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PAGE 2—June 19,1975
GUEST AT ORDINATION - When Charles A. Kuebler was ordained a
deacon recently, he had an unusual but invited guest beside him -- his
seeing-eye dog Orelle. Performing the ordination is Auxiliary Bishop
Thomas W. Lyons of Washington, D.C. Kuebler, a native of Plains, Pa.,
and blind since he was 10, completed his studies for the priesthood at
Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame University, in 1973. He will serve as a
deacon at Holy Family Church in Hillcrest Heights, Md., a Washington
suburb, before his ordination to the priesthood. (NC Photo)
Catholic
SAN FRANCISCO (NC) - The
reevaluation of its mission to the local
Church, labor relations, and federal and
state encroachment were among the
major concerns of the fourth annual
Catholic Health Assembly here.
Sponsored by the Catholic Hospital
Association, the assembly drew more
than 1,200 administrators and staff,
Religious and lay, to address those
concerns and ways and means of coping
with them.
Bishop Bernard F. Law of
Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
emphasized that Catholic hospitals are
both “in and of the local Church.” He
added that for the health facility to be
positive in its relations there must be “a
dialogue process involving the local
ordinary and hospital administrators.”
“I am not advocating - but I am
decrying -- an isolationist mentality,”
Bishop Law said. “The Church is a
community of faith and this community
is encountered as diocese with the local
Ordinary (diocesan bishop) as chief
pastor. The relationship between
Catholic health facility and local
Ordinary must reflect this fact.”
Archbishop Jean Jadot, apostolic
delegate in the United States, said papal
directives on social justice “must be
studied with great diligence.”
“The institution itself must consider
the social implications of its own
structure,” he said. “This will include
the matter of administration as well as
the many aspects of employer-employe
relationships with all that this implies in
the social teaching of the Church.
Unless the delivery of health care to the
public itself originates in an acceptable
Hospital Concerns Aired
Christian social context, we cannot
claim to be faithful to what should be
expected of us.”
Archbishop Jadot said that Catholic
hospitals had to go beyond thinking “in
terms of charity only.”
“A more perceptive understanding of
the papal teaching on social justice will
ask for more,” he said, “specifically in
connection with those who by
geography, history or simple need have
some claim upon us.”
Dr. Dennis B. Pointer, associate
director, Council of Teaching Hospitals,
Washington, D. C., told the assembly
that “labor relations and personnel
administration, once relegated to the
position of an ‘also-ran’ are now close to
the top of the priority list of most
health administrators -- for those
undergoing recognitional campaigns,
engaged in collective bargaining
negotiations or experiencing a work
stoppage scarcely little else concerns
them.”
He said that the 1974 amendments to
the National Labor Relations Act,
which extended coverage and protection
to employes of non-profit hospitals are
something that could not be ignored
and it “placed in an entirely new
context the social responsibility of
Catholic health care facilities and the
rights and obligations of employes.”
Sister Mary Maurita Sengelaub,
president of the CHA, told delegates to
the assembly that one of the great
concerns today is “the encroachment on
individual and institutional freedom by
way of federal legislation and the
multiple regulations which spells for
many government control and for some
eventual takeover.”
The CHA president said that as rights
are challenged “so are the values and the
ideals which form the warp and woof of
the democratic fabric of our nation.”
“Thus, each of us individually as
Christians, as Catholics, and as citizens
of this nation and collectively through
the Catholic Hospital Association will
be called upon ever more frequently to
give witness to values as taught by
Christ, as incarnated in the Gospel and
as communicated through the Christian
community of believers -- the Church,”
she said. “We can neither escape the risk
of being Christ believers, nor can we
lessen the responsibility to send forth
many ripples of hope in standing up to
be counted on for those values we are
truly committed to uphold.”
Dr. John C. Sawhill, former director
of the Federal Energy Administration,
told the assembly that the energy crisis
and economic dislocation engendered
by it will force “all Americans to change
their lifestyle,” adding that it will have
“a special impact on health services.”
“In the case of health services,”
Sawhill said, “a conservation effort is
more than just a patriotic response to a
major national problem. It also makes
good economic sense. With the cost of
health sky-rocketing you must
increasingly find ways to improve
productivity and a vigorous energy
conservation program can be a
significant first step.”
The question of Catholic involvement
in the democratic process was taken up
by Jesuit Father Virgil C. Blum,
president of the Catholic League for
Religious and Civil Rights. (The league
aims at defending the rights of Catholics
and other minorities.) He said most
Catholics are “psychologically
incapacitated for active involvement in
the democratic process.”
At the CHA’s annual business
meeting during the assembly, Msgr.
Raymond J. Pollard, coordinator of
health affairs in the Archdiocese of
Newark, N.J., was elected vice chairman
(chairman-elect) of the CHA board of
trustees. N
Sister Mary Kieran Hamey, provincial
councilor at the Sisters of Mercy
provincialate, Omaha, Neb., was
installed as chairman, succeeding Sister
Grace Marie Hiltz of the Sisters of
Charity, president of Good Samaritan
Hospital, Cincinnati, who became
speaker of the CHA house of delegates.
Sister Michel Pantenburg,
administrator, St. Vincent’s Hospital,
Billings, Mont., was elected secretary
and Anthony L. Bunker, executive
director, De Paul Community Health
Center, St. Louis, was elected treasurer.
Charismatic Leader Answers Critic
NOTRE DAME, Ind. (NC) - A top
Catholic charismatic leader has rejected
as “grossly exaggerated and
substantially unjustified” recent charges
by a critic that the charismatic renewal
movement is involved in some “serious”
religious “problems and errors.”
In a strongly worded four-page
statement issued here, Dr. E, ' vin M.
Ranaghan, president of Charismatic
Renewal Services, denied the ai legations
against the movement. He asserted that
the movement and its leadership are
faithful to the Church and open to any
investigation or constructive criticism
by Church authorities.
A suggestion that the movement is
heading toward schism, he said, is
“particularly ridiculous.”
The criticisms had come from Dr.
William Storey, one of the founders of
the Catholic charismatic movement in
this country, who is no longer a
charismatic. In an interview in A.D.
Correspondence, Storey had charged
among other things that in at least one
instance a charismatic group skipped a
eucharistic liturgy for the sake of its
own prayer meeting, and that in another
case a rather widely known moral
problem in one community was
concealed from the local bishop.
More serious, Storey had said, the
national leadership of the movement
was authoritarian, closed, and moving in
some directions that are opposed to
authentic Catholic tradition.
Ranaghan answered with an
affirmation of “the openness of the
(national Catholic Charismatic Renewal)
Services Committee to constructive
criticism from all quarters of the
Church, and our willingness to
cooperate fully with competent
ecclesiastical investigation of this
renewal in general and in particular of
those teachings, publications, and events
for which we are directly responsible.”
“In a movement as large and fluid as
the Catholic charismatic renewal,” he
said, “theological and pastoral problems
undoubtedly do arise. It is our opinion
that occurrences of faulty teaching and
practice when they have been dealt with
by the national Service Committee have
been handled intelligently, responsibly,
and in conformity with the Catholic
tradition.”
The specific allegations by Storey,
said Ranaghan, “are basically
ill-founded and seem to be based on
misinformation and impression rather
than on fact.”
Regarding the “serious moral
situation” in which the national
committee did not inform the local
bishop, Ranaghan said the committee
had made the decision because “a local
priest who was a confessor and spiritual
director in the matter insisted that such
communication with the Ordinary (local
bishop) was his prerogative and
responsibility and not ours.” In
addition, he said, local members of the
group said that an auxiliary bishop, the
diocese’s vicar general, had been
informed; and the national committee
advised the committee’s episcopal
advisor, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph
McKinney of Grand Rapids, Mich.,#**
about the problem.
In response to a charge that certain
books not in conformity with Catholic
tradition are promoted in the
movement, Ranaghan said the books in
question may have been sold at some
conference “in response to a
bibliographic request by a speaker,” but
they “are not now listed in the
(charismatic movement’s)
Communications Center Catalogue and
never have been.” The catalogue lists
published resources available to local
charismatic communities.
Ranaghan denied that “there is a
great dilemma about the Eucharist”
among charismatics. Catholic
charismatic groups regularly celebrate
the Eucharist together, he said,
members of ecumenical groups “clearly
state and support the teaching of the
Catholic Church on intercommunion”
and return to their own parishes for the
Eucharist. “This clearly must be seen as
a sign not of schism but of integration,”
he said.
Regarding other teachings and
practices among Catholic charismatics,
Ranaghan said the leaders of the
renewal “have been completely open
about our positions” and have worked
“with considerable effect” to correct
abuses when they have occurred.
“Perhaps the most unfortunate
element in the Storey critique is the
threat that the Catholic charismatic
renewal at the level of its national
leadership is imminently schismatic,”
Ranaghan said. “While I find this
personally offensive, I also believe it is
perfectly groundless.
“It is our conviction that the Catholic
charismatic renewal in general is
characterized by a more than average,
active fidelity, loyalty and obedience to
the Roman Catholic Church in its
hierarchical authority, sacramental life
and spiritual teaching. While aspects of
the charismatic renewal may be
controversial, may demand vigorous
debate within the Church, and may
need the corrective discernment and
guidance of our bishops, the
overwhelming majority of participants
and leaders are deeply, personally and
totally committed to the Catholic
Church. To talk of schism as any kind
of real possibility is in my opinion
patently ridiculous and highly
irresponsible.”
He blamed this situation on what he
saw as an overemphasized submission
“to ecclesiastical authority in all
religious and moral matters,” which
made it difficult for Catholics to
actively involve themselves “with
respect to civil, political or legal issues
that directly affect or clash with their
religious and moral values.”
Father Blum warned the delegates
that they must organize for active
involvement in the democratic process.
“You must make valiant efforts to
organize your medical staffs and other
personnel,” he said. “Without the
organization of effective interest groups,
sooner or later you will, in my opinion,
be in danger of losing your institutional
integrity and autonomy. Without these
quantities, your institutions may be
hospitals but not Catholic hospitals.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (NC) - The
Catholic bishops of California have
hailed the state’s new agriculture labor
relations act and urged steps to be taken
so that the United Farm Workers of
America (UFWA) and the Teamsters can
suspend boycotts, strikes and
slow-downs.
The bishops urged the creation of a
“new era of mutual trust, which must
be the first step toward peace in our
fields.”
The statement was issued
immediately after the legislation was
signed into law June 5 by Gov. Edmund
G. Brown, Jr., at a simple ceremony in
the state capitol. Only the four
legislative sponsors were present.
The bishops praised Gov. Brown “for
setting in motion the various elements
to bring a legislative solution” to the
labor dispute that has been going on for
years among the growers, the UFWA
and the Teamsters in California.
“The mere signing of legislation does
not guarantee an end to all the anguish
and strife that has accompanied this
dispute over the years,” the bishops
said. “That can be accomplished only
through a change of individual attitudes
- a sincere change of heart, which will
create the much needed atmosphere of
trust.
“Although the act does not become
effective until late August, we believe
the various parties can begin now to
create a new era of mutual trust, which
must be the first step toward peace in
our fields. We see no justification for
the parties to continue in last-minute
hostility now that they are to be
partners for peace and justice.”
The bishops suggested three ways for
the growers and the unions to
demonstrate their goodwill:
“We urge the growers already with
contracts to allow full ; ,>access by the
unions to the farm workers to acquaint
them with the benefits of the union
movement and participation in it.
“We urge the growers and teamsters
to suspend at once all contract
negotiations and contract signings until
the act becomes effective and the
workers have had the opportunity to
express their wishes through secret
ballot elections.
NEW FARM LABOR LAW ~
Following the signing of a new
California farm labor law,
Auxiliary Bishop Roger Mahoney
of Fresno discusses the law in a
private meeting with Gov.
Edmund G. Brown, Jr. As
spokesman for the California
bishops on the farm labor dispute,
Bishop Mahoney has been fighting e
for a law such as the present one
that provides for free secret-ballot
union elections among field
workers. Gov. Brown gave Bishop
Mahoney an autographed copy of
the law he had just signed, with
the message, “Laborare est orare”
-- to work is to pray. (NC Photo)
“If the above can be implemented,
we see no reason at all for economic and
other pressures against growers and
producers, and would, in good
conscience, urge the UFWA and
Teamsters to suspend at once, boycotts,
strikes, slow-downs, and other activities,
until the terms of the new legislation
become effective.
“Only the parties to a dispute have
the ability to demonstrate that the good
faith which has brought them to this
stage of agreement runs wide and deep
in their attitudes, trust, and
determination to have peace now.”
With the new legislation, the stage is
set for a struggle between the Teamsters
and the Cesar Chavez-led UFWA for the
right to represent field workers through
secret ballot elections.
Chavez has accused the growers and
Teamsters of a conspiracy to destroy his
union. Many of the grape and lettuce
growers, without elections or
membership card checks, had rejected
the Chavez union and signed contracts
with the Teamsters, handing over their
workers to the Teamsters without
elections or membership card checks.
Growers claimed that their previous
contracts with the Chavez union were
poorly administered and that their
workers wanted to be represented by
the Teamsters. An added element was
the Chavez-organized boycott of Gallo
wines.
Huge sums of money have been spent
by all sides in taking their case to the
public. The dispute has often pitted
Catholic against Catholic, priest against
priest.
Religious groups have been involved
in the farm labor dispute every since its
beginning. Catholic priests were assigned
to minister to the farm workers, most of
whom are Mexican-Americans and
staunch coreligionists.
The bishops have been involved in
mediating the dispute over the years and
had called for legislation to ensure the
rights of farm workers to organize into
unions of their choice and for the right
for secret ballot in any elections held.
The new legislation was a result of a
compromise worked out among the
growers, the UFWA and the Teamsters.
A V LIFE IN MUSIC
BY THE DAMEANS
Rainy Day People
Rainy day people always seem to know when it’s time to call
Rainy day people don’t talk, they just listen ‘til they’ve heard it all
Rainy day lovers don’t lie when they tell you they’ve been down like you
Rainy day people don’t mind if you cry a tear or two.
If you get lonely all you really need is their rainy day love
Rainy day people all know there’s no sorrow they can’t rise above
Rainy day lovers don’t love any others that were not the kind
Rainy day people all know how it hangs on a peace of mind
Rainy day lovers don’t lie when they tell you they’ve been down there too
Rainy day people don’t mind if you cry a tear or two
Rainy day people always seem to know when you’re feeling blue
High stepping strutters who land in the gutter sometime need one too
Take it or leave it or try to believe it if you’ve been down too long
Rainy day lovers don’t hide love inside they just pass it on.
Rainy day lovers don’t hide love inside they just pass it on.
Written and performed by: Gordon Lightfoot
(c) 1975 Warner Bros. Records, Inc.
“Do your own thing” is the battle cry for those who struggle to enhance their
own unique individuality. Each of us must fight this battle if we are to realize a
full potential. Yet, while this growth is happening and we are struggling through
some real difficulties, it is comforting to know that we are not the only ones
traveling that road. We know we are not alone when someone shares similar
feelings and experiences.
In his book “The Prophet,” Kahlil Gibran says that suffering breaks the shell
of the heart to understanding. People who have not allowed themselves to suffer
through this process simply don’t understand and appreciate the sufferings of
others. “Rainy day people” have broken the shell of their hearts, so they have
the capacity to know when it’s “time to call” another person in need. They have
the ability and the patience to “listen” when another needs to work through a
problem. They are comfortable with the expression of emotions because they
have gone through letting go in their lives and don’t mind if you “cry a tear or
two.”
Intellectually, we can say that we know or realize what a person feels.
Sometimes we can analyze their problem beautifully and let them know exactly
how they should or should not react. However, the person usually knows
immediately whether it is simply intellectual understanding or whether the other
person has struggled at the deeper level - the heart level.
“Rainy day people” have been “down like you” and thus are at the deeper
level of relating and sharing. For example, when a person undergoes a serious
operation, the doctor often has someone talk to the patient. The most effective
choice is one who has had the same operation. He knows the likely problems and
side effects. More importantly, he knows the anxieties the person might be
feeling.
If an individual loses his or her eyesight or has to have a limb amputated, it
helps to have one who has been through the trauma share feelings and offer
hope. A “rainy day person” wouldn’t just talk but would truly listen to
expressed feelings of hurt and uncertainties. Often there is no immediate answer,
but an understanding and empathetic listener lets the person realize that the
feelings are alright to have. Listening will enable one to recognize those
innermost feelings and openly deal with them.
Finally, “rainy day people” don’t just do their own thing and live selfishly.
Rather they realize the love that has come to them through their struggles in life
and they “pass it on.” They understand and are sensitive to what people need
for happiness and peace and so they don’t “hide love inside.”
It would be great if we had more “rainy day people.”
(All correspondence should be directed to: The Dameans, P. O. Box 2108, Baton Rouge,
La. 70821.)
J
Farm Legislation Hailed