Newspaper Page Text
PAGE 2—The Georgia Bulletin, October 16,1980
FATHER MURNION
Parishes At Crossroads
MARRIOTTSVILLE,
Md. (NC) - “Today’s
Catholic parish is at a
serious crossroads,”
according to Father Philip
J. Murnion, who said such
a statement always gets
people’s attention.
“However,” he added,
“it’s also true.”
The New York priest
who heads the U.S.
bishops’ Parish Project and
specializes in pastoral life
and development
addressed the question of
parish renewal during the
first session of this year’s
Clergy Education Institute
at the Spiritual Center in
Marriottsville.
He called for
recognition by the clergy
of the growing thrust
toward shared ministries in
the church and alerted the
priests to new
developments in
relationships and roles in
parishes, particularly the
move, by priests and laity
alike, toward a more
“personal spirituality” and
greater individual reliance
on conscience in
fashioning beliefs and
morality.
Throughout his talk
Father Murnion took a
‘‘good news-bad news”
approach to parish
renewal. While there are
serious problems in the
development of parish life,
he noted, there is also an
‘‘enormous dynamism”
and ‘‘great hope for
progress” in the parishes
of the American church.
The priest-sociologist
pointed out that all
parishes face a serious
“disaffection” rate, with
as much as 45 percent of
Catholics not really taking
part in any aspect of
parish life or ministry.
He attributed much of
this to the breakdown in
family life, indicating that
stiong family life is the
basis of strong parish life.
Eaclaring that now is
the time for critical
decisions about which way
the parish must go, he held
up as the “key” the new
demand for the
development of
relationships and the
definitions of roles in a
rapidly changing church.
Father Murnion said
that it is in the
development of solid
relationships between
pastor and staff, staff and
lay ministers, pastor and
parish council and in many
other areas that a sharing
of ministry and an
effective parish life will
emerge.
Citing a survey of some
300 “effective” parishes,
all sizes and types,
conducted by the Parish
Project, Father Murnion
said “the key elements in
these parishes were sharing
of ministry, strong lay
participation and
collaboration of staff and
people in such activities as
liturgical planning and
adult education,” he said.
Father Murnion used
the new rite of the
sacrament of reconciliat
ion (penance) as an
example of how roles in
parish life are changing. He
said the priest has a much
more complex role, the
penitent has more options
and, in facing the priest,
“more equality.” And the
inclusions of prayer and
Scripture in the rite
‘‘focuses on the
spirituality of both priest
and penitent.”
Another example of
changing priestly roles is
activity for social justice
outside the parish, the
New York priest observed.
“A generation ago, priests
rarely engaged in any
activity outside parish
boundaries.
“The point is, there are
numerous ways in which
the relationship of the
parish - and the priests -
to society has changed,”
he said.
Father Murion called
for a renewed fostering of
shared ministry and new
recognition of the roles of
women, youth and the
elderly in parish life and
ministry.
SCOUTS FROM 13 parishes attended the
annual retreat held at Bert Adams Scout
Reservation near Covington this fall. Sponsored
by the Atlanta Area Council and the Catholic
Committee on Scouting, the retreat centered on
renewing the spiritual commitment in scouting
through the study of the Religious Emblem
Programs. Pictured with the boys are Father
Vincent Mulvin, Father Richard Lopez, and
Father John Kieran, who participated with
ministers and lay leaders.
SERVING THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA
LEONARD WALTERS MEMORIAL CHAPEL
FUNERAL SERVICE
3292 MOUNTAIN DRIVE
(At 1-285 and Memorial Drive)
DECATUR, GEORGIA 30032
(404) 294-5611
ST. PIUS SCHOLARS take a
break in their studies to smile with
their Dean of Studies. Front row,
(l.-r.) Mrs. Elizabeth Fodor,
Deidre Gallagher, Laura White;
middle row, (l.-r.) Ralph
Reynolds, Sharon Schmidt,
Michael Conroy; back row (l.-r.)
Michael Snyder, Mark DeGunther,
James Curry.
Scholars Excel!
St. Pius High School
Seniors Michael Conroy
and Sharon Schmidt have
been named National
Merit Scholarship
Semifinalists. These
students are among those
who represent the top
half of one percent of
the state’s high school
senior class. They will
compete for 4,500 merit
scholarships offered
nationally to be awarded
next spring. Michael, the
son of Mr. and Mrs.
Gerald Conroy is a
member of Transfigura
tion parish. Sharon, a
member of St. Jude’s, is
the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. James R. Schmidt.
Seniors James Curry,
Deirdre Gallagher, Mark
DeGunther, Michael
Snyder and Laura White
have recently been
commended for their
outstanding performance
in the 1981 National
Merit Scholarship
Program. More than one
million students took
part. These students are
members of St. Thomas
Aquinas, Immaculate
Heart of Mary, Sts. Peter
and Paul and Christ the
King parishes,
respectively.
The National
Achievement Scholarship
Program for Outstanding
Negro Students is an
annual competition for
college undergraduate
scholarships. Established
in 1964, the program is
supported with funds
specified for honoring
high performing Black
students and for
increasing their
educational opportun
ities. Ralph Reynolds
was the recipient of this
award.
Mrs. Elizabeth R.
Fodor, Dean of Studies,
expressed pride in the
accomplishments of
these outstanding
students. “Achievement
such as this is the result
of consistent application
to one’s studies, as well
as response to the high
academic challenge of
the institution. Thus we
congratulate them on
their individual
achievement as well as
derive satisfaction in the
splendid affirmation of
our efforts,” she said.
ATLANTA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Prison Alternatives Sought
SEATTLE (NC) - The Moral Advisory
Committee of the Washington State
Catholic Conference (WSCC) has
recommended establishing an interfaith
task force on criminal justice to study
prison conditions in the state and
alternatives to imprisonment.
The committee called on church leaders,
particularly the bishops and staff of the
WSCC, which is an agency of the three
Catholic dioceses in the state, to “make
every effort to initiate responsible dialogue
with state officials charged with care of
prisons, with prison officials, offenders
and, as far as possible, with representatives
of the public.”
The committee also recommended
designing specific strategies to influence
public policy as it relates to:
- Arrests, bail practices, pretrial release
options;
- Sentencing, including alternatives to
incarceration;
- The state parole process;
- Legislation governing overcrowding in
prisons, probation for offenders and other
circumstances of incarceration, such as
sudden and unannounced transfer of
prisoners.
The committee called for the
establishment of a state chaplaincy board
to set criteria for prison chaplains, oversee
selection and formation of men and
women for prison ministry and develop
procedures for monitoring the state of
prison ministry.
“The facts,” the committee said, “lead
us to judge that incarceration does not
really protect society from the criminal. At
most, it is temporary incapacitation that
often increases the future dangerousness of
the offender through isolation, incubation
with hardened offenders and postprison
stigmatization.”' is.
A Christian approach to crime and
punishment “is rooted in biblical tradition,
which presents to us a just God whose
overriding concern is love,” the committee
said. “Divine punishments are always
intended to be not retributive, but
disciplinary and educational, i.e., an
opportunity for repentance and growth.”
It added, “The call of the Gospel is to
an attitude of mercy and compassion for
the less fortunate, to forgiveness of those
who offend or harm.”
The U.S. correctional system, the
committee said, should seek rehabilitation
of the offender, restitution for victims and
protection of society.
Commitment At Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Church
in Stone Mountain, which
this year celebrates its
10 th parish anniversary,
will hold its annual
“Commitment Sunday”
this weekend. To
emphasize the time, talent,
and treasure that
parishioners share with
one another, a special
candlelight service will be
held at all Masses. Each
parishioner will hold a
lighted candle during the
profession of faith while
renewing their
commitment to the parish.
On the altar, 10 candles,
representing Corpus
PICTURED AT RIGHT, Mary Beth Marino,
chairman of the commitment drive, and Pat
Leonardi, head of Corpus Christi’s volunteers,
mail out commitment cards to parishioners.
NINTH ANNUAL
ARCHttlOCESAN ROSARY RALLY
THEME: OUR LADY, QUEEN OF HOPE
St. Paul of the Cross 551 Harwell Rd., N.W.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 3:00 P.M.
OUTDOOR ROSARY PROCESSION
Followed by
CONCELEBRATED MASS
' in the Church
ARCHBISHOP THOMAS A. D0NNELLAN
Principal Celebrant
HOMILIST: FR. VINCENT BRENNAN, S.M.
Christi’s “Ten Glorious
Years,” will be lighted.
Last year, over 500
parishioners signed up
their time or talents on an
ongoing basis, contributing
to a dynamic fellowship
through the year.
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"Retreat/Workshop
for Divorced or Separated
Men and Women
At Ignatius House (Jesuit Fathers)
6700 Riverside Drive., N.W.,
Atlanta, Ga. 30328
Begins 6:30 p.m. October 31 ends
1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 2. A
reservation with $10 non-refundable
deposit required. For more Information
call 255-0503.”
A Look To The Future
Parents concerned with the future of
Catholic schools in Atlanta will have an
opportunity to look into that future on
Oct. 28.
The event is an Archdiocesan Parents’
Organization Workshop entitled, “The
Future Of Catholic Schools In Atlanta.”
The program, planned by APO parents,
is aimed at examining the roles of the
Archdiocese, local parishes, faculties and
parents in determining the direction
Catholic schools will take in years ahead.
Participating in the Workshop will be
Archbishop Thomas Donnellan, Father
Richard Kieran, secretary for education,
and Sister Valentina Sheridan, former
superintendent of schools from 1976 to
1980.
Father Kieran will focus on past
accomplishments and future goals of
Catholic education in Atlanta. Sister
Valentina’s remarks will zero in on
maintaining excellence in Atlanta’s
Catholic schools. Parents will be
encouraged to ask questions of the
panelists.
Archbishop Donnellan will provide
input on the content of the entire
Workshop during concluding remarks and
comments.
The APO Workshop will take place Oct.
28 at 8 p.m., at St. Pius High School’s
Cafeteria, 2674 Johnson Road, N.E.
Refreshments will be served following the
session.
Prior to the Workshop, from 7 to 8
p.m., St. Pius students will be on hand to
show parents around the school facilities.
Students will also be present to provide
baby-sitting service for toddlers and up (no
infants, please). The sitting service will cost
$1.50 per child for the entire evening.
Anyone interested in utilizing the on-site
sitting service should call 633-9009 by
Friday, Oct. 24. This will help in
determining how many children will be
involved.
The Archdiocesan Parents’ Organization
exists for the advancement of Catholic
school education and the welfare of all the
children of the Archdiocese. The APO is
dedicated to the exploration and
communication of current educational
issues. A critical link between Home and
School Associations, the APO is open to all
who cherish the ideals of Christ-centered
education.
“Public Church” Urged
WASHINGTON (NC) -
The church has gone
public in a way it never
has before. That’s the
assessment . of the Rev.
Martin E. Marty, Lutheran
minister and church
history professor at the
University of Chicago,
who sees “the public
church” as a new force at
work in the world.
He described it Oct. 6
at the Catholic University
of America when he gave
the seventh annual Paul
Wattson Lecture, a series
sponsored by the
university and the
Franciscan Friars of the
Atonement. The series
honors a pioneer
ecumenist, Father Paul
Wattson, founder, of the
Atonement Friars.
Urging its expansion,
Dr. Marty, 52, described
“the public church - a
new ecumenical
coalescence,” as a
‘‘community of
communities,” a sort of
z one of interdenominat-
ional Christian
understanding, a blending
of Catholic, mainline
Protestant and evangelical
commitment to “a larger
order” in the world.
Its elements include
cooperation, an
enlargement and
enhancement of
ecumenism, new alliances
for services to cities and
the community, Dr. Marty
said. As a coalescence - as
opposed to a coalition,
which is a temporary
alliance of factions - the
public church involves “a
process, an unfinished
growing together toward a
kind of unity,” said Dr.
Marty. Author of 15
books, he is also associate
The Christian
ecumenical
an
editor of
Century,
weekly.
Although it has
elements of both a
communion and a
movement, the public
1 church is not a sect or
denomination and cannot
be limited to specific
groups because it
continues to grow and
develop, Dr. Marty said. In
a sense, “the public church
has never met itself yet.
We have no interest in the
hardline organization,” for
there are sufficient
institutions on “an already
cluttered Christian scene,”
he said. Rather, the public
church “is a land of an
emphasis, it’s a sort of
communion.”
Catholic, mainline
Protestant and evangelical
elements of the public
church all bring their own
gifts to its unity, according
to Dr. Marty. Yet, all can
face opposition “back
home” in their respective
denominations from some
members who do not
understand the public
church, he added.
Through ecumenical
coalescence, the public
church counters both
“privatization” of religion
(keeping religion totally
personal and private) and
‘ ‘ t realization,” a
fracturing of an ordered
whole into introverted
tribes or factions, Dr.
Marty said. However, it is
communal and allows its
members to retain their
own identities, he said.
Thus the public church
fills a void and runs against
trends at home and
abroad, Dr. Marty said. In
its public sense it reflects
the public world: the
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Oysters in Shell $1.50 doz.
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Sue McConnell is a woman with common
sense, let's put her kind of sensibility in our
state government.
• I support the teaching of scientific j
creationism in our public schools. My opponent
opposes the teaching of scientific creationism. ;
• I am against the Equal Rights Amendment. <
My opponent supports the Equal Rights ‘
Amendment.
• I am for reducing taxes, reducing government
spending, and reducing the size of government. My ;
opponent is for more taxes, and more government ‘
control.
YOUR VOICE IN GOVERNMENT 1
people as a whole, the
community’s good, an
openness to all members,
he said. “I’ublicness”
connotes strangers coming
together and finding
mutual ground on which
to bring out fears or to
share, he said.
“Public is not simply
the same as political or
governmental,” and
neither is the public
church, Dr. Marty said.
While not condemning the
so-called Christian New
Right’s political
involvement, he added
that immersion in politics
and a genuine, truly public
concern are not necessarily
coincidental.
He also suggested the
public church should be
rooted in Christian
theology. “Just to be seen
in public is not enough.”
The public church is a sign
in the world and a bridge
between secular and
spiritual realms, Dr. Marty
indicated.
it
You Will
Receive
Power”
There seems to be a
growing curiosity about
the Holy Spirit. We hear
words like the
“Charismatic movement,”
“baptism in the Spirit,”
“laying on of hands,” and
“speaking in tongues.”
Some are just puzzled,
many are interested in
knowing more, and a
growing number are
enthusiastic since they
claim to have discovered
new dimensions to their
faith through a new
experience of the Spirit.
The “You Will Receive
Power” seminar of biblical
and apostolic Catholic
teaching will examine and
explain the role of the
Holy Spirit in personal and
community renewal. The
spiritual gifts that all have
received will be explained
according to our Catholic
tradition using the
example of our Blessed
Mother Mary, the saints,
and the official teachings
of the Popes and the
Vatican II Council
documents.
Father John Kelley of
St. Jude’s Church, along
with Sisters Philip Marie
Burle, C.PP.S. and Sharon
Ann Plankenhorn, C.PP.S.
of St. Louis, will present
the seminar that nationally
is bringing Catholics to
understand that it is the
Holy Spirit who enriches
our lives with a deeper
love and appreciation of
the sacraments and
deepens our experience of
God’s action in our lives
through our Catholic
Church.
The “You Will Receive
Power” seminar will begin
on Sunday, October 26th
and run through Friday,
October 31, every evening
from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
at St. Jude’s Church in
Sandy Springs. Each
evening will include a
Eucharistic celebration.
Please bring your bible.
For information call
Father Kelley (394-3896),
to register call Pat Biagi
(394-2000), or you may
register at the door.
I
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