spirit once had. CHRIST AMONGST US!

~A Parishioner.



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Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Letter To The Editor


Church Hierarchy Looks Like Congress

The Monitor Newspaper
January 24, 2006

To the editor:
I empathize with Adrian Guerra (Dec. 25) concerning the church hierarchy in Roma and the diocese. The whole church is in a bad way right now and until the laity do something about it, it will not get better. Don’t think that you should not criticize the hierarchy and let them correct themselves; it isn’t going to happen.

Take it from Jesus; he saved his harshest words and condemnation for the hierarchy of his time. Words like "vipers," "evil," "whitened sepulchers." And things have not changed. Paul wrote to Timothy that we must condemn church leaders when they stray, and they have strayed indeed! Sexual abuse, misuse of funds and power; the church hierarchy is looking like Congress!

One way to turn the church around is to join organizations that strive to reform it, like Call to Action (CTA). One local Web site to check frequently is http://www.kanickers.blogspot.com. It chronicles the ongoing struggle between the parishioners at Holy Spirit Parish in McAllen and the pastor and bishop. Get in touch with these people to start a movement, such as CTA, at your parish. Don’t wait for the bishop to solve your problems; ain’t gonna happen.

You are right, Mr. Guerra; no one in the church hierarchy listens or cares. But groups and individuals are listening and trying to shape up the church. One recent good example is the letter of Adam Moya (Jan. 8). With courageous youth like him, I have hope for the future.

Guy Hallman, McAllen

NOTE: Thank you Mr. Guy Hallman for mentioning our Web Site in your Letter to the Editor and our on-going struggle for justice at Holy Spirit Parish, however, please also be informed that our site is not affiliated with the Call To Action (CTA) Organization. Those interested in joining the local chapter of Call To Action (CTA) are encouraged to do so by visiting the following Web Site: http://www.cta-usa.org

2nd Note: Wow.. OK, I never dreamed that there was so many people out there that were dissatisfied with the Catholic Church and that are looking for a constructive avenue to voice their frustrations and/or to do something about changing the church in a constructive way. I also realize that the link that I provided to you was for the National Call To Action organization.

It is against my policy to post an address, telephone number or local web page without the owners permission, however, if you will send your e-mails to me (kanickers@aol.com) and include CTA in your headline, I will make sure that the local chapter of Call To Action gets your membership request and/or your request for more information about joining their organization.

~Kanickers




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Monday, January 23, 2006

Parish Newsletter of 01/22/06


Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo
Thoughts from Some Fellow Parishioners of Holy Spirit—January 22, 2006

Desolation Row
They’re selling postcards of the hanging…
Now at midnight all the agents and the superhuman crews
Round up everyone that knows more than they do.

Bob Dylan

Why I Have Lost Faith in the Catholic Church and
Gained Faith in the Catholic Community

The events of the past two and a half years have deeply shaken my belief in the Catholic Church. I have asked myself how I can believe and follow a Church which worries more about its appearance than its members. I have wondered how I can sit next to individuals who follow their faith blindly, listening without question to every word that comes from the ambo. I have questioned how it is possible for men to say they believe in the gospel, but do not work for justice. Through all that, I was able to keep my faith.

The events of the past 3 weeks have shaken my faith more deeply than all this. I no longer feel I can stand aside and simply be a silent participant in the quest for truth and justice. I need to announce that virtually all my trust in the Catholic Church has been pulled out of me because of what I see happening today. More than nineteen years of attending church services, walking in walk-a-thons, wrapping presents for children in Colonias, gathering food for the poor, raising advocacy, attending CCD classes, listening to speakers tell us of horrible injustices, hearing about wonderful organizations which deserve our affirmation, have all gone down the drain. I no longer feel as though I want to be a member of the Catholic Church. It has done so many immoral, improper things that I no longer feel proud to say I am Catholic. Now when someone criticizes the Catholic Church, I join in and add my own list of shortcomings and problems. I no longer have any respect for the Catholic Church.

I realize that it might seem silly to dismiss the entire Catholic Church because of what I see in one Catholic Parish, but the Catholic Church is nothing without the Parishes. I have never been to Rome. I’ve never met the Pope. I’ve never had a meeting with the Catholic Bishops of America. I’ve never read the GIRM from cover to cover. To me the Catholic Church is nothing but the local parishes. What the Pope says does not affect me.

The fact is, I cannot believe in a Church that pushes its members away. The Catholic Church I grew up in was a vacuum, gathering everyone close together without worry of religion or beliefs. The Catholic Church I see today is no longer a vacuum, but an air pump. I see it pushing everyone who cares for the Church away; spitting them out to be on their own. This is not what the bible teaches. This is not what Jesus gave his life for. This is not the church of the people that has been built up for the past 2000 years.

At the same time, recent events have caused my faith to grow tremendously. I no longer have faith in the Church, but rather I have faith in the individuals. I have faith in the Catholic Community. I have faith in the people I sit next to when I wear black. I know that they are doing the right thing. I know they are doing what they believe in. I know that they are doing what the Catholic Church used to do. These people are the new Catholic Church.

However, the word new implies that we are revolutionaries, changing what the church stands for. We are not. We are what the Church used to stand for. I now realize the Catholic Church is separating from the Catholic Community. Our Catholic Community has not changed at all. We are still fighting for the same things we did 10 years ago. We still believe in the same teachings, and we still stand for the same justice. We still answer to the same God. Our Catholic Church has left us. We are still on the path to goodness and light, the path I hear about so often. The Church has strayed from the path. We have not strayed from it.

While we are still on the right path, we cannot just simply keep trekking forward. We are morally obligated to help our brothers and sisters return to the trail. We must continue calling their names, and slowly pushing them in the right direction, for with each small push, they are one step closer to the true path. We must not lose sight of the trail along the way. Now more than ever, we need to keep our minds set on what is right, and reach out to one another to push forward.
From Benjamin Salinas, a parishioner

Leadership
“Throughout the New Testament, ministry is nowhere conceived of as a structure in accordance with the worldly model of ‘leadership,’ in the sense of rulers being over subjects. On the contrary, as all three synoptics say (Mark 10.42f; Luke 22.25; Matt.20.25f.), ‘It shall not be so (as is the case with worldly rulers) among you.’”
From The Church with a Human Face, by Edward Schillebeeckx.

Mourning Becomes Electric
As black has now become the new red in the Parish, the Blog has had several postings that along with reactions to and explanations of current Parish happenings have an underlying tone of sadness—sadness at the condition of the human relationships in our Eucharistic Community. Civility, common courtesy, and respect for other people’s humanity (much less opinions) have all been cast aside.

This atmosphere has been allowed to happen and even encouraged to happen by the Reverend Monsignor. His behavior at the infamous “Eucharistic Ministers” meeting was appalling in that he not only refused to attempt to calm people down, but seemed to relish the vicious reactions of what only could be described as a rabble. His behavior that evening put his personal stamp of approval on a way of acting that goes beyond being described as un-Christian. We are now reaping a harvest of escalating rhetoric and confrontation. It should make us all be weighed down by sadness.

$$$$$ Update
According to the Sunday Bulletins, in the past fourteen weeks parishioners have donated $18,244.20 less than the $213,000 the parish budget called for during that period. If the spending patterns of the last fiscal year have continued (13.4% over budget), then during this fourteen week period an additional shortfall of $27,191.64 was created. This gives a total of $45,435.84 of red ink (versus budget) for the fourteen week period ending January 15th.

Stretching that pattern for an entire year, the Parish would fall short by $168,761.69.

Critters
All God’s critters got a place in the choir
Some sing low, some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got, now
From a children’s song by Bill Staines

Real peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Prepared by RGV Parishioners for Progress and edited by Jerry Brazier. Copy this, and pass it on to fellow parishioners, either by e-mail or paper. If you want an opportunity for prayerful discussion of these and other issues about the parish or have any other comments, please contact us at gbrazier@rgv.rr.com.



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Sunday, January 22, 2006

Restore the Spirit?

Journey of Faith
The recent events in our parish—beginning with Adam Moya’s thought-provoking homily on Christmas Eve, and continuing with the “firing” of Dora Saavedra, Benny Arfele, Jose Moya, and Adam Moya from religious education ministry—has led me to reflect upon the crossroads that many of us find ourselves facing.

It has seemed throughout this journey of faith these last two and a half years that we have all had to decide which road to take: the road of truth and justice, or the road of “going with the flow.” One road is definitely easier. There is no doubt that just showing up to mass is much easier than speaking out about the injustices in our parish. It is also easier to just go along with the pastor’s decisions for fear of losing participation or leadership roles in beloved ministries, rather than to wear black in solidarity with our exiled brothers and sisters. It certainly would be easiest to just leave—attend mass at a church that isn’t plagued with injustice and conflict. These are the decisions that we are facing with more frequency.

My family has many years invested in helping build community in this parish; helping to make it a place where we could raise our children in an inclusive environment where Christ’s lessons of hope, love, and justice are not just a message, but a lifestyle. I would argue with anyone choosing the easy road that it is the importance of our Holy Spirit community that begs us to continue to push toward unifying our parish. This cannot be accomplished by catering to a priest that allows division to exist in our church. It also cannot be accomplished by leaving the parish.

I was employed by this church for many years. I have seen the tension and division that is allowed to exist in the office environment. I have seen relationships between staff members that were once as close as any family become damaged, perhaps beyond repair. This cannot be allowed to continue. Our church community and the staff that supports it are worth the discomfort of speaking out for truth and justice. I encourage everyone to remember that the restoration of this community is imperative, and the only way to thoroughly restore it is through action—speaking and acting upon the truth even when it is uncomfortable to do so.

I ask you to support our exiled parishioners; to ask the difficult questions of our pastor, and to remain at our “home,” Holy Spirit Parish.

Together we can restore the Spirit.

Bridget Cook
Ex-employee, Past, present and future parishioner
Holy Spirit Parish




A Reminder to Join Us for Peace at Spike's Corner.

To protest the war, propose peace, and bring our troops home from Iraq.
Sunday Jan. 22, corner of Bicentennial x Business 83 in McAllen, 4-5 PM.



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Friday, January 20, 2006

Desert Time


Taken from a Posting of Exactly One Year Ago...

Desert Time:
I heard somewhere that we are all angels born with only one wing. We can not fly unless we hold on to one another. At no time in the history of our parish has this been truer. The parish that many of us remember, vibrant and full of life, has been transformed into a dry husk.

Like some ancient dusty parchment with writing too faded to read, we try to decipher the words of the gospel on Sundays, but hear only disjointed homilies with little if any reference to how or why we need to live this call named Christianity. It has become our desert time.

It is increasingly clear that the parish we once knew and experienced is no longer here and there is no indication that it might rise again any time soon. It has been set aside in lieu of kneelers and cups of precious metal. It has been replaced with matching vestments and perpetual adoration.

So what are we to do? How do we as members of a community that once lived vibrantly and challenged one another, live through this dry sandy expanse? Like the one winged angel described in the first line, we must learn to hold on to one another. We can not wander away from this house that was once home. Instead, we should challenge ourselves to bring the truth we once heard proclaimed from the altar to our brothers and sisters remaining in our house.

We all know parishioners that have wondered from home, looking for that living water that once quenched our thirst. Many of us have gone to other parishes, denominations or even stopped attending all together. Let us not give in to the desert, but like the children of Israel in their long sojourn through Sinai, we must travel together.

If you know someone that has wondered away, invite them back. Bring them to mass with you on Sunday and sit in the pew next to them. Search out a community of like minded men and women that believe in the gospel message of peace and justice. Contrary to what some in our church might believe, we are not children of a lesser god.

So, join in the flight of our one winged brothers and sisters. We can know with certainty that although we are in the desert, the promised land is there, just above the horizon, waiting to quench our thirst again.
Jose Moya, a Parishioner.




A Reminder to Join Us for Peace at Spike's Corner.

To protest the war, propose peace, and bring our troops home from Iraq.
Sunday Jan. 22, corner of Bicentennial x Business 83 in McAllen, 4-5 PM.



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Thursday, January 19, 2006

Why Wear Black?


Some parishioners of Holy Spirit have asked why an ever growing group of individuals in our parish are choosing to wear BLACK to Sunday Mass. Below is a compilation of reasons given to answer this question.

WHY WE WEAR BLACK.
  1. To mourn the loss of the Moya family who have faithfully served the parish community for many years in many ministries. Apologies have been offered by the family members, but there are also apologies due to the family.

  2. To mourn the loss of civility among parishioners and clergy alike;

  3. To mourn the fact that power and control have become more important in our church than service to our neighbors;

  4. To mourn that the Gospel words of "we are many parts, but we are all one body..." have been replaced by "it's my way or the highway";

  5. To mourn the loss of a church environment where "all are welcome at this table" regardless of how much money you have, etc.;

  6. To mourn the loss of a forgiving community where pastor and parishioners could agree to disagree on political and yes, even religious issues (e.g., peace and justice issues) and still be cordial to one another;

  7. To mourn the loss of a parish where a neighbor in need (any neighbor, parishioner or not) would be helped quickly from the generosity of our parish family, instead of a parish where the "need" for fancy (i.e., not humble) vestments & flowers has taken center stage;

  8. To mourn the Gestapo tactics being employed by a small group of loyalists seeking favor with the pastor. These individuals truly believe that they are doing the right thing, but they do not respect the rights of others to follow their own consciences.

  9. To mourn the loss of our Catholic theology because some of our catechists are espousing fundamentalist ideology found in popular best-selling books instead of learning more about why the Catholic Church has a different focus;

  10. To mourn the loss of our freedom to be a vibrant and diverse Vatican II parish.
Although we are in mourning, we will continue to have faith, hope and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, for that is the crux of our Catholic being. And the greatest of these is "love," for it is love that will help us forgive...for they know not what they do.
~Submitted by a parishioner who wears black





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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

A Test of Faith


Two Items Today:

First,... Two Questions from a Reader:

1. Saw surveyors at Holy Spirit Today. Is our church being sold or being refinanced? Why doesn't anybody tell us anything anymore?

2. If the mortgage on our building is Paid-in-Full, why do we keep having second collections every Sunday for the Church Building Fund?



Next...

A Test of Faith?

January 16, 2005

Although green is the color of Ordinary Time, some of our most dedicated youth ministers at Holy Spirit Parish must be wondering, considering the “pink slips” they have been receiving recently via the pastoral agency of the US Postal Service. In essence the certified letters they have been receiving state that due to “recent events” at the parish, the religious education program for youth is undergoing some changes that will no longer require their services. Perhaps the first sign of the changes to come was seen yesterday, January 15, when – under the direction of Deacon Gerbermann and members of the Blue Army – the youth in the monthly Confirmation class were greeted with a test requiring them to demonstrate if they understand “what being a Catholic means.” The test consisted of 15 questions (e.g.: naming the capital sins; naming the fruits of the Spirit) and writing out the text to five memorized prayers.

Apparently, the first order of business is to assess what our students know intellectually. Fair enough. But, is this approach necessarily the best or the correct one to use when considering that growth in faith is a developmental journey, which must take into account the stage of faith development typical of adolescence? In other words, will a content-focused approach support young people in their journey of faith, and help them truly grow as Christians? I would propose the following thesis in response to this question: while adolescent catechesis must obviously concern itself with cognitive growth, primacy must be given to relationship with Jesus as mediated through relationships with caring adults, with peers, and with the entire parish community through meaningful participation in its life.

Put another way, mature faith engages us through our heads (cognitive: understanding God, fostered principally through study of Scripture and Church teaching), our hearts (affective: knowing God, fostered principally through prayer and worship), and our hands (active: serving God, fostered principally through a life of justice and service to others).

While all three are ultimately important, I contend that primacy must be given during adolescence to fostering the affective and active modes because among the key tasks of adolescent psychological and social development (“grace builds upon nature”) are the need for affiliation (where and to whom do I belong?) and discernment of vocation (what am I to do with my life?). The Christian tradition’s contribution to these searches of adolescence are that we belong to God and to one another in community, and that we are made for service to bring about the kingdom of God through the creation of more just and peaceful world. If these two dimensions (affective, active) are given short shrift in the catechesis of adolescents, we fail them in our responsibilities as a parish and as youth ministers.

In their 1997 document on youth ministry, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops noted that “the ministry of catechesis most effectively promotes the faith development of young and older adolescents when the curriculum is focused on important faith themes of the Church and on the developmental needs and life experiences of adolescents.” (Renewing the Vision, p. 30) Further, Pope John Paul II noted that: "What is needed today is a Church which knows how to respond to the expectations of young people. Jesus wants to enter into dialogue with them and through his body, which is the Church, to propose the possibility of a choice which will require a commitment of their lives. As Jesus with the disciples of Emmaus, so the Church must become the traveling companion of young people. [Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day 1995, Philippines]

In the light of these statements, one must ask about the impetus of the test given to the youth of our parish on January 15. It is likely that the examiners have no inkling concerning the dynamics of adolescent faith development. Beyond ignorance, however, there is also another possible explanation. In their concern to insure that our students are “learning” cognitively about their faith it is likely that the examiners are operating out of their own preferred approach to learning about faith. A research-based model of how students engage in learning about a subject proposes three approaches: surface, deep, and achievement learning. [Biggs, J. B. (1993). ‘What do Inventories of Students’ Learning Processes Really Measure?: A Theoretical Review and Clarification’. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 63, 3–19.] The outline below summarizes the three approaches:

Surface Learner. Motivation: Just wants to pass. Strategies: Focuses on surface meaning. Does the minimum amount of study and reading. Studies at the last minute. Memorizes information. Reproduces ideas from source texts.

Achievement-oriented Learner. Motivation: Wants to get good grades Strategies: Focuses on the task demands. Finds out what the lecturer wants. Follows up all the required references. Manages time carefully and hands in assignments on time. Keeps good notes.

Deep Learner. Motivation: Excited by learning. Strategies: Focuses on the topic. Reads widely. Relates new ideas to previous knowledge. Thinks analytically. Discusses the topic whenever possible.

If one overlays this model over approaches Catholics bring to their own growth in faith, a picture of the current state of Holy Spirit Parish emerges. I would contend that “surface learning” parishioners are those who are minimally engaged in the parish. They remain largely untouched by the current struggle underway for the soul of our parish, concerned only with doing the minimum to get by as Catholics. It is likely that their faith growth was short-changed during their adolescent or young adult years; barring an adult conversion experience, it is unlikely they will move beyond a surface approach. I believe these are the majority of the members of our parish (as is the case in most Catholic parishes). They “just want to pass.”

Those who care about the future of the parish I would propose are either achievement-oriented or deep learners. For the most part (although not exclusively) I believe that many who are now in our Pastor’s “inner circle” – including those who are apparently now going to be catechizing our youth – are “achievement-oriented learners” who are extrinsically motivated to prove that they are “good Catholics.” The extrinsic motivation in some cases is a desire to “help Father” or “please Father.” In other cases I have no doubt that the extrinsic motivation aims higher: a desire to “serve God” or “please God”, but likely motivated ultimately by a concern for their own eternal salvation. They want certainty and clarity. They want to “get good grades.”

Finally, I contend that those of us who are trying to recapture the spirit of what was Holy Spirit parish are principally “deep learners” who are intrinsically motivated. Some of us likely came to Holy Spirit as deep learners, while some were evangelized and catechized into becoming deep learners by the teaching, worship, and service that previously characterized our community. We do not fear ambiguity or the challenge of relating new ideas to previous knowledge. We aren’t afraid of discussion and even welcome debate. Sure, we want to go to heaven, but our motivation is focused on the challenge of living our faith in the real world and in working for a world that more closely mirrors the ideals of the Kingdom of God.

What does all of this have to do with the future of youth catechesis and youth ministry at Holy Spirit? The youth of our parish largely mirror the adult members of our community. There is little doubt that the majority of youth who start attending Confirmation classes begin as surface learners: “I just want to pass; I just want to get the sacrament of Confirmation out of the way.” If their catechetical experience does not expose them to youth ministers and peers who are on a “deep learning” journey, Confirmation will likely become “graduation”, or “I’m outta here; see you when I get married – maybe.” A few, I’m sure, are achievement-oriented learners (“I want and need answers; I want to get to heaven”) or deep learners (“This is important to me, but I have questions and doubts; I want to be able to live this faith in the real world; I want this to make a difference in my life”).

Because faith is ultimately caught and not taught, and because relationships and affiliation are key tasks during the adolescent faith journey, the majority of young surface learners at Holy Spirit will likely not be moved toward deep learning by those who approach faith from an achievement orientation. Let’s face it, all of us – young or old alike – are moved to grow, learn, and change by those who are genuinely excited about the subject at hand (whether it’s history, math, or faith), who know and understand their audience, and who connect with them on a personal level. An approach to adolescent catechesis that tries to determine what you know, instead of who you know, who you are, and how you live your life in the real world, is doomed to failure. Our youth deserve better.

In more ways than one, the January 15 exam of the Confirmation students is but another test of faith for our parish.

Felipe Salinas

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Union Contract National News


Union Contract Dispute Hits National News.
The Lay Workers Union Contracts made National News again. This time on the Evening News at CBS News.

If you missed it or want to see it again, click here: CHURCH VIDEO

They play a short commercial before the video.

Monday, January 09, 2006

Newsletter of 01/08/06


Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo
Thoughts from Some Fellow Parishioners of Holy Spirit—January 8, 2006

Yes, You Can; No, You Kant
Act as if the maxim of your action were to become, through your will, a universal law of nature. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative.

The 18th century philosopher is giving advice about what to do when faced with moral or ethical decisions. His categorical imperative tells us to consider the implications of our own actions setting a universal standard. That is, think about what would happen if our choice became how everything would work, for everyone, all the time. Note that this isn’t the Golden Rule, how we would like to be treated, but a maxim requiring the taking into account of more than self-interest.

Under the guidance of the categorical imperative, it seems that Adam Moya’s usurping the pulpit on Christmas Eve creates an unstable and undesirable situation for the parish community. Can anyone with a theological point to make have the right to make that point, from the pulpit, during Mass?

But, if we like Kant’s advice then, as we make judgments about whether a certain action is appropriate or not, we should apply it across the board, to all parties. In particular, the Reverend Monsignor’s public dismissal of Adam Moya from church during Mass on January 1st, when the young man was not disruptive but simply doing his job of making sure the choir’s microphones were working properly, does not seem to meet the categorical imperative test very well. That is, can anyone (priest or not) who has personal issues with someone be allowed to disrupt Mass, publicly humiliate that person, dismiss them from church, simply because he thought that person might do something inappropriate?

The Reverend Monsignor, by attacking Adam Moya the way he did during the Eucharistic celebration, with no apparent reason other than paranoia driven by animus, put in place a “universal law of nature” that created a very dangerous atmosphere, within which escalation of emotions could very easily get out of control. When Adam’s father, José Moya, approached later during that same Mass, the Reverend Monsignor should not have been surprised at what his own decision had wrought.

Note: None of the above should be read as a criticism of the content of Adam Moya’s remarks—they reflected solid Eucharistic theology.

Irresponsible
Speaking of acting responsibly, the Collegiate Tribunal’s decision on the validity of the UFW contract begins with a lengthy discussion on how important it is for the bishop to be able to exercise authority over a pastor’s decisions, so that the “resources of the parish are not put at risk,” because they belong, not to pastor, but to the parish. It is a powerful presentation of an important principle that everyone should read carefully. Particularly, the Reverend Monsignor and Bishop Peña should read it carefully.

In spite of the fact that the total amount of the money involved in the potential parish contribution to the UFW pension fund was less than 2% of the parish budget and in no way put the parish at any financial risk (remember the days when we were solvent?), in spite of the fact that the parish, through its duly constituted Parish Council and Finance Committee, approved the expenditure, and in spite of the fact that the diocesan administration was unable to produce a single document indicating that all expenditures over $5,000 needed prior approval, the Tribunal ruled that Father Jerry acted irresponsibly and put the parish resources at risk.

Where is the Bishop’s concern for the current state of the Parish, financial or otherwise? The Reverend Monsignor has put the resources of the Parish at risk by his irresponsibility—he has squandered our money and he has squandered our talents. Who is going to call him to task? Is it really within his “ordinary” authority to behave so irresponsibly?

In the Heart of Our Community
Like so many of us, I spend time reflecting on our parish family and struggle with the questions, “What happened?” “How did we get here?” and “Why?” On good days, I realize that these past three years are part of the journey of growing in faith. On bad days, I just feel shell-shocked and sad. My most sad thought – where is the love?

There are many things I love about my Church. I love the sacraments, traditions and rituals. I love the depth. I love that our prayer is not only to be on our knees but through our actions. I love that ours is both a personal and communal faith. I love that all my life I have been invited to be an active participant, encouraged to find my calling, my way to minister. And I love that my church is universal – that it has room for everyone. And, at its best, I love that my church celebrates everyone as a treasured child of God.

So how did we become so divided? I know the answer is complex, but I do have hope. Hope that we can all reach into the heart of our community and realize how much we all share. We share and love the same Church, the same faith – our differences are in the ways we choose to express that faith and in the different ways we each answer our call. There are many gifts, many parts, but one body. Reaching into the heart, we can stop debating about the method and just be grateful for the gift of a young man with an active and living faith searching for his way to be true to the gospel. I have hope because I know that in the heart of our community, there is love. From fellow parishioner, Michelle Peña

$$$$$ Update
According to the Sunday Bulletins, in the past twelve weeks parishioners have donated $16,907.13 less than the $174,000 the parish budget called for during that period. If the spending patterns of the last fiscal year have continued (13.4% over budget), then during this twelve week period an additional shortfall of $23,307.12 was created. This gives a total of $40,214.25 of red ink (versus budget) for the twelve week period ending January 1st. Stretching that pattern for an entire year, the Parish would fall short by $174,261.75.

Welcoming the Stranger Among Us
This is National Migration Week (Jan. 9-15). We offer the following reflections from the US Catholic Bishop's 2005 Statement, Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity.

“The presence of so many different cultures and religions in so many different parts of the United States has challenged us as a Church to a profound conversion so that we truly become a sacrament of unity. The Church supports the human rights of all people and offers them pastoral care, education and social services, no matter what the circumstances of entry into this country, and it works for the respect of the human dignity of all—especially those who find themselves in desperate circumstances.”
From the Peace and Justice Committee of the Holy Spirit Community

Sacred Ministry
In testifying before the Collegiate Tribunal, Father Bob Maher said that unions have no place in the Church because the work is sacred ministry, not a for-profit business. Then shouldn’t the Church hold itself to higher standards than those set for mere businesses?

Prepared by RGV Parishioners for Progress and edited by Jerry Brazier. Copy this, and pass it on to fellow parishioners, either by e-mail or paper. If you want an opportunity for prayerful discussion of these and other issues about the parish or have any other comments, please contact us at gbrazier@rgv.rr.com.




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Sunday, January 08, 2006

What Should We Believe?


What Should We Believe?

McAllen Monitor Newspaper
January 8, 2006

To the editor:

My name is Adam Moya, and I am the one that gave the speech, now deemed "The Second Sermon," during the 6:30 Christmas Eve Mass at Holy Spirit. For the readers just finding out about this — let me catch you up to speed.

My family goes to church every Sunday to hear the same sermon. It always follows three topics: the Eucharist, Mary, and the Knights of Columbus. Quite frankly, I can only see two out of three of those worthy of a sermon. And every Sunday, we hear how the Eucharist is the center of our lives because it is Christ present in front of us. I agree. The Eucharist is one reason I remain Catholic.

However, I have an issue with what I am being asked to believe. We, as a parish, have been asked to believe that the Christ present in the bread and wine upon the altar is more valuable than the Christ found in the heart of a person. I refuse to believe so. Surely this would be sacrilegious to some. To those who would argue with me: What would you have me teach your children?

I have taught every grade from middle school to high school. I have taught students who do not care and students with more faith than I could dream of.

I teach your children. Would you have me tell them to show more respect to the Christ in bread and wine than to the Christ found in living people? I cannot bring myself to believe that God would ever ask us to kneel before an altar before we bent our backs to help a brother.

I see my priest show more respect towards bread and wine than towards my family. That is why I have spoken out. This is not an attack on my priest. This is a question of what we should believe.

God bless.

Adam Moya
McAllen



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