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April 2008 Issue
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Bishop's column
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My
dear friends, This month FAITH Grand Rapids features
individuals born during the years from 1946 - 1964,
commonly known as the Baby Boom. Although I was born
prior to 1946, reading the stories brought back memories
of my college years. |
I attended college during the
early 1960's, a time sometimes referred to as the days of Camelot
because of President John F. Kennedy's love of the musical of
the same name. During that time, politics, the civil
rights movement, and the church, because of the proceedings
of the Vatican II Council, were filled with hope, change, and
controversy. The future held hope and promise- reassurances
of peace and harmony, that the poor and sick would be cared
for, people's rights upheld, and that all might have a share
in the world's prosperity - almost as if the Kingdom of Heaven
was to be established on earth. There was a belief that seemed
to hold the promise of a better and brighter day for the church
and the world. The hopes of the age of Camelot have not come
to pass nor have many of the dreams of that era been realized.
Almost 50 years later, we are in some ways more polarized than
ever and the problems of society that we believed would have
been solved, it seems, have been exacerbated or new ones created.
Each day, played out on our television screens, and perhaps
in our own lives, are examples of war, destruction, racial injustice,
hunger and poverty, murder and a lessening of civility in our
dealings with each other in the church and society in general.
In the midst of this, however, I do not find myself discouraged,
but rather filled with hope because I realize more clearly our
need to rely on the Lord rather than our own human efforts.
If there was a failure with the Camelot years, it was that we
believed we could accomplish the hopes and dreams of the time
by ourselves and on our own terms. As those called and sent,
as those anointed in baptism and confirmation, it is our responsibility
to carry out the mission entrusted to us by Christ Jesus. We
are all chosen and special in God's eyes; He has called us,
redeemed us and saved us. He has invited us to follow the example
of Jesus and share in His mission. He has given us differing
responsibilities, but His mission and command to all of us is
to preach the gospel - the good news. Pope Benedict XVI reminds
us that in carrying out that mission we are "to walk in His
ways" and our actions must be "born from a deep inner communion
with Christ." This is an important message for us all; though
we come from different locations, cultures and economic realities
- it is our union, our oneness in Christ that we proclaim and
celebrate. We must not allow our differences to divide us; rather,
we must unite so we can carry out the mission of our Lord and
His church together. Pope Benedict XVI's approaching visit,
which begins April 15th, presents members of the church in the
United States with an exciting opportunity to see and listen
to him, participate in Mass with him, and interact with him;
it is an additional privilege to have the Holy Father here during
the blessed Season of Easter. His visit creates a spiritual
energy in which we can all partake. The papal visit further
provides an opportunity to refresh and increase our understanding
of the pope's role as successor to Peter. Included in this edition
of FAITH Grand Rapids is a brochure that contains brief explanations
of the papacy, a brief background of Pope Benedict XVI and other
resources. I hope that you find it helpful. Each year at this
time, as a member of the diocesan community, you are invited
to participate in the annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA).
CSA weekend is April 12 -13 and this year's theme is So Faith
May Flourish. It is through the CSA that we are able to further
the mission and ministry of the church here in our diocese and
beyond. The CSA combines our efforts as diocesan church to assist
each parish in participating and providing services and outreach
beyond the scope of what a single parish is able to offer. Additional
information about this important appeal will be supplied through
your parish. I am most grateful for your continuing generosity
and know that I can count on your support this year and in the
future - So Faith May Flourish. May the joy of this holy season
be a source of grace and blessing to you.
- Bishop Walter A. Hurley is the
11th bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
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