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PAGE 3—The Southern Cross, October 30,1975
OPEN PARISH MEETING
Savannah Self - Study Now In Second Phase
A massive, successful opinion survey
of the Catholics of the Savannah
Deanery has been completed and,
according to officials, “the Church in
this community now knows where its
people are, as much, if not more, than
the Church anywhere in the United
States.
This important phase of the Deanery
Self-Study, commissioned last year by
Bishop Raymond W. Lessard, resulted in
the participation of over 4,100
laypersons as respondents to a far
reaching questionnaire on the Church in
Savannah. The figure represents an
estimated 50 percent of the laity
targeted to be reached (high school age
and up).
Also contributing significantly to the
data collection process were the
questionnaire responses by 77 priests
and religious as well as the over 2,200
comments received from some 650
Catholics who elaborated on the
strengths and areas for improvement in
their parish and diocese.
“The quantative success of this
massive polling effort,” pointed out
Self-Study Steering Committee
chairman Paul Ramee, “can be
attributed to the enthusiasm and
cooperation of Deanery priests, sisters
and laity.” His sentiments were echoed
by the Rev. Fred Nijem, executive
director of he self-study, and the Rev.
Robert G. Howes, consultant to the
Diocese in pastoral planning and
participation.
All three self study officials also had
special words of commendation for
Archbishop
Denounces
ATLANTA (NC) - In a strongly
worded statement, Archbishop Thomas
A. Donnellan of Atlanta denounced a
resolution of a committee of the United
Nations which linked Zionism with
racism.
In a keynote address at a two-day
conference here commemorating
Vatican Council II, sponsored by the
American Jewish Committee and the
Atlanta archdiocese, Archbishop
Donnellan said:
“I would like to take this occasion to
give public expression to my regret that
the recent action of a United Nation’s
full membership committee in
recommending to the General Assembly
that it determine that Zionism is a form
of racial and social discrimination. Such
a recommendation is not in accord with
the facts, and is productive of much
harm. I am proud that the United States
delegation denounced this as an
anti-Semitic and obscene action, and
warned that the resolution places the
work of the United Nations in jeopardy.
“Anti-Semitism is evil, and should be
denounced and repudiated wherever it
rears its head.”
The Arab-inspired resolution was
adopted Oct. 17 by the UN’s Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural Committee.
Passed by a 70 to 29 vote with 27
abstentions, it would have the General
Assembly declare “that Zionism is a
form of racism and racial
discrimination.”
THANKSGIVING
those who contributed immense
amounts of time in the hand tabulation
of the questionnaire. The lay Catholics
from each parish and the students from
St. Vincent’s and Benedictine who did
this work played a vital role in the
success of the survey, they asserted.
It was also pointed out that the
results of the questionnaire have been
funneled back to each parish and that
the self-study steering committee’s
survey findings at a Deanery level will
be made public in the near future.
On the heels of the massive polling
effort, the Deanery self-study has
entered its all important open parish
meeting phase. Each of the Deanery’s
11 parishes began its progress toward a
parish pastoral plan with an open
meeting this month. Ultimately, the
final version of these plans will be
blessed and commissioned by Bishop
Lessard at a third Deanery Assembly
next May.
According to preliminary reports, the
average attendance at the initial open
parish meetings was about 60 persons.
Settings varied. Some parishes included
a covered dish supper, some met after
Sunday Mass, and some held their
meetings in conjunction with another
parish event.
The first open parish meeting was
charged with three tasks.
First, to reflect on questionnaire
results in the Deanery as a whole and in
the parish itself. Early meeting reports
indicate an appreciation for the
Donnellan
Resolution
In another address at the Atlanta
conference, Rabbi Marc Tannenbaum,
national director of the inter-religious
affairs department of the American
Jewish Committee, joined with other
Jewish leaders throughout the world in
condemning the committee’s action.
“The United Nations has become the
single greatest purveyor of ‘verbal
violence’ not only against Israel, but
against the Jewish religion and the
Jewish people as well,” he said. “Unless
seriously challenged and contained, such
verbal rejection threatens to lay the
foundation for actual physical
destruction.”
Rabbi Tannenbaum, who was the
only rabbi invited to observe Vatican II
deliberations, encouraged Christian
leaders to identify actively and publicly
with the Jewish people in Israel and
turn back what he called a Nazi-like
assault on the dignity and security of
world Jewry.
It is especially important for
Christian clergy, he said, to sensitize
business leaders to their moral
obligations to combat the actural and
potential discrimination against Jews
that is emerging from Arab economic
sanctions against the Jewish people and
Israel.
Founded in 1906, the American
Jewish Committee is a human relations
organization. It aims to combat bigotry,
protect the civil and religious rights of
people here and abroad and improve
human relations.
Clothing Collection
The Thanksgiving Clothing
Collection, sponsored annually by
Catholic Relief Services, will be held
again in all the churches of the Diocese
of Savannah.
In announcing the drive, this year’s
Diocesan Director Msgr. Daniel J.
Bourke, stressed the continuing need for
light weight clothing. “Since the vast
majority of the endemic poor who
benefit from this clothing collection live
in the warmer, tropical areas of the
world,” said Msgr. Bourke, “we are
asking that everyone donate as much
light weight clothing as possible.
Garments made of cotton, nylon, rayon
and polyester are ideal. Infants’ layettes,
children’s outfits and men’s work
clothes are most in demand.”
According to CRS officials, 37
million articles of apparel, blankets etc.
weighing 6,375 tons and valued at $22.5
million dollars were collected during last
year’s appeal. Distribution of these
items were made in 48 countries
overseas, with particular emphasis being
given to the refugee population in South
East Asia.
Msgr. Bourke, in explaining the
importance of the yearly clothing
solicitation called attention to the
disaster reserve that is constantly
maintained by CRS at its East Coast
Processing Center. “CRS always keeps
500 tons of clothing and blankets in
readiness to meet an emergency
situation,” said Msgr. Bourke. “These
materials are sorted, baled and ready to
go ‘on a moment’s notice’ to meet the
needs of the victims of a catastrophe.
Blankets, whether heavy or light, are a
big necessity, particularly when disaster
strikes.”
grassroots involvement evidenced by the
questionnaire, but also some concern at
the large number of no opinion and
blank responses. There was also a feeling
that too many parishioners are unaware
of parish activity and thrusts and that
the parish council “needs better
channels of communication to the
entire parish community.”
Second, to write a kind of shopping
list of those elements which go to make
up a “spiritually successful parish.”
Early reports indicate that some of these
perceived elements are: working
together of priests, sisters and people;
high participation in the sacraments;
pastoral leadership; getting more people
involved; and being Christlike in dealing
with people.
Third, to develop a preliminary
mission statement for the parish.
ANALYZING REPORTS -- Some Members of the Savannah Self-Study
Steering Committee (SSSC) Analyzing the reports of the open parish
meetings. Left to right (seated) Mrs. Gordon Whelan, Jr., Dr. Carl
Brennan, Miss Sharon Sullivan, Rev. Robert G. Howes, consultant to the
SSSC, Mr. Paul Ramee, Chairman of SSSC, Dr. Harry Persse. (Standing)
Rev. Fred Nijem, Executive Director of SSSC.
BICENTENNIAL SENIORS ~ Patricia Ann McCuen, pictured at the far
right, has been chosen as Savannah’s St. Vincent’s Academy winner in the
Bicentennial Seniors scholarship competition. This St. Vincent’s
competition is part of a nationwide scholarship program for high school
seniors currently being conducted by the National Association of
Secondary School Principals with funds from the Shell Oil Company.
Runners-up are Jane Griffin, Vicki Gefen and Cecilia Persse.
Charles Warne Aquinas Winner
Charles Wame has been chosen as the Aquinas High School winner in the
Bicentennial Seniors scholarship competition. This competition is part of a nationwide
scholarship program for high school seniors currently being conducted by the National
Association of Secondary School Principals with funds from the Shell Oil Company.
Runners-up are Ruth Shuford and Angelica Selman. Charles will now compete with
other high school winners to become one of the two state representatives to the
national competition.
Father Baudermann Dies
Father Alcuin Baudermann, O.S.B., a monk of Belmont Abbey, died Oct. 24, after a
lengthy illness. Fr. Alcuin was bom in Newark, N.J., September 20,1901. He came to
Belmont Abbey in 1925 and was ordained a priest May 22, 1929. He taught at
Belmont Abbey Prep School and in the School of Theology until 1941. For the next
18 years he was assigned to Benedictine Military School, Savannah, Ga., and in 1959
he returned to Belmont Abbey where he was appointed Subprior, and later, Prior. He
is survived by his brother in Lakewood, N.J.
Briefly, brightly and spiritually this
statement is intended to record the
reasons why this parish exists here and
now.
One parish wrote:
“We, the people of Our Lady of
Lourdes parish, knowing that we are
God’s children and brothers and sisters
in Christ, wish to unite and dedicate our
lives, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, to
praise God in our daily living, by
committing ourselves to building
communities of Faith, Love and Justice
in all aspects of our Christian life.”
Another parish wrote:
As a Christian Community, we the
people of St. Frances Cabrini parish
recognize that we are on our way to the
Father with Christ. We perceive our
mission as providing a warm, open
environment for spiritual growth, where
Christ is a Person, clearly seen, heard
and served.
At a second parish open meeting, to
be held in November, Deanery
parishioners will gather to hear and
dialogue an initial report from the
parish total faith education, committee
on the state of education in their parish;
and to dialogue and determine goals
(i.e., three year projections) for their
parish in agreed key improvement areas.
A third open parish meeting, to be
held in early December, will consider
further the education mission of the
parish and break down goals into
objectives (i.e., one year projections).
Parishes have been assisted in the
local planning process through the
distribution of a parish planning manual
to which each parish was oriented at a
First Deanery Assembly on September
20.
A second Deanery Assembly is set for
December 13. At that time, parishes will
post and compare their goals and
objectives in preparation for a final
parish pastoral plan to be developed and
detailed between January and April
1976. Additional foci at the Second
Deanery Assembly will be youth
ministry and toal faith education as
principal Deanery concerns.
I am much pleased with progress to
date,” Father Nijem stated, “The task
ahead of us remains difficult, but if the
enthusiasm and cooperation we have
experienced to date is any indication, I
am confident we will master it. I am
particularly happy that more and more
of us in the Deanery seem to be
perceiving a real need for spiritual
discernment in these matters and for a
deepening knowledge of our faith.”
Father Howes pointed out, “A family
improves only as its members improve.
This is already a good Deanery with
good parishes. It will become a better
Deanery only as each of the eleven
parishes betters itself in the Spirit.
Seldom, in my experience, has an effort
of this kind been built more solidly on
grassroots involvement.”
Savannah Workshop
On Billings Method
The discovery of the Billings
Ovulation Method of natural family
planning is “more important than the
discovery of America to us women,”
said Mrs. Mercedes Wilson at a
workshop on the method held in
Savannah.
Mrs. Wilson, a native Guatemalan
living in New Orleans, and Milwaukee,
Wisconsin obstretician-gynecologist Dr.
John J. Brennan conducted the seminar
Oct. 18-19 for some 120 persons from
throughout the Southeast.
Those who attended included
Savannah Diocese Bishop Raymond W.
Lessard as well as 13 priests, seven nuns,
five doctors and 94 lay persons.
Dr. Brennan told the group the
ovulation method, which involves a
woman’s pinpointing her ovulation days
each month by monitoring her normal
discharge of cervical mucus, is much
more reliable than the temperature and
rhythm methods of natural family
planning.
The ovulation method, introduced to
this country in 1970 by Drs. John and
Lyn Billings of Australia, depends upon
the fact that during the days when she is
capable of conceiving, a woman always
has a particular mucus secretion from
the glands of the neck of the womb
which she is able to recognize.
If she does not want to conceive, she
will avoid sexual intercourse on those
days. On the other hand, if a woman
wants to become pregnant the ovulation
method is helpful in pinpointing the
days each month she is fertile.
Mrs. Wilson, an associate of the
Billings who has held seminars on the
ovulation method both in this country
and in South America, said since the
method was first introduced “the idea
has somehow exploded” in use.
Dr. Brennan, who has served as
medical director of the Human Life
Foundation Project, U.S. Department of
Health, Education and Welfare, said two
years ago “you could count on your
fingertips the number of teachers
involved” in instruction on the
ovulation and “now you need a book to
list them all.” But he said many more
teachers are needed in order to provide
instruction for all women who want it.
The ovulation method does not have
the drawbacks of the rhythm method,
which depended on regularity of the
menstrual cycle, or of the temperature
method, which was thrown off balance
if a woman ran a temperature because
she was ill, Dr. Brennan said.
“This method is so basic and so
simple,” he said, “it deals with each day
of a woman’s monthly cycle and it is
something that can be taught from
woman to woman.”
Mrs. Wilson said that with the
ovulation method “you don’t count and
guess, you observe and follow.” She
added that the method “is as old as
Adam and Eve but maybe God only
wanted it to be discovered now.”
In testing of women in Melbourne,
Australia who used the method, Dr.
Brennan said, it was found that only 0.5
pregnancies occurred per 100
woman-years.
The workshop also covered an
analysis of problem cases, such as use of
the method by a woman after she has
been taking the contraceptive pill, and
teaching the method to illiterate
women.
More information on the ovulation
method may be obtained by calling
(912) 355-0823 or 912-236-9884.
Interfaith Meeting On Papacy Held
GRAYMOOR, N. Y. (NC) -
Describing papal primacy as “the
doctrine most peculiarly odd about the
Roman Church when viewed from the
outside,” an Anglican Church historian
at a two-day conference here on “The
Papacy in Ecumenical Perspective”
expressed the possibility that Roman
Catholics, Anglicans and Protestants
“might jointly arrive at a convergence of
belief on the question of papal primacy
of the sort that seems appropriate to
our times.”
“Not all Anglicans are yet convinced
that the Church needs any sort of pope
or that the Gospel even allows for one,”
Anglican Father J. Robert Wright,
church history professor at General
Theological Seminary, New York, told
more than 50 theologians, pastors
ecumencial officers and seminary
students who had gathered here under
the auspices of the Graymoor
Ecumenical Institute.
“Yet we would be willing,” he said,
“on the basis of historical contingencies
but not by divine right, to recognize the
See of Rome as the first (prime) see of
Christendom, and to accord its
occupants a primacy of leadership
and honor, but not of doctrine or
power.”
“It is my contention,” Father Tavard
said, “that the major conflicts over
papal primacy arose when the political
model behind the papal supreme power
was no longer understood, or if
understood, no longer accepted.”
The chief model for understanding
papal power, he said, should be the
Pope’s central role as bishop. “The Pope
is meant to be, for the whole Church
and for his brother bishops, a symbol of
what the bishop is expected to be in his
diocese,” said Father Tavard.
Lutherans, according to Dr. George
Lindbeck, professor of theology at the
Yale Divinity School in New Haven,
Conn., “are in our day and age not
particularly hostile to the papacy. For
most of them, it is no longer, as it once
was, a focus of intense animosity. It’s
simply a matter of indifference.”
Although “for obvious reasons” they
don’t say so explicitly, said Dr.
Lindbeck, Lutheran participants in
dialogues with Roman Catholics “are
interested in the papacy in order to help
Catholics and to remove barriers, rather
than because they think that the Church
as a whole, including non-Catholics,
really needs it.”
Lutherans, he said, “hope and pray
that the changes which Catholics say are
possible will occur, and if this happens,
then there will be nothing offensive to
the Gospel as they (Lutherans)
understand it in the practice and
doctrine of papal primacy.”
Dr. Lindbeck stressed that there must
be openness to “the possibility that the
next age of the Church may belong to a
reformed and Gospel-centered papacy;
but to this it must be immediately
added that there are at present to
Lutheran eyes no clear indications that
this will be the case.”
Dr. Ross MacKenzie, a Presbyterian
and professor of church history at
Union Theological Seminary in
Richmond, Va., suggested that being
true to the Reformation “does not
mean to echo in our day the legitimate
protests of Luther and Calvin and those
who came after them.”.
“Inheritors of this tradition,” Dr.
MacKenzie said, “will admit nowadays,
usually with sadness and sometimes
with shame, that Calvin’s severe and
condemnatory criticisms sanctioned and
sharpened all later religious
controversies in which Catholics and
Protestants have stood before one
another.