Saint Cecilia · Cecilia. Take a Little Black Book for Lent These books are available in the...

Saint CeciliaP A R I S H

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time23 February 2020

He makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

—Today's Gospel

The Umbrellas Pierre-Auguste Renoir c.1881-86

Deadline to signup: FeB 28

YAKIMA, WAJ U L Y 1 1 - 1 9

2 0 2 0 D E S T I N A T I O N :

Join us on Young Neighbors 2020!

We have spots for 25 rising high school sophomores to

graduating seniors - sign ups are first come, first

served, so don't wait!

To sign up, contact our youth minister

John Glynn ([email protected])

and send a $50 deposit to secure your spot (online or by

check).

Young Neighbors is an awesome way to grow in

your relationship with yourself, others, and God

through serving our neighbors in need. Just ask

anyone who has attended one of the last 17 trips

through Saint Cecilia!

Info Sessions:Feb 16 Feb 23

> 1 Pm, CL 2

A $50 deposit is due at registration (we need to

pay the camp to hold spots for us). The total cost

per person is typically around $1,000, but in the

months leading up to the trip we'll hold

fundraising events to bring down the cost per

family, with the goal of making it as affordable

as possible (last year, the average family paid

around $400). However, no one will be turned

away for financial reasons! Simply contact

John Glynn should you have any concerns.

Each camp site offers different experiences of

service in the local community, depending on

their unique needs. We don't know yet what

Yakima has in store, but last year in D.C. we

helped in a daycare program for children,

assisted elderly folks at a senior center, and

even worked at an urban garden! Every

evening, we get together to discuss what we

experienced in light of our faith and values. We

also spend time having fun after camp ends, like

exploring a new city (this year, likely Seattle),

hiking through a national park (like Mt. Ranier),

or maybe even white water rafting!

Young Neighbors in Action is a national

Catholic organization that hosts service-

learning programs throughout the US. The

mission of YNIA is to empower young people to

encounter Christ through serving others,

engage in meaningful work that feeds, clothes,

and provides resources to the most vulnerable,

and grow in their faith. Saint Cecilia has been

sending students to YNIA for years - this will be

our 18th trip!

To register, contact John Glynn, Director of

College & Youth Ministry, at

[email protected]. A $50 deposit is

required to complete registration - checks can

be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish, or made

online through the parish's Online Giving

website. Signup deadline is Feb 28!

If you have any questions or concerns with

payment, don't hesitate to contact John!

Young Neighbors in ActioN

2020 FAQ

What is YNIA?

Date:

Location: YAKIMA, WAJuly 11 - 19, 2020

How do I register?

Young Neighbors camps are hosted by a local

school or parish. In Yakima, we'll be staying at

Holy Family Parish with other youth groups

from all over the country.

Where do we stay?

How much does it cost?

What do we do?

For even more info on YNIA,check out youngneighbors.org

2019 Saint Cecilia Crew in Washington, DC

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY

Saturday, February 22 | 5:00 p.m.Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrantTom Nicolini, lector

Sunday, February 23 | 8:00 a.m.Rev. Peter Gyves, SJ, celebrantEmily St. Germain, lector

Sunday, February 23 | 9:30 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantWill Santoro, Moira Macdonald, and Mary D'Angelo, lectors

Sunday, February 23 | 11:15 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantMark Richburg, Chika Offurum, and Erin Young, lectors

Sunday, February 23 | 6:00 p.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantJulie Bogdanski and Elise Sherman, lectors

OUR COMMUNITY NEWS

SPECIAL INTENTIONS

Sunday, February 23 | 9:30 a.m.Robert MacKenzie, Memorial

Sunday, February 23 | 9:30 a.m.Dorothy Lengel, Memorial

Sunday, February 23 | 11:15 a.m.Richard H. Bourdeau, 12 Anniversary

TODAY'S READINGS

Sirach 15:15-201 Corinthians 2:6-10Matthew 5:17-37

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-181 Corinthians 3:16-23Matthew 5:38-48

This week at Saint Cecilia

• Sunday, February 23 | Young Families Meeting after the 9:30 Mass in CL4 (p.7)

• Sunday, February 23 | LGBTQ Catholics Unite 1:00 CL4 & Library (p.7)

• Tuesday, February 25 | Mardi Gras (p.5)

• Wednesday, February 26 | Ash Wednesday 8:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. in the Church (p.5)

• Wednesday, February 26 | Adult Faith Formation Speaker 7:30 in the Parish Center (p.8)

• Thursday, February 27 | Liturgy of the Hours 6:30 in the Church (p.5)

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Prayers & Occasions

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Mary Pickering, Stephanie Brown, Kim Villanueva, Mary Sue Cappoza, Marc Pelletier, Ashlyn Couture, Leah Fickes, Eva Cheung, Will Jones, Joseph Kane, Bennett Lawrence Adair, Caeden Boyce, Carole Acampora, and Chuck O'Connor.

The Saint Cecilia Nonprofit Partner HighlightTurn to page 10 to learn more about this month's highlight-ed organization from the Nonprofit Parnership Committee: Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center. The Saint Cecilia Nonprofit Partnership Committee was formed last year to provide a process to give back to the Boston commu-nity with intentionality. We have formed partnerships with 8 local organizations: Y2Y, Harvard Square, Mother Caroline Academy and Educaton Center, Accompany Doula Care, theUnafraid Scholarship Fund, Dudley Street Neighborhood Ini-tiative, Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, Labouré Center, and Transit Matters. These relationships offer our parishioners opportunities to get involved in a variety of ways.

Black History MonthAs Black History Month comes to a close, we vow to continue to cel-ebrate the promotion of positive values of our African American leadership, through advocacy, through professional life, and through the arts. These values echo the main principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and we pray that such values be respected by all Americans.

Special CollectionThis week’s second collection will support the Church in those underdeveloped areas of the world where there are insufficient resources for evangelization and formation: Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the Church in Africa and in Central and Eastern Europe, and three important national Catholic missions: the Military Archdiocese, Home Mis-sions, and the Black and Indian Missions. Your generosity to this collection will help fund the spiritual, educational and humanitarian needs of the Church around the world.

Liturgy of the HoursWe will host Liturgy of the Hours every Tuesday and Thurs-day during Lent beginning Thursday, February 27 at 6:30 in the church. All are welcome.

Happy Mardi Gras!The Lenten Fast begins this week. Now it is Mardi Gras sea-son, the last few days for making spiritual resolutions and adopting the practices that have the potential of yielding a joyous Easter. Do something fun these next few days. Car-nival feasting allows for good Lenten fasting. Happy Mardi Gras!

Ash WednesdayThe season of Lent begins this Wednesday and Mass will be celebrated at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Please note that these are the only times ashes will be distributed at SaintCecilia.

Take a Little Black Book for LentThese books are available in the narthex. Please take one home and spend just six minutes a day in reflection to pre-pare for our celebration of Easter.

Saint Cecilia

SpirItual Direction

Now is a very acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! (2Cor 6:2)

Are you seeking to deepen your spiritual life in the weeks before and during the Lenten season? Would you like help connecting your prayer to your life expe-riences through one on one conversation? The possi-bility for such an experience is available for an 8 week period – February 10 – April 15. If interested, please contact:Billy Biegler, SJ: [email protected] (617) 536-4548

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lent approaches!

As winter Ordinary Time draws to a close, we look towardsLent, the Church’s annual retreat. Lent is a time of renewaland preparation for the feast of Easter and is marked by the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Taking some time to get ready for Lent will ensure that wearen’t going to miss the first week or two, because we arejust getting started. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, but wewant to be ready to really take off on that day, rather thanjust beginning to think about it. Part of what makes a vaca-tion or a signifcant anniversary so special is the build–up toit. Before we get to Ash Wednesday, we might ask our-selves some questions. “What does God want to give me this year?” This question may require that I slow down a bit and listen to my inner spirit. For example, sometimes if I’m very busy, I may realize I’m hungry only when I hear mystomach start “growling.” “What am I going to be doing onAsh Wednesday?” Too often, Ash Wednesday is like everyother day, except that I manage to get to church and re-ceive ashes on my forehead. Is there anything else I can doon Ash Wednesday? How will fasting and abstaining hap-pen for me, for my family on that special day?

It doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare for the beginning of Lent. It just takes desire and focus; God can do so muchwith that. By beginning to establish some simple patterns,we create a bit of space where God is able to touch our hearts. I might decide that upon waking each morning thisweek, I will spend just a minute, standing by the edge of my bed, in order to ask the Lord for the grace to let this daybe one in which I long for the beginning of Lent. Perhaps Ineed to ask for specifc helps or graces in order to get readyto begin Lent. Whatever we try to say, the Lord will under-stand the Spirit speaking through our simple words. And all it takes is the time to fnd and put on our slippers. Similarly,each night in the days ahead, we can practice giving thanksto God before going to bed. This simple pattern, in the morning and evening, can stir our spirits to look forward toand prepare for Lent, as a season of grace.

ash wednesday

Ash Wednesday begins our forty days of joyful renewal inpreparation for the celebration of Easter! Those who aremindful of the call to hear the Gospel more fully, receiveashes as a sign of repentance. The ashes we use are theburnt palms from last year’s celebration of Passion (Palm)Sunday. We will distribute ashes at the 8:00 a.m. Mass onWednesday, as well as at the 6:00 p.m. Mass.

Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence. In addition to whatever personal penitential practices youmight take up during Lent, Catholics are also asked to ob-serve the practices of fast and abstinence during the fortyday period. The Lenten Fast and Abstinence Regulations are as follows:

1. Everyone 14 years of age and older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on all theFridays of Lent.

2. Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (the ob-ligation of fasting ceases with the celebration of one’s 59th birthday).

3. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, only one full meat-less meal is allowed. Two other smaller meatless meals, suffcient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal an-other full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seri-ously affected, the law does not oblige.

4. Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed penitential practices. By the threefold discipline of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the Church keeps Lent from Ash Wednesday until the evening of Holy Thursday. All of the faithful and the catechumens are en-couraged to undertake the practice of these three Lenten practices. Fasting and abstinence, along with prayer and almsgiving, are the foundations of a good and holy Lent.

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what does it mean to fast?

To fast is to do without food. The purpose of fasting is to experience the effects of not eating. It also serves as a penance or sacrifice—with the goal of strengthening us. When we don’t eat, for even a little while, we become hungry. When we are aware of our hunger, we have a heightened sense of awareness. If, when we eat too much, we have a sluggish feeling, when we fast, we have a feeling of alertness. Fasting is a wonderful exercise whenever we want to sincerely ask for an important grace from God. It is not that our fasting “earns” God’s attention, but by fasting, we clarify our thinking and our feeling. It is purifying and prepares us to pray more deeply.

WHEN DO I FAST?Catholics, as a group, are required to fast on only two daysof the year—Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these days, fasting means something very specifc and limited. It means that one eats only one full meal in a day, with no food in-between meals. It is understood that two other meals, if one eats three meals a day, should not total one full meal. One might fast in a more complete way, i.e., eating only a portion of a single meal. Of course, anyone is free to fast at any time that it is helpful for their prayer and refection. It isnot recommended that anyone with impaired health shouldfast in any way.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ABSTAIN?

To abstain is to not eat meat. Abstinence is meant to be an act of penance—an act of sacrifice that helps us grow in freedom to make much bigger sacrifices. Of course, it wouldbe nonsensical to make the sacrifice of not eating meat onlyto then indulge in a wonderful meal of seafood that I mightenjoy even more. Many people keep a vegetarian diet and, for them, eating meat is not even an issue. In the spirit of Lent, one possibility is to abstain from a non-meat meal that I really like, on all the Fridays of Lent.

Do you have a great smile?

Show it off! Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile? If so, we would love to have you join the Greeters! Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies, but especially for the Sunday 11:15 liturgy. One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns, all of which can be accommodated. If interested in helping out, please contact Christina Searby at [email protected].

Rainbow Ministry

Upcoming Events

LGBTQ Catholics Unite Monthly Meeting Sunday, February 23 | 1:00 p.m. | Classroom 4LGBTQ Catholics Unite provides an opportunity for LGBTQ Catholics and friends to gather and discuss openly relevant topics, scripture, and current events. This month Rebecca Reed will facilitate a discussion on "Queer Youth at Risk." Rebecca is the former Program Director of Waltham House, a home for queer youth at risk. Currently, she is the Campus Director of the Hailer House at Walpole, a Home for Little Wanderers' residence. Queer youth face a variety of chal-lenges, both environmental and individual, that shape how they view themselves as well as their perception of how others see them. LGBTQ Catholics need a forum in which to share faith experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. Our hope is that people will feel supported, heard, and spiritu-ally nourished. All (including allies) are welcome!

Young Families February

Gathering — TOday

Join the Young Families Ministry for a special “Valentines”-themed meeting next Sunday, February 23 following the 9:30 Mass. Sarah Donohue, a former parishioner and social worker specializing in marriage and family therapy, will speak to the group about the gift and challenge of nurturing your relationship with your partner after having children. Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP to [email protected] to help us plan for numbers. We hope you’ll be able to join us!

HUNGER & HOMELESSNESS MINISTRY:

DRIVERS NEEDED

Each weekend parishioners have the opportunity to pick up donated meat, dairy products, and produce from four local supermarkets and deliver it to either Catholic Charities' Haitian Multi-Service Center in Dorchester or Pine Street Inn in the South End. This vital ministry takes place at 7:30 every Saturday and Sunday morning and on Sundays can be completed in time to attend the 9:30 parish Mass. We need drivers for all the Saturdays and Sundays in February and March. Please email [email protected] if you can help out.

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Richard R. Gaillardetz, PhD is the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College and is also currently the chair of the theology department. He has published over 150 articles and authored or edited 14 books. He is the editor of The Cambridge Companion to Vatican II which

will be released in May 2020. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Sophia Award from the Washington Theological Union for theological excellence in service of ministry (2000) and the Yves Congar Award for theological excellence from Barry University (2018). He is a past president of the Catholic Theological Society of America.

Saint Cecilia Young Adults

Ministry Upcoming Events

Roaring 20s Extravaganza!Saturday, February 29 | 8:00–11:00 p.m. | The Westin Copley PlaceBack by popular demand! Our extravaganza this year will be at the Westin where we will be tearing it up on the dance floor. An excuse to get dressed up that isn't a wedding! Come flex your moves and have fun with friends. Or make a few new ones! RVSP here: http://bit.ly/365kQoF

To RSVP for any of the above events please email [email protected], or to join their weekly email update please follow this link: http://eepurl.com/bBbbLr

The Saint Cecilia Adult Faith Formation Commission Speaker Series

Please join us for an evening presentation and discussion with

RICHARD R. GAILLARDETZ, PHD

“You Are What You Worship: Toward an Authentic Liturgical Spirituality"

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 w 7:30 p.m. Saint Cecilia Church

This event is open to all!

Free-will offerings are gratefully accepted.

Richard R. Gaillardetz, PhD is the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College and is also currently the chair of the theology department. He has published over 150 articles and authored or edited 14 books. He is the editor of The Cambridge Companion to Vatican II which will be released in May 2020. He is the recipient of many awards, including the

Sophia Award from the Washington Theological Union for theological excellence in service of ministry (2000) and the Yves Congar Award for theological excellence from Barry University (2018). He is a past president of the Catholic Theological Society of America.

The Saint Cecilia Adult Faith Formation Commission Speaker Series

Please join us for an evening presentation and discussion with

RICHARD R. GAILLARDETZ, PHD

“You Are What You Worship: Toward an Authentic Liturgical Spirituality"

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 w 7:30 p.m. Saint Cecilia Church

This event is open to all!

Free-will offerings are gratefully accepted.

Richard R. Gaillardetz, PhD is the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College and is also currently the chair of the theology department. He has published over 150 articles and authored or edited 14 books. He is the editor of The Cambridge Companion to Vatican II which will be released in May 2020. He is the recipient of many awards, including the

Sophia Award from the Washington Theological Union for theological excellence in service of ministry (2000) and the Yves Congar Award for theological excellence from Barry University (2018). He is a past president of the Catholic Theological Society of America.

Social and Racial Justice

Ministry Upcoming Events

The deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet: “Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest”. - Laudato Si'

Climate Change: Migration and RefugeesWednesday, February 26 |6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Northeastern University Visitor Center, West Village F, Room 20Hosted by Northeastern University School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, and ree and open to the public, this lecture series consists of knowledgeable in depth speakers followed by a Q&A session. The series is recorded and will be available online at https://cssh.northeastern.edu/policyschool/myra-kraft-open-classroom/myra-kraft-spring-2020/

City of Boston Greenovate Boston Racial Equity & Climate Roundtable 2Thursday, February 27 | 5:30 p.m. | BCYF Hennigan Community Center, 200 Heath St, Jamaica PlainThe conversation will go over the impacts the city is expecting, connect how existing social structures disparately impact communities of color, and how that will impact preparation against climate change.You can sign up to receive updates from the SRJM ministry at http://eepurl.com/dKw-gw. Follow us on Facebook (search for St. Cecilia’s Social and Racial Justice Ministry) to get news about up-coming events.

Catholic Charities’ “This is My

Community” Speaker Series

Thursday, February 27 | 7:00 p.m. | WBUR’s CitySpace at 890 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston.

This event features Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and Mohamad Ali, President and CEO of IDG. Pimentel and Ali are two of the nation’s strongest champions of immigrants. A religious sister of the Missionaries of Jesus, Pimentel served as point person for organizing the emergency response to the surge in Central Americans crossing the border to seek asylum. Event moderated by WBUR radio host Tiziana Dearing. Advanced registration is required: https://www.ccab.org/speaker-series-presents-an-evening-with-sister-norma-pimentel

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VALENTINE’S DAY BOOK DRIVE

Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps (www.rfkchildren.org) is a leader in child welfare and ju-venile justice in Massachusetts and nation-wide. They work to create an individualized therapeutic and learning environment for children who face be-havioral, social, and educational challenges due to trauma, abuse, neglect, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disabilities.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, and in our twelfth year of doing so (and over 3,000 generously donated books later!!), our parish will be holding a book drive for the children at RFK Children’s Action Corps in grades 1 through 12. Brand new books are preferred, but they will also take used books in excellent condi-tion and they will be collected at all litur-gies on the weekends in February. You can also place your order online (see below). A list of requested books is available at the back of church and you’re sure to find some of your favorite titles on it! Magazine subscriptions are also on the list.

If you would like to purchase books through Ama-zonSmile (https://smile.amazon.com/) or another on–line bookseller, you may wish to have the books delivered to:

Letitia HowlandRobert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps40 Court Street, Suite 410Boston, MA 02108 Please be sure to let Letitia ([email protected]) know that you ordered the books so that a proper acknowledgement can be sent!

If you have any questions, please contact Letitia or speak with her or Mark Lippolt at the back of church.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

Mass Simulcast

Just a reminder that you can also participate in the 9:30 a. m. and 11:15 a. m. liturgies by watching the Mass being simulcast on large screens in the Parish Hall.

OUR HOMELESS NEIGHBORS

Our friends at two local agencies that serve those experiencing homelessness report that they have an urgent need for winter clothing for the patients they see every day. Boston Health Care for the Homeless There will be a bin in the narthex if you would like to donate new or gently used boots. • There is a need for men’s and women’s boots – all sizes

– but especially men’s sizes 9 to 13.• Men's and women's coats (if used, freshly dry-cleaned)

can also be donated in the narthex.South End Community Health CenterThis nonprofit agency—which celebrated its 50th year of serving the South End in 2019—is in need of children's coats, hats, and gloves.

If it is your preference to send a check (no more than $50, please) to enable us to purchase the items above, please make a check payable to Saint Cecilia Parish, write “Boston Health Care” or "South End Community Health" in the memo line and mail to: Mark Lippolt, Saint Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere Street Boston, MA 02115.

Calling all Singers!

Saint Cecilia Music Ministry is looking for talented vocalists and instrumentalists to contribute to our weekly worship. Our morning choirs study and prepare choral works from around the globe each week and rehearse weekly on Thursdays from 7:15-9:15. We are currently preparing works for Lent and Easter. Please consider becoming involved as we enter into these holy liturgical seasons. For more information, please contact our Director of Music, Robert Duff at [email protected].

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Adult Faith

Formation Events

FAITH FORMATION EVENTS AT SAINT CECILIA OFTEN APPEAR ON PAGES 5—9

BOSTON COLLEGE SCHOOL OF

THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

ONLINE COURSES

For further details or to register for these events, please check the STM Online: Crossroads website: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/stm/sites/crossroads.html

The Joy of the GospelFebruary 26 – March 31 | 5-Week Online Course Regis-tration Required| $50.00

John in Holy Week and EasterMarch 11 – March 31 | 3-Week Online Course | Regis-tration Required | $25.00

Spiritual PracticesMarch 11 – March 31 | 3-Week Online Course | Regis-tration Required | $25.00

CAMPUS EVENTS

New Testament Manuscripts and the Earliest Visual De-piction of the Crucified ChristPresenter: Dieter T. Roth, assistant professor of New Tes-tament, Boston College Department of TheologyThursday, February 27 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Boston Col-lege, Corcoran Commons, Heights Room, Chestnut Hill Campus | Registration Required

Pilgrimage - Invitation and ChallengePresenter: André Brouillette, SJ, STM assistant professor of systematic and spiritual theologyThursday, March 12 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Boston College, Corcoran Commons, Heights Room, Chestnut Hill Cam-pus | Registration Required

SAINT SUSANNA PARISH — DEDHAM

For further details on these presentations, please check their website: http://www.saintsusanna.org/Attach-ments/aff_yearly_program_standard.pdf

"Loving Life on the Margins”Presenters: Suzanne and Brayton ShanleyMonday, February 24 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saint Susanna Parish Hall | Free Will Offering

BOSTON COLLEGE, BOISI CENTER

FOR RELIGION AND AMERICAN

PUBLIC LIFE

For further details or to register for these events, please check this website: https://www.bc.edu/centers/boisi

Race, Class, and Ethnicity in College Admissions: Deans Discuss the Harvard CasePanel Discussion: Susan Gennaro, Connell School of Nursing, Vincent Rougeau, Law School, Stanton Wortham, Lynch School of Education and Human De-velopment, Co-sponsored with Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural CenterMonday, February 24 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.| Boston College, Higgins Hall 310 | RSVP Required

The PAULIST CENTER

For further details on this event, please check their website:http://www.paulistcenter.org/upcoming-events/

Book Discussion: Isaac Thomas Hecker: Spiritual Pil-grimSunday, March 1 | following the 10 am Mass and Tuesday, March 3 | 7:00 pm

What Will Bring Me More Fully to Life This Lent? A retreat led by Thomas Ryan, CSPThursday, March 5 | 6:00 -7:30 p.m.

Give Light: Spiritual Support for Climate Activism - An interactive, multifaith retreat led by Rev. Fred SmallSunday, March 8 | Light Lunch at 1:00 p.m. | Retreat at 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | A donation of $10 -15 is grateful-ly accepted | For more information and RSVP: Trudy Macdonald - [email protected]

Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church - A Conversation with Michael O'LoughlinMonday, March 9 | 7:00 p.m.

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Africans arrived in America not as freedom-seeking immigrants, but as captives adapting to the harsh reality of chattel slavery. Because of their suffering, they drew together and drank from a deep well of spirituality that connected them to God, their ancestors, and one another. James Weldon Johnson’s "Negro National Anthem" testifies to the tenacity of the spirituality of African Americans, grounded in faith and hope and celebration:

“Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.”

While by no means comprehensive, here are 8 highlights of the contributions African Americans have made to enrich the landscape of American spirituality.

Captive Africans Arrive in Colonial AmericaIn 1619 the first Africans arrived in Virginia. Despite being systematically stripped of their identities, cultures, languages, religions, and values, they created unique expressions of faith. Like jazz and the blues, the slave spirituality was rooted in Africa, and born of deep suffering and shared experience. Their faith had a singular aim: liberation.

Their spirituality of sorrow and joy bred a passionate host of martyrs; those who died for the faith; confessors: those who suffered yet continued to bear witness; and passion bearers, those who suffered and/or died, not explicitly for faith, but for standing for a righteous cause. Today we continue to benefit from their powerful witness.

Harriet Tubman Becomes an Emancipator

As a young slave girl, Harriet Tubman suffered frequent abuse. In one incident when she was a teen, a slave owner threw a metal weight at another slave, missed, and hit Harriet in the head, crushing her skull. The

traumatic injury afflicted her with frequent headaches, seizures, and hypersomnia for the rest of her life. She also experienced vivid dreams and mystical visions, which she ascribed to God.

After escaping from her plantation in 1849, she immediately came back to lead her family members to freedom. She would go on to help hundreds of slaves to escape through the Underground Railroad, earning her the nickname “Moses.” Though she credited God with guiding her in this dangerous work and trusted His protection, the fearless emancipator also carried a pistol, which she once leveled at a frightened traveler and said, “You gon’ be free, or you gon’ die.”. She never lost a passenger.

Sojourner Truth Gives the “Ain’t I a Woman” Speech

After a painful life marked by abuse, 46-year-old Isabella Baumtree was inspired to change her name to Sojourner Truth. “The Spirit calls, and I must go,” she said. Her

profound evangelical faith inspired her work as a preacher and powerful abolitionist.

She is best known for a riveting speech given in 1851 at a women’s rights convention:

“I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man-- when I could get it-- and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman!”

William Seymour Jumpstarts the Azuza

Street RevivalIn 1906 William Seymour, the free son of two slaves, rented a ramshackle building in

Los Angeles and became the driving force of the Pentecostal movement. Slave spirituality deeply influenced Seymour. His services, replete with fiery preaching, passionate emotional responses, and a sense of immediacy of God’s presence, mirrored the religious experiences found in African-American culture.

Diversity was the distinguishing characteristic of the Pentecostal movement from the beginning. Men, women, and children from all ethnicities and religious traditions gathered

Spiritual Moments in Black History By CLAUDIA MAIR BURNEY

13


together and worshipped as one. They sang, spoke in tongues, and were “slain in the spirit.” Women played prominent roles in Pentecostal ministry. Eventually racial tensions and other factors splintered the movement, but its influence has never waned. Today the Pentecostal denominations have over 500 million adherents worldwide.

Rosa Parks Refuses to Surrender Her Seat, and the Civil Rights Movement

Is BornThe year was 1955, the place Montgomery, Alabama. Four days after the murder of a black teenager, Emmett Till, in Mississippi, a tired Rosa Parks sat in the colored section of a bus. When the driver insisted she give

up her seat to a white passenger she refused. Her resistance sparked the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.

A boycott of the bus company was quickly organized, led by 26-year-old Baptist minister Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The boycott garnered national attention, and people all around the country began to organize. Because the black church was the center of community life, thousands of churches rallied together. Clergy and lay people alike organized and planned activities. They also encouraged and strengthened one another to endure the difficult days ahead. Without this vast network of all kinds of churches lending support, it’s unlikely that the Civil Rights Movement would have succeeded.

Martin Luther King Jr. Delivers His 'I Have a Dream' Speech

On a trip to Germany, Michael King was inspired to change his name to Martin Luther King after the Protestant reformer. This served as a prophetic move, for King’s son would also change the world. Inspired by Mohandas Gandhi’s example of nonviolent resistance,

King became the voice of the Civil Rights Movement.

On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King delivered one of history’s greatest speeches. More than 250,000 people had gathered for the March on Washington. He’d prepared a speech, but abandoned it when a woman cried, “Tell them your dream.” He did just that:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character….With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”

Malcolm X Goes to MeccaWhile Malcolm Little was in prison, his brother exposed him to the teachings of the Nation of Islam. Soon after, he began a correspondence

with the organization’s leader, Elijah Mohammed, and upon his release became a fervent son of the NOI. His involvement inspired him to drop his “slave master’s name” and become Malcolm X. The X signifying the name of the African family he’d never known. Soon he became the organization’s most charismatic spokesperson and is credited with increasing membership from 500 in 1952 to 25,000 in 1963.

In March of 1964 Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam amid controversy and became a Sunni Muslim. In April of that year he made his pilgrimage to Mecca. On this trip he experienced a radical shift in his view. For the first time he realized those he condemned as “blue-eyed devils” could be his brothers in the faith. He took the religious name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, which means, Malcolm (or Malik) who is from the tribe or family of Shabazz and has made the Hajj. One can only speculate how this expanded worldview would have affected his teaching. The man Ossie Davis called America’s “shining black prince” was assassinated less than a year after his break with the Nation of Islam.

Sister Thea Bowman a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration

Trades Her Nun’s Garments for Colorful African Dresses

Her mission was to ensure that the Roman Catholic Church’s hierarchy honored the unique gifts and voices of black Americans and other minorities.

Weakened by the effects of cancer, the impassioned nun who influenced thousands, spoke to an assembly of United States Bishops and challenged them with these searing words:

“What does it mean to be black and Catholic? It means that I come to my church fully functioning….I bring myself, my black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I’m worth, all I hope to become. I bring my whole history, my traditions, my experience, my culture, my African-American song and dance and gesture and movement and teaching and preaching and healing and responsibility as a gift to the church.” Sister Thea Bowman died of cancer the following year.

~ Claudia Mair Burney is the author of novels Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White and Wounded: A Love Story, as well as the Amanda Bell Brown Mysteries and The Exorsistah series for teens.. This article was excerpted from BelieefNet. The full version can be found at www.beliefnet.com/faiths/2009/the-spirituality-of-black-history.aspx

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Parish Office & Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115Hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Phone | 617 536 4548; Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | [email protected] | www.stceciliaboston.org

Parish StaffRev. John J. Unni, PastorLeah Bennett, Communications and Operations Coordinator,[email protected] Rev. Mr. Billy Biegler, SJ, Deacon [email protected] Donohoe, Pastoral Associate,[email protected] Duff, Director of Music, [email protected] Glynn, Director of College and Youth Ministry, [email protected],Xuan He, [email protected] Jacobson, [email protected] Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations,[email protected] J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Parish Visibility, [email protected] Melaugh, Director of Finance,[email protected] Pickering, Director of Facilities and Events, [email protected]

Assisting ClergyRev. Mr. Billy Biegler, SJ Rev. Peter Grover, OMVRev. Peter Gyves, SJRev. James Shaughnessy, SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday, Thursday, & Friday | 8:00 a.m.Lord’s Day | Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m.; and 6:00 p.m.Holy Days | 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the communal process through which non-baptized men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It is also suitable for those baptized in different faith traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic, or, for those who were baptized Catholic, but have yet to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and confirmation.

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office.

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program, please contact Scott MacDonald in the Parish Office.

MarriageCouples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office at least six months in advance.

Care of the SickTo arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion to be brought to those unable to attend the Sunday celebration, or for Viaticum for the Dying (Holy Communion for those in danger of death), please contact the Parish Office. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies.

Order of Christian FuneralsThe parish is prepared to celebrate the Vigil (wake) in the church. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) TeamThe CAP Team is responsible for training all parish staff and volunteers in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God’s Children program (VIRTUS). They also provide consultation and support to anyone in the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect. Please contact Lois Flaherty ([email protected]), Maria Roche ([email protected]), Letitia Howland ([email protected]), or Erin Young ([email protected]) if you have any questions or concerns.

The Archdiocese of Boston has in place a vigorous program to protect children from harm and to educate its ministers and faithful about the nature of abuse, with a goal of increasing knowledge, creating a safe environment for children, and recognizing and reporting potentially dan-gerous situations. The full text of the policy is also available in the nar-thex and Parish Office, as well as on our website.

For Those with Celiac DiseaseIf you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten.

Hearing Assistance in ChurchThe church is equipped with an FM listening device. Small receiv-ers are available for anyone who may have trouble hearing the sound system. Simply request a receiver from any one of our greeters before Mass.

Access for the DisabledBoth the church and Parish Pastoral Center are accessible by elevator.

ParkingThere is discounted parking at The Hynes Auditorium Garage (located at 50 Dalton Street next to Bukowski's Tavern), for $11, available on Sun-days until 3:00 p.m., and $14 after 4:00 every day of the week. To take advantage of this discount, ask one of our greeters for a chaser ticket at Mass or ask a staff person during the week. Chaser tickets must be used at the machine at the exit gate. To obtain the discount, first place the ticket you received upon entering the garage into the machine, then fol-low it with the chaser ticket.

Joining Our CommunityWe’re happy that you’re with us! Our community offers a warm, spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics. We come from many neighbor-hoods in and around Boston but also have parishioners from as far afield as Marlborough, Newburyport, and Stow. Please introduce yourself to a staff member, drop in for coffee on Sunday, or fill out a new parishioner form in the narthex.. No matter what your background, please know that you are always welcome at Saint Cecilia.

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