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Sunday, 7 February 2010
Tele Conference Call of January 17, 2010
![]() We began our conference call with a prayer read by Mary Scaine from Bill Cleary: God of All Creation, when our hearts are cold as stone and our minds numb, still we know our prayer is heard, the prayer that is our past, our present and our future. Our very life prays, communicates, to you. The faithful sun, seemingly still, moves steadily from east to west, and everything living cries out to it for vitalization. Similarly we all look to you, Creating Intelligence, in gratitude. We are alive, chosen to exist today, and we give thanks. Amen. We then had a moment of silence remembering and embracing our members who were sick, Alan Moore, Mary Alice Charpentier and Ralph Pinto. We called into our circle of prayer Francis McGillicuddy who “passed over” and his beloved wife and soul friend, Elaine. We remembered the people of Haiti and the following conversations flowed: Several people have requested that we probe more deeply into the new cosmology (New Story) as a basis for our next discussion. Please notice that Patricia Fresen suggests that reformed groups are beginning to understand “that our faith will be reformulated to fit in better with humanity’s present and future understanding of cosmology and the universe story.” We will start our New Cosmology discussions with an article from the July/Aug. ’09 CORPUS REPORTS entitled “Spirituality for a Third Millenium” wherein Dick Scaine situates the three commitments within the context of the New Cosmology. This will be followed by the Jan/Feb 2010 CORPUS REPORTS article entitled “Spirituality: Feeling at Home in the Universe.” Discussion Questions:
Conference Call Community of John XXIII Jan. 17, 2010 Tony began the discussion with the observance that the article was certainly liberating for him and was helpful in discerning how to work out the way to live his life. That does get to the heart of what the commitments of the JohnXXIII Community mean as we go about our daily lives. As Pat said, it calls out to the living spirit in each of us into something better, breaking through any isolation we may be in. The discussion revolved around an overriding theme of cosmology which is “relatedness.” How apropos as we celebrate the birthday of Dr. King who often used the phrase, “All life is interrelated.” How wonderful that we were able in such a caring way, to express our willingness and openness to connecting to the 3 commitments of relatedness, justice-making and mutual collaboration, especially when faced with a tragedy like the earthquake in Haiti. Our very discussion and internal prayer expression reaches out to the people of Haiti in a positive prayerful embrace. Terry and Fred Quinn Every month our focus becomes clearer and this time it was very clear and very +-special. Sad to say, the disastrous situation in Haiti was the backdrop for the successful time we spent together. The particular urgency there was an occasion for us to identify more closely with cosmic reality as it is unfolding in Haiti, and where we were able to understand and relate and adapt our specific John 23rd spirituality to the situation. As a result we felt closer to each other as we identified with the victims of the tragedy. This is my personal opinion, which I am sure is shared by all who were present. I would also say that in my own case I gained more from the experience because I have further to go in applying and living out the goals of our group to specific situations. Tony The image that comes to mind when I think of the whole Haiti crisis is that of an open wound in the body of the earth or the Body of Christ --- the whole world. Like the immune system in the body, the whole world is rushing to the site of the injury, trying to heal and make whole and healthy again. We mourn all the dead and work to bring new life to the living. Health will come only when a more just world works together to heal this terrible wound that is Haiti. Therese Padovano In preparing for today's conference I was also following the events of devastation in Haiti. The values of the article paralleled with the reality of Haiti's situation. Interconnectedness. Interdependence. "Seeing one in all" ,this is our challenge NOW of belonging to the world. A people reduced to the most basic needs in front of our eyes are our community in need of care as well as protection from all levels of materialism, abuse of power as well as patriarchal, hierarchical and institutional injustice. Caring, respect and financial support are opportunities to co-create with the Spirit toward a new unexpected future of greater equity and financial justice as opposed to control and domination. Pat We felt energized in our relationship to each other and to the world as we were searching and discerning, e.g.: we saw the consequences of an empirial director "Duvalier" providing a country club for the elite and we opted for an "Aristide", who could plan for an agriculturally self sustained island-nation & eventually share this paradise island with ecotourists of the world. Nick & Pat ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 3 January 2010
Conference Call December 20, 2009
![]() Below is the response from the Community of John XXIII from our December Conference call: We had revisited the article written by Patricia Fresen in Corpus Reports Sept/Oct issue: Pat & Nick Mosunic Patricia Fresen is thought provoking and inspiring in her ideas. For a After reading Patricia Fresen’s article again, Fred expressed frustration with an understanding of what an emerging church is to us, but what is not the understanding of many in our acquaintance, or for that matter the majority of the world. Perhaps it is the same frustration that Tony has when he speaks of no one with whom he can communicate his emerging and challenging thoughts. We see the emergence of a non-dogmatic, non-hierarchical spirituality based on commonality of purpose, as evidenced by our LIVING of the commitments of the Community of John XXIII. Patricia Fresen speaks of self-ministering communities, which we see as reflective of the early church communities, and reflective of the message that Jesus revealed—of the kingdom of NOW, the kingdom within. She quotes Douglas Klotz’s translation of the original Aramaic Our Father—“Focus your light within us, make us useful.” Perhaps we should use Dick’s last article “Spirituality for a Third Millenium”(Corpus Reports July/Aug.-09) as a basis for our next discussion because it focuses on the new cosmology, or the “new story’ as Morwood refers to it, pushing us to reassess our commitments in the light of what Patricia Fresen suggests as the end of an old paradigm leading to “paradigm mutation” or a cosmic shift. She says, (and helps us in our frustration when she does), that, “when enough people see things differently, it changes the balance of things and the balance tips over, and change comes about, the new paradigm emerges.” Tony from Italy responded: I resonate with the first paragraph of Fred and Terry's comment. I found I apologize for missing Sunday's meeting. I simply forgot! Believe it or not, I am becoming accustomed and enriched by my sharing with "religious pluralists, borderline Christians, and some agnostics", as Samuel categorizes them, so much that personally, I no longer feel disturbed at not being part of a local Corpus-like family. I find the my world contacts divided between those that are "inclusive" and those that are "exclusive", but the "inclusive" crowd is growing exponentially, and that, to me, is "church". At the same time, I cherish my inclusive CORPUS family! I read all I can and think and share what I can remember, especially treasuring CORPUS REPORTS and the John XXIII community. Several people have requested that we probe more deeply into the new cosmology (New Story) as a basis for our next discussion. Please notice that Patricia Fresen suggests that reformed groups are beginning to understand “that our faith will be reformulated to fit in better with humanity’s present and future understanding of cosmology and the universe story.”
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 13 December 2009
TeleConference Call November 15, 2009
![]() Community of JohnXXIII Conference Call Nov 15, 2009 The community met to discuss the following: Mary Scaine led us in prayer. Community of JohnXXIII November 15, 2009 Thoughts for Discussion and Opening Prayer 1. What did you find most exciting in Patricia Fresen’s article? Why? Most challenging? Most insightful? What did you find most disturbing? Why? Please be specific. 2. In addition to the thoughts Patricia Fresen makes, what are some of the other ways to face the question “what now?” We are receiving requests, and referring inquiries into our JohnXXIII website. Please do not forget to write a paragraph of appreciation/reaction for posting on the website. It is a main source of information for those who want to pursue our identity and history. Your submission need not disclose personal material but should be briefly informative. Thanks. SOARING At Daybreak By William Cleary www.clearyworks.com/about.html When my mind is far from concentration and my heart unfocused, still my being speaks to you, God of life, God of promise. There is hope for me because you are a caring creator, and have filled our experience with caringness: links of concern and love for those around me, and energies of caringness from others to me. In such a circle we can survive, and with imagination can find joy in the mysterious dance of daily life. Amen. Terry and Fred Quinn wrote: We began with Nick’s poignant description of his recent visit to Croatia and his sadness at meeting a former classmate, a nun, still bound by the restrictions and submission of women of the church of yesteryear. Echoes of that feudal system in the church remain, but Patricia Fresen gives us reason to hope, as she speaks of a better understanding of the mission of Jesus and what he revealed about God. As she says when she writes of the language spoken by Jesus, Aramaic—“nethqudash smath”---“Focus your light within us, make it useful.” ---which is what we are striving to do by living our commitments. Hopefully, at Pat’s suggestion, we will be able to share this vision in person at a retreat gathering in the Spring. Pat and Nick commented: As the new "kid on the block", I hope the retreat ideas were not too forceful. We loved Patricia Fresen's article.Agreeing with the quote of Don Cozzens " The Church will submerge before it will emerge", we looked at the realities of classism, clericalism, sexism as they have existed but are being challenged and rejected today. Presently we are bridging from what already dominates to a new paradigm where democratic principles,collaborative self ministering communities closer to the vision of Jesus will exist. Insight is not enough to give voice to these practices. How do we , the Community of John XX111,move toward a global cosmic experience and share in such a way that we can relationally affirm each other to help us live out these beliefs. We would love to come together as a group for a weekend of praying together and getting to know each other while we explore the content of our communal committment. We discussed the possibilities of having an annual retreat whereb current members could renew their commitments and new members would be welcomed into the community. The discussions are ongoing at this point. We plan on having our next conference call on December 20, 2009 and will re-visit Patricia Fresen’s article again as our participants were few in number. Mary Scaine ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Saturday, 14 November 2009
October 25th Conference call
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, October 25th. Present were: Linda Pinto our Moderator, Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Also joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Bob Charpentier, John Warner, Allen Moore, Barbara Ryland, Theresa Padovano, Pat and Nick Mosunic and Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy). Mary Scaine invited all present today as participants in the Community of John XXII to begin with a moment of silence as we welcomed and embraced and sent our healing vibrations toward Francis and Elaine and Mary Alice and Bob and other members of our family and friends. Into Your Silence….. God of this creation, of this day, William Cleary (We Side with the Morning) We began our session with the following: John XXIII October 25th Thoughts for Discussion
In the Embracing Spirit of the Community John XXIII Where do we go from Here?
1. Commitment to Relatedness 2. Commitment to Justice Making 3. Commitment to Mutual Collaboration
Suggestion: For November discussion, read Patricia Fresen’s article (pp. 31-35) in September/October Corpus Reports, 2009. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN BE PRESENT AT THE OCTOBER CALL, IF NOT, SHARE WITH US YOUR IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE LISTSERVE…. Mary and Dick Scaine 10/4/09 The responses were as follows: Fred and Terry Quinn We began with a prayer and moment of silence in loving concern for Francis McGillicuddy and Mary Alice Charpentier. We included in that positive prayer energy their spouses and caregivers Elaine and Bob. Our discussion revolved around thoughts brought about by James Carroll’s book Practicing Catholic. Pat talked about her surprise at the traditional approach to the Catholic church of her classmates at a class reunion. We feel that even the well educated are not always well educated in theology, the true history of the church, the principles of Vatican ii or even what canon law actually says.(think freedom of conscience). As we said, when the populace is unknowing and still walks in lock-step with what they were taught as children, the fear factor still takes over. The magic ability to take away sin and allow entrance into a place called heaven is the power wielded by the hierarchical church. Confronting the fallacies and almost childlike obedience to church teaching involves responsibility for one’s own actions and a response to what was the true mission of Jesus, embodied in our commitments to Relatedness, Justice-Making and Mutual Collaboration. For those interested in the article from America magazine (listed in the last Mirabile Dictu) that we mentioned the link is: http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=11905 Tony wrote: The conference dealing specifically with the last chapters of Carroll's Due to technical difficulties, many members could not hear one another and so our responses this month are of a limited nature. We adjourned and set a date for November 15, 2009. We agreed to read, Patricia Fresen’s article (pp. 31-35) in September/October Corpus Reports, 2009. Mary Scaine
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 11 October 2009
Tele-Conference Call of September 20, 2009
![]() Our Conference Call for September, though small in numbers was certainly animated in the creative sharing of the Spirit. We had emailed the following for consideration. Practicing Catholic: From chapters Four through Seven of James Carroll’s book, what events, personalities, struggles or admissions most parallel your own growth as an adult concerned participant in the Community of John X.III. Mary Scaine led us in the prayer: Come Holy Spirit, breathe down upon our troubled world. As Mary Scaine said in her opening remarks, “It was for her, a trip down “Memory Lane” Terry and Fred Quinn had the following response The discussion began with a trip down “Memory Lane” with fond recollections of the openness that occurred with the aggiornamento of our hero JohnXXIII. As Barbara said, “He let in the fresh air,”----opening those wide windows. However, we are currently faced with closed windows, firmly latched and secured against the loss of power, prestige and control. This control includes the concept of Jesus as Savior. On pp. 82-83 James Carroll tells us that mystics like Teresa of Avila and in contemporary thought, Thomas Merton—“found God in their interiority as much as in Church membership; by thinkers like Abelard in early medieval Paris and Dollinger in Enlightenment Germany, for both of whom Jesus was less Savior than Revealer—revealing that we are all already saved simply by virtue of existing. For that matter, such affirmation of the human was made by the author of the Gospel of John, who defined creation as the logos of God. Creation itself is sacramental.” This is important because without the “Fear Factor” of the loss of salvation or heaven as it were, the hierarchical power no longer exists. This allows for the expression of the Spirit through new ways of celebrating in community and in recognizing the relatedness of all creation. Hi, Mary and Dick Thank you so much for the Corpus edition-I love the articles-it arrived yesterday. Don't know if you wanted to hear from us re something to post- Anyway, I am grateful to be part of the Community-I feel very empowered after our meetings!! I really appreciated what Terry had to say. Prayers for Francis as he goes into surgery- Love, Barbara Dear Friends, I just wanted to let you know that I missed yesterday's call due to a sinus infection that sent me to bed for the last few days. Went to the doctor today and was given double doses of antibiotics to get me in shape for my Italy trip next week. But I was so sorry to have missed the discussion, as well as next month's, ergo, a little reflection follows: I had read the required chapters of John Carroll's book and am so amazed at my naivete from the time I went to a Catholic college for 3 years, (studying Dominican theology and philosophy) yet, knowing so little about the outside world, up to and including the ensuing 10 years in the convent. Just prior to my entering in the summer of 1960, John Kennedy came to the Newman Center in Albuquerque. I was asked to organize and prepare a reception for him after Mass, which I did. During the Mass I sat right behind him, and when he sat down and I kneeled, my nose was practically in his hair! During the reception we had a receiving line and I told him that I was leaving for the convent in a few weeks, but that I believed in what I had learned about his platform and had made arrangements to vote for him by way of absentee ballot. He was very supportive of my decision, encouraged me, and wished me well in my new life. I was thrilled with the encounter and with his "magical" presence, believing that he would be a wise and patient President. That November, though I had been previously assured that I could vote, the superiors changed the policy and I was disenfranchised. That was the beginning of my distrust and dissatisfaction concerning "arbitrary" decisions made by superiors. I kept the "rule" (of St. Augustine) to the "t", and was considered a "good nun" but always thinking, I would leave when I decided to, not when others might decide I may have been unfit. Gratitude for my experiences and blessings there, still abounds. For the last 3 years I was appointed Directress of the Albuquerque Dominican Retreat House. Those three years were a shocking revelation to me and, I thought, an expansive education as we hosted retreats for religious from all over the Southwest. The intellectual "ferment" was electrifying. Even though I met my future husband, Romeo, whom I hired to give retreats in early 1968, and he spent years educating me regarding the life of the Church and the modern world, I had never quite put the pieces together the way John Carroll did in those Chapters, especially the explanation of what went on during Vatican II and afterwards, and the thinking of various heroic scholars of the time. His welcomed perspectives broadened my world view, and firmed up my commitments to social justice. Coming from such a sheltered life, and yet, despite my lack of education and basic knowledge, I feel that I've always valued a basic openness to new ideas, and the freedom to entertain opposing ideas in search of God's Will in the Christ Light, i.e., God, up there, and God down here: our evolving consciousness is a stunning, integral part of the divine creative Force, here and how. I think that evolution is approaching "warp speed"! Thank you, John XXIII, Romeo, (RIP-2006) and the Community, for nurturing me. Vicki Dear Vicki, It's such a joy reading this I would encourage you to send it to our whole John XXIII community! Thank you for your last sentences! They show such insight: "...our evolving consciousness is a stunning, integral part of the divine creative Force, here and how. I think that evolution is approaching "warp speed"! Warm memories of last June's sharings at our CORPUS Conference! Elaine. Our trip down “Memory Lane” concluded with promises to read the last three chapters (Eight –Eleven) of James Carroll’s book, what events, personalities, struggles or admissions most parallel your own growth as an adult concerned participant in the Community of John XXII. Submitted by: Mary Scaine ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Monday, 7 September 2009
Tele-Conference Call, August 16, 2009
![]() The Tele-conference call of August 16th was very refreshing in the overflow of the Spirit. We gathered as the community of John the XXI in the cosmic embrace of: Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy, Barbara Ryland and George LeBlanc and Theresa Padovano. Mary Scaine led us in prayer with the following: O Parent of the Universe, manifesting thyself as generative energy, Bend over us and remove all that clutters our being and set apart a place where thy sacredness may dwell. Fill us with thy creativity, so that we may be empowered to bear the fruit of thy vision. Then, moving to the heartbeat of thy desire, make us the embodiment of thy compassion. Drawing from the ground of our humanity grant that we may renew each other with love, understanding, and sustenance. Empty us of frustrated hopes and despair, as we restore others to a renewal of vision. And let us not fall into agitation, but save us from precipitous actions. For thou art the ground of the fruitful vision, the birthing-power, and the fulfilment, as all is gathered and made whole once again. Ameyn. As rendered by Mark Hathaway (www.visioncraft.org) based on the work of Neil Douglas-Klotz (www.abwoon.com - Prayers of the Cosmos, Harper & Row, 1990). Terry & Fred responded: Not being familiar with the poem A Summer Day by Mary Oliver mentioned in our discussion today, we looked it up and actually found another of her poems that may even better reflect our discourse. The following is the poem entitled The Journey. One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice - - - though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles. 'Mend my life!' each voice cried. But you didn't stop. You knew what you had to do, though the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations - - - though their melancholy was terrible.It was already late enough, and a wild night, and the road full of fallen branches and stones. But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice, which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do - - - determined to save the only life you could save. This poem spoke to us of the literalism and confines of the religion of our childhood and the subsequent response to the awakenings of Vatican II, and as Nick said, our ongoing progression of learning. This thought helped us to realize that we were always evolving throughout those years following Vatican!!, and that now, after 2 years of being part of Dick’s education series, our readings and membership in the Community of John XXIII , we feel the tug of the spirit so much in our daily lives and we see life and the existence of the universe in relational terms. We see God as relational, and co-creating. Some of us also discussed the role of youth and their spiritual journeys. We, as we said, see our three children as very spiritual, but not in the sense that we grew up with. We actually learn from them in our conversations with them about how they see people, nature and animals, government and especially the environment. We are often humbled by their kindness to others and their thoughtfulness. We don’t think they need to name a God in their lives, although they admire Jesus and his teachings, because as Elaine said, they experience God, as we do in our daily lives. While waiting in the doctor's office today for Francis who underewent a corneal transplant eye surgery, I was catching up on Carroll's book. Even without having read ahead of time by Sunday his passage about the powerful Mea Culpa image which Terry mentioned, I appreciated Pat's bringing up this "unworthiness" attitude we Catholics seem to have inherited from a pre-Vatican church. I know also that Francis agrees with all of you who expressed relief in leaving the priestly collar of separation behind. I felt as if in Sunday's sharing we grappled with an issue together (Pat's question about her children) and came through to a clearer understanding, thanks also to Dick for his enlightening sharing. I loved George's saying "It's wonderful to be grown up!" I share the same experience. Here's the little book I mentioned and highly recommend: God of Dirt, Mary Oliver and The Other Book of God by Thomas W. Mann. And here's the quote on our fridge: "When man writes he inscribes characters upon rock, leaf, paper, wood, or steel; when God writes, the characters He writes are living creatures. There is one holy book, the sacred manuscript of nature, the only manuscript which can enlighten the reader." Hazrat Inayat Khan, the Sufi Message. Pat & Nick: Practicing Catholic was so insightful regarding our beginnings. The emphasis on UNWORTHINESS and GUILT placed such negativity, fear and false sense of self influencing our identity in the precious early formative years. All this was followed by the elitist invitation to be the chosen one, the best, the perfect-the religious the priest. A challenge today is finding opportunities to share with our adult children the beauty of the New Story, the New Cosmology and Science. Evident is a reaction of apathy influenced by the hurt of Institutional Thinking. -It was a joy to share with the group a sense of hope that the truth of the Spirit will find expression in a new paradigm. Our experience is limited but the pursuit of truth continues to evolve! Tony Wrote: Generally speaking, I continue to consider myself lucky to be part of this group, and I continue to see that (from one point of view) the paradigm shift involved in what we are doing will take a long time, while, (from another point of view) I would say it is really expressing a spirituality that is and has been in many ways really very natural to me. Specifically I was struck by the fact that our children have not lived through the period of Vatican II and earlier, and therefore we need to understand this in order to know how to treat and deal with them. And so, our Catholicism is really very different from them and ALSO from so many other Catholics of our own age and time, who are not following our "cosmic" approach. The day after our cyber/virtual meeting, I had a three hour meeting with four Polish former priests who are all very far from our views, yet I should also say that the day before our call, I met for two hours with a former priest (and current well known theologian) who ( to my way of thinking) is even ahead of them. We concluded with the anticipation of meeting again on September 20, 2009. We will continue reading: Practicing Catholic: From chapters Four through Seven of James Carroll’s book, what events, personalities, struggles or admissions most parallel your own growth as an adult concerned participant in the Community of John X.III Submitted by Mary Scaine ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Tele-conference Call June 21, 208
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The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, June 21, 2009 in the presence of: Linda Pinto, our Moderator, Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Vicki Di Benedetto, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy, Barbara Ryland and George LeBlanc Community of John XXIII COMMENTS/AGENDA Chapter 9. Creator Spirit in the Evolving World (New Cosmology) Introduction: The New cosmology views creation as our home and building a new creation as our task. Comment on any of the following questions: 1. Do we view creation as essentially sacred and nourishing or flawed and tainted by original sin? 2. By what act is “original sin” said to be transmitted? What implications does this have for the feminine? 3. In the Fall/Redemption model (Atonement), Jesus is identified primarily as “Savior.” In the Evolutionary Model, how would you identify Jesus? 4. When we break bread in the Eucharist, do we “receive” God as a personal savior who saves us from sin and regains “heaven” for us, or is it a “yes” to co-creative participation the Spirit of ‘new possibilities” in the here and now? Draw out some implications and practical suggestions to your answer. Chapter 10. Trinity Introduction: The Trinitarian formula invites discussion on the Incarnation, the Church, and the inherent practicality of viewing God this way. Comment on any of the following:
Suggestion for the next book- Practicing Catholic by James Carroll, Boston and N.Y.: Haughton, Miflin, Harcourt, 2009. Mary called us forth in the Creative Spirit............. O Parent of the Universe, manifesting thyself as generative energy, Bend over us and remove all that clutters our being and set apart a place where thy sacredness may dwell. Fill us with thy creativity, so that we may be empowered to bear the fruit of thy vision. Then, moving to the heartbeat of thy desire, make us the embodiment of thy compassion. Drawing from the ground of our humanity grant that we may renew each other with love, understanding, and sustenance. Empty us of frustrated hopes and despair, as we restore others to a renewal of vision. And let us not fall into agitation, but save us from precipitous actions. For thou art the ground of the fruitful vision, the birthing-power, and the fulfilment, as all is gathered and made whole once again. Ameyn. As rendered by Mark Hathaway (www.visioncraft.org) based on the work of Neil Douglas-Klotz (www.abwoon.com - Prayers of the Cosmos, Harper & Row, 1990). Francis' response:
It was revealing to hear comments on original sin, -- the history of this teaching and juxtaposing original sin with the "Original Blessing" of creation (Matthew Fox' expression.) I welcome our new book for the next session, -- James Carroll's Practicing Catholic! I will be happy rereading it! Elaine's response: In addition to a brief discussion of Jesus' role according to the "Evolutionary Model" as opposed to the "Atonement Theory Model," many commented on the damaging effects of the pre-Vatican teaching about original sin. Some said it unfortunately still holds sway in the popular imagination of some Catholics. I found Vicki's observation very insightful, -- that though the view may seem positive -- that Baptism is the rite for receiving new members into the community, -- does this not imply, Vicki asked, that they were outside the community beforehand, when in reality, as Terry pointed out, -- according to the beautifully illustrated children's book -- On the Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier, -- all of creation welcomed the newborn "into the family of things!" as Mary Oliver puts it. George & Valerie LeBlanc wrote: I agree that the child is ALREADY a member of the community, but in my opinion the parish community and the parents have a right to share their joy and celebration of this fact with their fellow family members at the parish Mass. I do NOT agree that this celebration implies the child is not already God's child. Fred & Terry wrote: It seemed to us that we were all in agreement as to the negative aspects of the doctrine of original sin. We particularly feel, as some others do, that much of that negativity is a result of the pervading attitude toward women even up to the twentieth century when new mothers were still ”churched” because they were the contaminated birth vessel rather than the vessel through which new life emerges, an expression of the ongoing life of creation. We thought Vicki’s question about why we need to welcome the child into the community when it has already been welcomed by the creative universal community was well put. The book I mentioned that illustrates this so beautifully is On the Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier. We both see Jesus, not as a savior, but as a revolutionary (perhaps a revolutionary dreamer) who was viewed by the domination system of the time as a threat, but through his death did not save, but opened himself and us to the life of the Spirit alive in us and all of creation. He did not have to suffer to “get” it for us---he revealed to us that it was and is always there. We also see Jesus as a loving father, mother, sibling, friend---a loving connector—who said, “Fear not, for I am always with you.” Vicki's Responded: What a relief to know that we don't have big black spots on our souls, if unbaptized! Though I never really believed it, and used to say often, that I thought "original sin" was the tendency to control others. Being part of the planetary community of "godlings" is the vision to pass down to our children as it is so pregnant with possibilities and hope. I wonder if each of us is meant to create our own heaven. My late husband, Romeo, being Italian to the core, used to joke about what he wanted to eat there! Maybe we are meant to take the responsibility of a universe... eventually. Like the little girl who smiled and looked up to heaven every time lightning struck, because God was taking her picture, this life thing goes on and on and every moment an unpredictable turn of events! Alleluia! Hello, Mary and Dick, Here are my comments related to yesterday's conversation: I feel blessed to be part of this community. The comments shared yesterday were all so enriching. Especially insightful were the discussions of the cruciform pattern in all life and the comments on the concept of original sin vs original blessing. I look forward to our next meeting! Barbara Our next meeting was scheduled for the 3rd Sunday in July. We all agreed to read the first three chapters of James Carroll's book Practicing Catholic.
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![]() ![]() Monday, 10 August 2009
Conference - May 17, 2009
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, May 17, 2009 in the presence of: Linda Pinto, our Moderator, Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Vicki Di Benedetto, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy and Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy). And new members Pat and Nick Mosunic from PA.
Community of John XXIII
COMMENTS/AGENDA
Questions for Discussion for Sunday May 17th Tele-Conference Call
Chapter 7
1. The concept of “mixing” (mestizaje) represents a border reality where people have a foot in two worlds, blending together in themselves not only different races, but also different cultures and religious traditions.
From your reading of chapter seven, or from your own experience, what positive gifts or contributions do Latino/Latina people bring to the North American cultural and religious table?
2. Most agree that the church has submerged the Holy Spirit; the Spirit released by Vatican II has been curtailed. However, the Spirit flows where it wills and alternatives are providing new possibilities. Chapter seven insists that “references to the Mary of the Gospels are notably absent in connection with devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. To whom, then, is such a devotion directed? What implications does this have? Could this be a major contribution to the Church?
Chapter 8
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith warned in Dominus Jesus, 2002, that Christians must maintain the salvific role of Jesus Christ which is “unique and singular, proper to him alone, exclusive, universal and absolute.” This statement means that the Catholic Church alone has an indispensable relation to the salvation of every human being.
Chapter eight indicates that a number of people in dialogue with major Eastern traditions now reason that the lens for looking at these traditions should be a theology of the Holy Spirit, rather accenting Jesus as ‘Savior” and the Church as vehicle of salvation for all. How does this approach change the nature of the dialogue? Do you believe Jesus is the “Savior” (Atonement theology) or “Revealer” (Immanence)? cf. Dian Eck, pp.171-174).
Mary and Richard
Facilitators, JohnXXIII Community
Mary Scaine let us in prayer:
O Parent of the Universe,
manifesting thyself as generative energy,
Bend over us and remove
all that clutters our being
and set apart a place
where thy sacredness may dwell.
Fill us with thy creativity,
so that we may be empowered to bear
the fruit of thy vision.
Then, moving to the heartbeat of thy desire,
make us the embodiment of thy compassion.
Drawing from the ground of our humanity
grant that we may renew each other
with love, understanding, and sustenance.
Empty us of frustrated hopes and despair,
as we restore others to a renewal of vision.
And let us not fall into agitation,
but save us from precipitous actions.
For thou art the ground
of the fruitful vision, the birthing-power, and the fulfilment,
as all is gathered and made whole once again. Ameyn.
As rendered by Mark Hathaway (www.visioncraft.org) based on the work of
Neil Douglas-Klotz (www.abwoon.com - Prayers of the Cosmos, Harper & Row, 1990). It was our privilege to share with you all on May 17.In our life experience, the Latina community is vibrant, filled with passion, compassion &joy. In Feb. working in Ensenada, Mexico with families of children with cleft palate, underlined the Spirit of hope& understanding within the marginalized poor. We were elated to participate with John XXIII, sharing such special memories &experiences-a real "canto y flor."
What a grateful sense of relief it was to see in Elizabeth Johnson's writings as well as the community's support in seeing God operative everywhere ¬ confined by definition to the limitations of any one church. The mutuality in the values of the book &of the community is for us a true "Glimpse of God".
Nick &Pat
Elaine's
I really appreciated comments on the Fiesta material by at least five members of our community who've had firsthand experience with our Latina/Latino brothers and sisters!
I'm glad Dick repeated his question - "What will the church look like in 40 years?" and resonated with his hopeful comment that the Dominus Jesus document provided the final nails in "the coffin" that will be buried in 30- 60 years.
Francis'
It was encouraging to hear cogent reasons to move away from the narrow claims that the RC Church is the sole source of Divine access. All of us know this to be true but it is helpful to discuss it.
Dear Community of John 23,
This recent event of the silencing of Roger Haight is linked to Chapter 8 of Elizabeth Johnson's "Quest for the Living God." And in the spirit of our conversation today, I think it is fitting to join in the May 11th prayer created in the wake of the decision of the CDF to silence Fr. Roger Haight, who is acknowledged on p. xii of the "Quest for the Living God" and whose ideas play an important role in chapter 8.
Tony
Hi, Mary and Dick,
As you requested, I'm sending you the excerpt from the letter I received from the Bishop and read to our group on Sunday:
"Vicki, you know what I see when I look at this group? I see men who began with a vision and an ideal and a commitment to walk a difficult path. That is a reflection of their generosity and in some cases heroism. Then I see those same men, facing tremendous difficulties, had the courage to make a change and go in a different direction, in most cases, starting a whole new career twenty years behind the competition. Next, I see women who had the courage and the insight to recognize that these men are extraordinarily fine persons and to join them in journeying together while still living within that Mystical Body. Finally, I see a group of men and women who pulled together many virtues and on top of everything had the gifts of humor and light-heartedness.
Altogether, it is a grand sight.
Your friend, Bishop John McCarthy"
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a talk at the University of Texas by Prof. Norman Finklestein on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There were about 400 students and others attending. He has spent over 30 years speaking out about the conflict. His view is that the official Israeli foreign policy is to maintain a "fear deterrent". In other words, they feel that keeping everyone around them terrorized is the only way to keep themselves safe. This policy gives them the right to inflict "collateral damage" on their enemies, killing defenseless, innocent civilians, especially women and children, in large numbers.
Prof. Finklestein quoted several Israeli top governmental officials to back up that view, and he quoted several human rights' groups that have investigated the claims of the Israelis that Hamas has used human shields, etc. They have concluded that the Israeli claims are not true for the most part. (One case had occurred.)
I noticed that the U.N. concurred with what he said last week and chastised the Israeli government for their intransigence. And finally, Pope Benedict has spoken out. With Obama supporting the 2 state solution now, I'm wondering if we are reaching "critical mass". Thank you for your articles on this issue, Dick, as they have sure helped me to understand more, and have motivated my prayers.
Also, I'm so pleased that Pat and Nick have joined our group. They are dear people with invaluable insights.
Blessings and peace,
Vicki
We concluded and planned to meet on June 22, 2009
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 26 April 2009
Conference Call April 5, 2009
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, April 5, 2009 in the presence of: Linda Pinto, our Moderator, Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, John Warner led us in prayer with the following: It is a prayer of Joyce Rupp from May I Have This Dance? entitled 'Watered Gardens' God of little birds just now wearing green sleeves God of lilac limbs all full with signs of flowering God of fields plowed and black with turned-over earth God of screeching baby bird mouths widely awaiting food God of openness, of life and of resurrection Come into this Easter season and bless me Look around the tight, dead spaces of my heart That still refuse to give you an entrance Bring your gentle but firm love Begin to lift the layers of resistance That hang on tightly deep inside of me Open, one by one, those places in my life Where I refuse to be overcome by surprise Open, one by one, those parts of my heart Where I fight the entrance of real growth Open, one by one, those aspects of my spirit Where my security struggles with the truth Keep me open to the different and the strange Help me to accept the unusual and also the ordinary Never allow me to tread on others' dreams By shutting them out, closing them up By turning them off or pushing them away God of Resurrection, God of the living Untomb and uncover all that needs to live in me Take me to people, events, and situations And stretch me into much greater openness Open me. Open me. Open me For it is only then that I will grow and change For it is only then that I will be transformed For it is only then that I will know how it is To be in the moment of rising from the dead Fred & Terry responded: When we spoke about the church of the future and how young people respond to the spirit, it occurred to us that they do so, not because they are thinking of “living the gospel”, but because they relate to others (regardless of race, religion or gender) , they are very concerned with justice and truth, and are very collaborative, especially when helping those in their immediate communities and/or the environment or the needs of the poor. This may be the church of the future, but without the “name” church---but with the experience of openness to the needs of others and with a spirituality that responds to the beauty of the world around them and the inner beauty of other people all over the world. For those who are interested in the organization we spoke about (involving 2 young women who are devoting themselves to the poor in Haiti in amazingly creative ways)—the link to their website and their address is: SOIL 124 Church Rd. Sherburne N.Y. 13460---here is the link I found-- http://www.oursoil.org/ For those interested in the organization First Friends (those seeking asylum in this country and have become detainees) where Fred volunteers, here is the link: http://www.irateweb.org/firstfriends.htm Bob’s Reflection: Reflecting on our time together April 5, 2009, I found Bonheoffer’s metaphor of the runaway chariot helpful. Charity or justice? Bonheoffer suggests it can be both/and: help the injured and figure out some way of stopping the runaway. Seems to me this is a variation on, "act locally, think globally." I was touched by the responses in the group and emails to do something about a specific situation, Haiti, by members of the community .Thinking, reflection leading to action. I like it! As wonderful as our monthly conversations related to suggested readings are, they do not necessarily lead to action -at least for me. This is something I need to pay closer attention to, i.e., musing, reflecting and on to action. --Bob Charpentier I don't believe Jesus ever intended to start a "Church" as we know "Church" today, but that His Divine Spirit would flow in every household and community, through natural and inspired leaders, who respond to and reflect what He stood for and taught, all working, in one way or another, regardless of affiliation, to bring forth the reign of God on this planet and beyond. I rejoice in the opportunity of being included in the Community of John XXIII. We are all "Sparks from the Fire"! In gratitude, Vicki Di Benedetto Dear Friends, I beg your forgiveness for being a bit out of the loop. Having been missing from the conference calls for two months, I was a bit clueless as to the book we were to discussing. After speaking to Dick and Mary, I promise to be more on board in future. Ah, so! Theresa Padovano Elaine & Francis McGillicuddy wrote: Francis': I appreciated the gem of a prayer John contributed. Thanks also to Bob for highlighting the definition of spirituality, namely, living the gospel, inspired by the Spirit, accompanied by others. Elaine: Ditto to the above! I responded to Bob's imagining the future of the Catholic Church (Dick's question), as -- "a community of communities" in which "thanksgiving - the Eucharist" will still be central.
I was also moved by Fred and Theresa's sharing that the scriptural source that speaks to them is the beatitudes, - as Theresa quoted: "They will put you out of the synagogues."
I appreciate that as a community we're increasingly sensitive to justice issues and it's also good that Linda pointed out there's also 3rd world poverty right here in the US. Sorry to be so tardy-- Linda Pinto wrote: I felt especially challenged during our faith sharing. We were asked to model the church we envision in the next forty years. I have become settled and satisfied that I can only become the change I want to see. So, my church is here and now and with the prayerful discernment with my Community. That being said, my outreach is quite local. I have become extra sensitive to the suffering around me. This crucifixion is not physical but takes on many forms: the unemployed, the battered, the lonely, and the desperate. Tony from (Italy) responded: One important effect of the conference is that I am trying to integrate more deeply the three goals of our community into the reality of my daily life a life largely devoted to teaching. As usual I am impressed with the personal experiences of our members. We adjourned the conference call and are contemplating changing the date to the third Sunday in May, which is May 17, 2009. (Submitted by Mary Scaine) ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 29 March 2009
Conference Call March 9, 2009
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a tele-Conference call on Sunday, March 8, 2009 in the presence of: Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy, John Warner, Bob Charpentier and Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy). Mary Scaine led us in prayer with the following: Prayer to the Holy (Cosmic) Spirit Come Holy Spirit, breathe down upon our troubled world. Shake the tired foundations of our crumbling institutions. Break the rules that keep you out of all our sacred spaces, and from the dust and rubble, gather up the seedlings of a new creation. Come Holy Spirit, enflame once more the dying embers of our weariness. Shake us out of our complacency. Whisper our names once more, and scatter your gifts of grace with wild abandon. Break open the prisons of our inner being, and let your raging justice be our sign of liberty. Come Holy Spirit and lead us to places we would rather not go. Expand the horizons of our limited imaginations. Awaken in our souls dangerous dreams for new tomorrow, and rekindle in our hearts the fire of prophetic enthusiasm. Come Holy Spirit, whose justice outwits international conspiracy, whose light outshines religious bigotry, whose peace can halt our patriarchal hunger for dominance and control, whose promise invigorates out every effort: to create a new heaven and a new earth, now and forever. Amen. Diarmuid O’ Murchu Mary and Dick Scaine offered the following selection on our ongoing discussion of Quest for the LIVING GOD: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God by Elizabeth A. Johnson. (Available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com) Chapter 3 1. Moltmann, Soelle and Metz have different perspectives on suffering. Which, from your experience, has particular appeal? Why? Are there any other perspectives you would like to share? Where is the presence of God in such darkness? Can you share an experience? Chapter 4 2. Starting in mid twentieth century Brazil, and quickly spreading throughout Latin America, a pastoral movement to revitalize faith among people began to gather them into small groups. Here they read scriptures, prayerfully reflected on its meaning in relation to their situation, and began to act together for change. Do you think these progressive base communities should and would work in North America? Comment on Elizabeth Johnson’s statement that church is not primarily an institution for promotion of individual piety and moral living. What do you think is its primary purpose? Elaine's response: I greatly appreciated every shared story of suffering experienced by members of our community today, e.g., how Bob's grief over the suicide of a young relative evolved from a Moltman-like response of God grieving with him to a Metz-like response of lamenting. Also, Dick's comments on the political theologians' views, esp. Dorothee Soelle's "non-forceful silent cry as an urge to the future," and her understanding of Transcendence as not separate from us, but "beyond us as a lure." Having read her Theology for Skeptics, I will follow up on Dick's recommendation to read Political Theology and Suffering. Francis' response: I appreciated Bob's clarification of spirituality being Jesus and me and you. Spirituality begins with one's individual experience and then moves on to seek justice for others who are downtrodden. Terry& Fred We feel that yesterday's discussion may have evolved into a real experience of collective compassion, in the telling of various stories of loss, death, and sad and/or emotional happenings. We had just returned from a very effective discussion at the Inclusive Community during which some of us articulated that though we had experienced sometimes very difficult circumstances, we felt that what we term "God' had nothing to do with it,-- certainly that God had not caused or “let" it happen. We also feel a real affinity with Jesus who experienced great suffering and also all the other emotions that are so much a part of our lives. Having both worked in the inner city where poverty was and still is so much a part of people's lives, we also identify with liberation theology and its relation to the suffering and compassionate Jesus. Tony I suspect that I see God (sense that I am somehow closer to God) more in my own suffering that in that of others. This would seem to be true even though my own suffering (concretely or abstractly?) is rather small. I wonder what this means. We finished the conference call by selecting Chapter 5, God Acting Womanish and Chapter 6, God Who Breaks Chains for our next conference call which will be on April 5, 2009 @ 2:30 p.m.
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 1 March 2009
Tele-Confernce Call of February 8, 2009
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a tele-Conference call on Sunday, February 8, 2009 in the presence of: Linda Pinto, our Moderator, Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Babara Ryland, George LeBlanc, John Warner, Vicki Di Benedetto, Bob Charpentier and Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy). We were led in prayer by Terry Quinn: Prayer Holy God who is real – not the all-powerful "lord" of everything or the sentimentally sweet old father in the sky but true Ultimate Mystery: it is your real creature's voice you hear, the soul of my soul speaking in words and beyond words. I sometimes fill the void between us with verbalizations like these: it's a bridge into the comfort of your silent nearness. But my soul's soul knows the language of silence as well, and, behold, my prayer: myself. Amen. Dick and Mary prepared the following questions for our consideration and discussion: Quest for the LIVING GOD: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God by Elizabeth A. Johnson. Quest for God: Chapters I &II 1. What were your earliest experiences of the sacred, as a child? What are your experiences of the sacred as now, as an adult? 2. What is atheism and in your mind what kind of God is usually denied by atheists? In what sense was God declared dead? (Page 15 ff) 3. Elizabeth Johnson speaks of Incarnation and Grace as the self-communicating gift pulsing out from depths of the Divine Being. (Page 39) For you, is the Incarnation a matter of God’s initiative in becoming human (emphasizing Jesus’ godliness) or should the accent be placed on Jesus incarnating God (emphasizing Jesus’ humanity)? In the first, Incarnation becomes a doctrine about Jesus as God and he is worshipped as such. In the second, Incarnation becomes a task for all to accomplish in that we give concrete expression to the Spirit within us). God then, becomes human, so that humans can become God. (Page 30 ff) 4. Do you prefer Dominican (Thomas Aquinas) or the Franciscan (Duns Scotus) position regarding the purpose for the Incarnation? 5. Karl Rahner insists that “the devout Christian of the future will either be a ‘mystic’ one who has ‘experienced’ something, or he/she will cease to be anything at all.” What, do you think, is to be experienced? (Page 44) 6. Comment on Elizabeth Johnson’s statement that church is not primarily an institution for promotion of individual piety and moral living. What do you think is its primary purpose? (Page 45). We received the following responses: Though many of the participants’ early experiences of the sacred were devotional, while others were not sure of what sacred might have meant to them, all seemed to have evolved into an introspective, experiential awareness of what was called “God.” God, who was a noun when we were younger, has evolved into a verb, which is relational. The relational includes connections between people (familial love as well as love in friendship and love expressed in the caring of others and the earth). Jesus calls us all into incarnation as we express our openness to the living intuitive spirit alive on this earth, the universe and beyond. So we all figuratively “take off our shoes” because “we’re standing on holy ground.” Terry & Fred This first conf call was for me a serious event in my quest for the "living God." There are many reasons for making this statement. One of them is the framework and perspective it afforded me in dealing with the recent theism/atheism debate. Another is that it has made so many of the "little things" of daily life meaningful, leading to some amount of satisfaction. Tony from Italy responded: I apologize for this being a week late -if you are unable to include it that is OK- The group call last Sun. was very energizing. I was inspired by our conversation and especially helped by Dick's comments. The points that resonated with me are how we experience God as a verb and also how this is found in the matrix of all relationships. I look forward to our next meeting. Barbara Linda’s response I especially appreciated journeying with the Community. To recall the "God" of my youth and discover how far I have come is inspiring. I was especially moved by Bob's Song of Songs that everything is sacred. The barren trees, the biting cold, the icy roads....everything is sacred. We concluded our discussion and scheduled our next teleconference for Sunday March 9, @ 2:30 p.m.
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 11 January 2009
Tele-Conference Call January 4, 2009
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![]() ![]() Saturday, 27 December 2008
Conference Call December 6, 2008
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, December 6th 2008 present were: Mary and Dick Scaine, our Facilitators. Joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Bob Charpentier, John Warner, Allen and Sylvia Moore and Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy). A new paradigm (lens, outlook, worldview) is demanded when the old paradigm can longer handle the questions posed in a new situation. #5 Jesus: Is he my personal Savior through whom I am saved in the Fall/Redemption model or is he the invitation to abundant life and a new consciousness as in the evolutional model. Tony wrote: The Gift of Sophia We concluded this awesome gathering and set our next conference call for the first Sunday in the New Year, January 4th, 2009. ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Monday, 1 December 2008
REFLECTONS ON OUR CONFERENCE CALL NOVEMBER 16, 2008
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 26 October 2008
Conference Call October 5th 2008
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 28 September 2008
Our Conference Call September 8, 2008
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 31 August 2008
Conference Call August 3, 2008
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, August 3, 2008 in the Presence of: Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy Fred and Terry Quinn, Linda Pinto, Theresa Padovano, Mary and Dick Scaine, Allen Moore. We also welcomed new members Barbara Ryland, and John Warner. We gathered by phone to continue our ongoing conversation. ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Conference Call June 29, 2008
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, June 29, 2008 in the Presence of: Linda Pinto gathered and embraced us all in the Spirit with: Tony Marotta will lead us in prayer. We will then round-robin introductions, especially given our newest member, Barbara. Mary and Dick will share their retreat experience with Diarmuid O'Murchu. We will then consider the following (presented by Mary and Dick): The erotic, creative energy of the divine manifests itself first and foremost in cosmic and planetary creation. Our cooperation with that flow is called co-creation. It follows, then, that any basic spiritual estrangement is not so much with God, but rather with God's creation. If this is where the alienation is felt most painfully, then this is where the rehabilitation should begin. Spiritually, intellectually, politically and economically, we need to develop whole new ways of relating to creation. In what ways are we implementing our commitments in this regard? Justice-making? Mutual collaboration? Blessings. Linda And so we embraced and reflected with each other….. The FIRST one is called "The Prayer of St. Francis" (also The Prayer of Peace) Lord make me an instrument of your Peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury let me bring Pardon, where there is doubt....faith.......where there is sadness...joy. and on it goes! There is great clarity and simplicity in this!! Holy Spirit give us some of this clarity and simplicity!! The SECOND prayer that comes to mind - is the Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon. It is filled with many references of praise for the God of Creation! Brother Sun, who brings the day, he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Praise be you, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful. Praise be You through Brother Wind and Sister Water....through Brother Fire and Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Holy Spirit..help us to be closer to all of creation as WE HEAR THESE VERY CONCRETE IMAGES!! HOWEVER, Holy Spirit, as we look at the THIRD prayer, "The Praise of Virtue" we ask You and St. Francis, to inspire us in a SPECIAL way, because we are trying to implement/ to come to / a modern interpretation of these virtues ( in our case VOWS) as we strive in our own way to co-operate and co-create with God. We see in this prayer so many references to virtues...Wisdom, Lady Poverty, Holy humility, Lady charity, sister Obedience. He who possesses one of you, without offending the others, possesses all. He who offends one of you lacks all and offends against all. Holy Wisdom overcomes Satan, Holy Poverty drives out cupidity, avarice and earthly desires, Holy Humility overcomes pride. Holy Obedience drives out carnal desires. We ask again, O Holy Spirit, to help us accomplish our goal of co-creation, against the background of recent theology. Help us in relatedness, justice making, and mutual collaboration! AMEN Tony’s Reflection: I am quite comfortable with all the ideas expressed by Mary and Dick, and I agree with what Elaine and Francis wrote. For a long time I have thought that the interaction of the Spirit and/in the people during the Mass is what is key. Living in Francis' Reflection: I was enriched and challenged by our stimulating conversation. It's at a level one doesn't regularly get, a rarified experience which I greatly value. Elaine's Reflection: Bob's account of his Benedictine experience conjured up for me a sense of sacred space. I also appreciated his point that the lifestyle, (if I understood him correctly) doesn't break through into 21st century "actio." Pondering Mary & Dick's rich sharing: 1) The "Desire" (Diarmuid's retreat title) is a matter of INTENTION in the ongoing invitation to co-create. (Like that!) 2. Diarmuid's call for myths to yield deeper meaning. (Makes me want to read which ones he's referring to.) 3) We don't address God, but express God. When we pray we give a form to that. It's a release of Spirit already within us. (Yes! But I'd add, -- just as it's a human need to give a face to Spirit as Mary said, so also with addressing God.) 4) Though we appreciate Dick's reason for wanting to drop the consecration, (a calling down of Jesus from on high,) Francis and I are nevertheless inclined to agree with Allen's suggestion we educate people, (the role of the consecration is a sign of the presence of God, as we all are,) not remove it since it can be misinterpreted. Terry’s Response: Fred’s Reflection: I talked of my work as a storyteller enriching the commitments in my life, as I relate to the very young and the very old. I concur with Terry's description of consecration and believe that more emphasis should be placed on the spiritual communion and energy we get from being part of the Body of Christ. Linda’s Reflection: I appreciated Tony Marotta's opening prayer which focused on the spirituality of St. Francis. How gleefully coincidental that our Community's focus on renewing creation was St. Francis' direction back in the fourteenth century. I am so much more aware of my surroundings and how sacred they are because of our Community. It’s as if I stand back at each instance of the day and consider how my actions will reflect the God I believe in. Barbara’s Reflection: (Our newest member) What a wonderful, thought-provoking meeting that was yesterday!! There are many thoughts I have in response-I am fascinated with the energy of a place as well as of a person, community, creation-and how the whole idea of intention factors into this. I am pondering what the Spirit within is calling me -and us as community -to in relation to being a contradiction to today's predominant culture. More inner listening and perhaps drawing the Spirit within as Mary experienced on retreat will assist the process for me at least. In gratitude, Barbara Our next conference call is scheduled for August Sunday August 3rd 2008.
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 8 June 2008
Conference Call Sunday May 18, 2008
![]() The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, May 18, 2008 in the Presence of: Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy Fred and Terry Quinn, Linda Pinto, Theresa Padovano, George LeBlanc, Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy) Mary and Dick Scaine, and with the embracing spiritual presence of Allen and Sylvia Moore we gathered by phone to continue our ongoing conversation. Bob Charpentier led us in prayer, (a personal reflection) Loving Creator God, we ask your blessing on this Trinity Sunday gathering of the Community of John XXIII. In this Pentecost - Trinity Season pour forth your Spirit into our hearts, that Spirit which is closer to us than our very breath, that our deliberations might benefit your kingdom, that kingdom you have placed at the very core of our being and that same kingdom we are called to minister to, to serve in one another. On this feast of Trinity, we make our prayer in your name, God three and one: Creator, Redeemer, and Renewing Spirit. Amen. Hi Mary and Dick, Things have been a bit hectic. After a wonderful graduation visit with my daughter and family in Massachusetts, I returned to the Center to prepare for our annual meeting of the Center Board of Directors last Friday. From our conversation I am impressed with the number and variety of "spiritualities" that are emerging in our small group. I'm not really surprised. I was struck recently with a reading from St. Paul, how God's Spirit operates uniquely in every person. God's Spirit is matched with every individual (every living thing -- even a blade of grass) on the planet and beyond. So why not talk about spiritualities? Bob Mary and Dick Scaine contributed the following: 1. Various descriptions of spirituality have emerged over the centuries. Some take us from the world; some render us more fully alive in the world. What, for you is an adequate description of your spirituality. Is it other worldly? Is it sensual? Is it not only deeply private, but communitarian? 2. In what ways are we, can we implement the three commitments: a. relatedness b. justice making c. mutual collaboration Elaine & Frances wrote: Dear Friends, Here is Francis' paragraph: I appreciated the precious opportunity to hear other members share their personal spiritual journey. I believe the building of community is enhanced by the sharing of one's personal story. I hope we will have more of this type of sharing as we go forward. And mine: I really resonated with Theresa's sharing about our being in God's womb, and how this mystery encompasses the whole universe...We are all held in this womb...all this together, living and dying...(like Teilhard's) Divine Milieu...atmosphere of God...all our existence. Also: Linda's point about LISTENING to events, people, nature..."immersed in sounds and sights, deep sense of presence." And Dick's talk about staying "always open-ended... and taking risks, being cooperative with Rhuah to move on with the lure of new possibilities." Fred and Terry Quinn wrote: We were enriched by listening (operative word) to each person's reflections about her/his spirituality. We are more aware of how creative the spirit is within each of us-but how according to our personalities---we respond to that spirit. In our own case, Fred's spirituality involves more listening and then telling the stories he hears, often combining them with a bit of whimsy and/or puns and jokes (very often in nursing homes and with dementia groups). Terry is prayerful, but very active in responding to justice needs (especially via the computer) and in teaching children, cooking and literally running around doing what needs to be done. Linda Pinto Wrote: I really enjoyed our sharing which focused on spirituality. I was relieved to hear that most sensed that spirituality is not a singular practice, but embraces all aspects of how one lives. Rather than limiting it to liturgy or religious practice, God is celebrating in every act on every day, if we make ourselves aware of God's presence. I especially liked what Bob said about God being closer to us than the air we breathe. I also proposed that one of our commitments be "holy rage" in response to the injustice and inequity in our world. Theresa Padovano wrote: Like you, Tony, I'm in awe of the spirit at work in our lives. I wanted to mention too that I couldn't but think of Thomas Merton and his thought as he watched people (I think it was in Louisville)--it was something like, "How can you tell people they are going around shining like the sun?" I think it is in the marketplace where we are all equal--with no barriers of religion, race or sexual preference. We are all dependent on each other, whether we are aware of it or not. I was just outside LISTENING to the chorus of birds outside my door. What a delightful song of praise rises from the earth each and every morning and we sometimes don't take the time to join in the song. Samuel Marotta wrote: (on SKYPE from Italy) I am in awe of the spirituality of this group - which I sense comes from deep within. I was specifically struck by 1) the point about LISTENING, 2) God's close presence to us, 3) the marketplace as a setting for witnessing spirituality. In this regard, this past Thursday when I returned by train to Vicenza from teaching in Verona, the bus from the station passed by the weekly outdoor market and as some of the shoppers got on the bus, I could "feel" the spirit coming on the bus with and in them. A description of my personal spirituality must/should deal with the fact that it has to operate properly in four different worlds at the same time. (something that might become clearer later) Certainly, one key principle in this must be that “it must be rational and make sense." I have ordered the O'Murchu book, "Consecrated Religious Life." Let's hope that I not only read it, but..................try to live it more. Allen Moore wrote: Dear Members of John XXIII community, Sorry I missed the call last week. I had intended to check in but fell off to sleep and woke up without any energy, so passed it up. Linda tells me she shared the latest news of my medical adventures. I appreciate all the prayers and the concern. I need them for more patience surrounding he rate of recovery. The surgery apparently went well but the cancer had escaped the prostate and was in the seminal vesicles which were also removed. The disappointing fact remains that there is no way of knowing if we got it all I'm now on a six month regimen of luperon with monthly testing of the psa. If in October there is still evidence of the cancer we will go to radiation. So please keep the prayers coming. I've been reading a great book - Clericalism: The Death of the Priesthood by George Wilson, SJ. Fits well with O'Murchu. What O'Murchu refers to as paradigms, Wilson refers to as cultures. Both need changing. It snowed the other day in Flagstaff - an half an hour drive from us. It was 95 one day last week and then got down to 44 - but we are in the mountains. My ray of sunshine is Sylvia! You had on the agenda for the conference card "relatedness" and I was going to talk about how she has cared for me during and after the surgery - puts a whole new meaning to the celibacy issue - what if I had stayed in my community - who would have been there to change the bags and dressings? My superior? I think not. What gift our spouses are! Allen and Sylvia (Moore) George Le Blanc wrote: I truly resonate with Alan Moore's remarks about "relatedness" because we have all experienced God in the persons we love--especially our spouses. As we often said to engaged couples: "You will never be closer to God, or know more about God, than when you are truly in love with another person, especially your spouse." Everyone who has been blessed to have a spouse or a truly good friend knows about God from experience. The truly great theologians are those who are in love. I don't know much about spirituality--but people sense when someone loves them. John XXIII was one of those people, like Jesus, whose arms were spread wide and whose smile warmed our hearts. I feel "connected" when I meet people like that! I suppose that is why I sensed a need to be part of the Jn XXIII community where I hope to grow in love and appreciation of this wonderful earth, the universe and especially persons. CORPUS is a wonderful organization with noble goals. But it is not enough for me. I need more. I need to pray more, to be challenged more, and to "be" more. I guess you could say that my "spirituality" is very people oriented. I am intrigued and impressed by Fred's story-telling ministry. Peace. George & Valerie LeBlanc ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Quotes from Pope John XXIII
![]() A sampling of quotes from Pope John XXIII reveal the reason why this community is so dedicated to his rich spirit of humility and humor.
Anybody can be Pope; the proof of this is that I have become one. Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. If God created shadows it was to better emphasize the light. The true and solid peace of nations consists not in equality of arms, but in mutual trust alone. The family is the first essential cell of human society. It often happens that I wake up at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide I must tell the Pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the Pope. The feelings of my smallness and my nothingness always keeps me in good company. ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Friday, 2 May 2008
Allen Moore
![]() Please keep our brother Allen Moore in your prayers as he recovers from prostate cancer surgery.
![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:Prayer Space
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![]() ![]() Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Conference call, Sunday, April 20, 2008
![]() Community of John XXIII Conference call on Sunday, April 20, 2008
in the Presence of: Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy Fred and Terry Quinn, Linda Pinto, Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy) and Mary and Dick Scaine, gathered by phone to continue our ongoing conversation. Linda led us in prayer with the following from: (Mirabile Dictu 4-14-08) Fluid Like a River Living Like Water The journey of water as it flows upon the earth can be a mirror of our own paths through life. Water begins its residence on Earth as it falls from the sky or melts from ice and cascades down a mountain into a tributary or stream. In the same way, we come into the world and begin our lives on Earth. Like a river that flows within the confines of its banks, we are born with certain defining characteristics that govern our identity. We are born in a particular time and place, into a specific family, and with certain gifts and challenges. Within these parameters, we move through life, encountering many twists, turns, and obstacles along the way—just as a river flows. Water is a great teacher that shows us how to move through the world with grace, ease, determination, and humility. When a river breaks at a waterfall, it gains energy and moves on. As we encounter our own waterfalls, we may fall hard, but we always keep going. Water can inspire us not to become rigid with fear or hold fast to what is familiar. Water is brave and does not waste time clinging to its past but flows onward without looking back. At the same time, when there is a hole to be filled, water does not flee from it, fearful of the dark; instead, it humbly and bravely fills the empty space. In the same way, we can face the dark moments of our life rather than running away from them. Eventually, a river will empty into the sea. Water does not hold back from joining with a larger body, nor does it fear a loss of identity or control. It gracefully and humbly tumbles into the vastness by contributing its energy and merging without resistance. Each time we move beyond our individual egos to become part of something bigger, we can try our best to follow the lead of the river. Elaine & Francis wrote: The opening prayer/reading on Water as a metaphor for our lives was illuminating. There was an explosion of stimulating ideas at our meeting on April 20 which was focused on how to describe our Community of John XXIII at the 2008 Joint Conference in Boston. There was consensus on these: our three "Commitments," the experience of community, justice making, challenging ourselves in exploring ideas freely, the new cosmology and ecumenism. Mary & Terry spoke of their Inclusive Community's ministry and Elaine mentioned being on a Torture Panel during Human Rights week, and her and Francis' decision to have three solar hot air panels installed, a very low tech approach: (www.assuredsolar.com). Like Bob, Francis and I also share a sense of wonder observing what is evolving among us, ever since it sprung from his experience in the mid 90's. We also appreciate being connected with our roots even as we redefine spirituality for ourselves in our own time. We resonate with the ideas elicited by the novel to which Bob introduced us, -- The Last Western, viz., of our community being a ministry of presence, and a community of diverse people who enrich one another by sharing their personal ministries uniquely expressing our three commitments. We also join Bob in committing ourselves to praying for each and all of us on Fridays. Tony Marotta wrote: (on Skype computer connection from Italy) A key point of the conference dealt with ministry. I was ordained in Rome in 1965 and left the Jesuits in 1971. My life has dealt with university teaching from then till the present. Only in 1992 when I was at the Corpus meeting in Chicago did I revive a sense of ministry. As a result for three years I was a member of the parish council and directed the RCIA for the chapel on the U.S. military post in Vicenza, Italy. In 1995, I became very involved in the Married Priests movement in Poland and remain so until the present day. I reported on this topic in Corpus Reports (23) Nov.Dec.1997. I would say that this is my most important ministry at present. I am primarily a facilitator in this matter, and I am continuously in contact with former priests in Poland, even though there is not yet a "Corpus-like" organization there - due to the very peculiar situation of the Polish church. For me another aspect of "ministry” is the fact that I teach twenty different college courses dealing with Western Civilization, courses in which I deal very much with the history and ideas of Christianity and other religions. In a world of change and often too much ignorance, it is necessary to affirm and redefine essential values. I am concerned very much with these ministries, and I am driven by the fact that I still feel myself to be a priest, but in a quite different sense of the word today in 2008. Inspiration from Vatican II and the changes that make sense to me coming from it are the reasons for my own spiritual secular view of things. I am a "reluctant" Catholic, in the good sense of this phrase. And I see that I need to continue ministry in a social context. Lastly, possibly as a summary of things, I might say that I am dedicated to a life of "dialogue” as used by Len Swidler. In order to be effective and to continue properly, I am hoping that/wondering if this community will help me better to help others better. I feel that I need a personal relationship to be involved in order to get things done. I certainly felt that our April 20th call was a first step. The biggest negative for me was the "difficult" skype computer connection. Thanks to all for keeping me in the conversation. Tony Marotta Terry & Fred Quinn We really listened a lot during our last conference call, mostly because we were intrigued and pleasantly surprised with our new participant, Tony Marotta from Italy. We can understand Tony's quest for spiritual connections in today's fast-paced and sometimes very unconnected world. Listening to Tony and to all our members, we find that we are all striving for ways to live out our commitments to peace and justice and relating to others in ways that will enrich them, our earth and ourselves Mary and Dick (Scaine) Each time Mary and I participate in the conference calls, we sense not only a deepening friendship within the community membership of John XXIII but also a growing momentum toward a new Christian spirituality whose elements have begun not only to emerge but to coalesce. In terms of what this community should present to others, we feel that we should insist on a profound acknowledgment of the role of the Spirit as the creative, evolutionary impulse inviting us to new possibilities. Much of this has yet to emerge, but it will come from within rather than the top down. The same Spirit of creativity that hovered over “the waters in Genesis to make order out of chaos, is the very same Spirit flowing through us, now encouraging us to co-create these new possibilities. We are thankful for the inclusion and contribution of Tony Marotta. (Italy) We called him and spoke with him tonight (4/29/08) and promised to send him some past issues of Corpus Reports he did not receive. He is eagerly looking forward to our next conference call and this time, he will have his earphones on, so he does not miss the ongoing dialogue. ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 20 April 2008
Preparation for Conference Call - March 16, 2007
![]() Preparation for Conference Call - March 16, 2007
A new story of the Easter mystery is emerging in the new millennium. The Paschal event, birth, death and rebirth, is the signature of the universe. There are three components to the new Paschal application: 1. The crucifixion of Mother Earth, which is also the crucifixion of the Cosmic Christ, 2. the resurrection of the human psyche (consciousness) through an awakened mysticism (panentheism), 3. The coming (emergence) of the Cosmic Christ through renewed willingness to heal Mother Earth and the suppression of the patriarchal sky God. Mother Earth is crying out in pain for rebirth as patriarchy is slowly yielding to something new and spiritually refreshing. If our Easter focus centers on the resuscitation of Jesus’ body, then we are liable to rejoice in own bodily resurrection and afterlife, as the earth crumbles. So we are renaming the Paschal mystery for the third millennium: The dying of Mother Earth (matricide) and the resurrection of human consciousness (mysticism) and the coming of the Cosmic Christ (cosmology) renames the Paschal mystery of death, rebirth and the sending of the Spirit in our time. Where are we in this cosmic body of renewal? How firmly do we believe that Jesus’ life and death on earth is of cosmic consequence? Do we simply await our own death/resurrection or in some way, are we obliged to be co-creative participants in renewing the face of both the earth and the church? How are we doing this? P.S. How do you react to Dick’s article on the Resurrection in the recent Corpus Reports? Dick and Mary (Scaine) From Fred: and Terry: Both of us have been so enlightened by Dick with regard to our thinking about the concept of God ------- an ongoing creative spirit present in us and in all of creation, ever flowing, ever moving to new possibilities. We thank him for his scholarship and ability to move us to study and broaden our cosmic view. We also thank Mary who assists him in his quest to inform us and lead us on our own cosmic paths. Terry: My thoughts from our uplifting discussion, which served to connect us to each other in new ways: My contribution will center around the old catechism answer that "God is everywhere" which I think I read in one of Dick's articles-----with the thought that when we die we are with what we name "God" --- the ongoing creative force of life and spirit---and so we continue to enrich that spirit as we continue to evolve with the ongoing creative spirit of the universe. I'm thinking that in so doing, we are surely all part of the what the Catholic church calls the "communion of saints" but is for me sort of a melange of multi-faceted personalities aligned with all that grows and lives in the world. I think that is why we sometimes actually feel the presence of those who have passed and know that they are with us. Hopefully, this thinking will help to dispel the fear engendered in us by institutional religion that death brings with it a judgment rather than an embrace. Fred: I spoke about how I feel so close to those members of my family who have died and live on in me, particularly my grandfather Nathan—such a loving, kind, non-judgmental man. I was reminded in our discussion of how I mentally converse with my relatives and friends who inspired me creatively when they were physically present to me, and still creatively inspire me to evolve in my daily living. From: Theresa Padovano Dear Linda, Terry and Mary, I thanked Dick for his wonderful article challenging our past thinking about the death and resurrection of Jesus. I felt that it made a lot of sense to me rather than that Jesus, who was supposed to be "like us in all things except sin", should somehow escape our destiny to become, again, part of the earth from which we came. How consoling to think we are all one in this evolving cosmic Christ--present to all in God who is One. (or something like that!--the orthodoxy police would have a hay-day with this, right?) I also recalled being stunned by the words from somewhere in the Hebrew Testament to the effect--"Sacrifice and holocaust, I would not. But a Body I have given you."--so enigmatic!! Then recalled Jesus in the desert agonizing over His coming mission and how he was to approach it--using magic, or political power, or by suspending the laws of nature--and rather deciding to carry it out as a humble human being--worshipping God alone. Again, tying this all to Paul who says, "You are the Body of Christ" Sorry this is so sketchy! Thanks for trying to reconstruct this conversation. From: Elaine McGillicuddy Dear All, I'm glad Linda asked us to jot down what we gained from our Sunday conversation because snatches of conversation and phrases did linger for me and provoked further reflection... e.g. Mary's preferring to use the expression "clay" instead of "dust" for the stuff of which we are made. I loved the way she expressed it, that clay is formed into our own being ...we're molded...and when we die we become part of the earth. Another was someone's question -- "What about death?" and, Dick answered, -- "We go into God. God is not 'up there' but where creation is! Creation is the first sacrament." I really liked and could identify with everything Dick said .... My own comment about not wanting to lose the transcendent, -- or "the more" which Dick called it (and I like that too) -- is not at odds with what Dick expressed, really, but rather, as Haight called it -- "complexification of issues that leads to greater understanding." Anyway I want to say that I was touched, and so was Francis, by Dick's sharing his journey, which came straight from the heart, how his questions have led him on a search. He spoke with the conviction of one who has internalized this thread of theology that seeks to see Jesus with fresh eyes before the encrustrations of history. Having only dipped a bit in that field I did not realize that "Jesus rarely spoke of afterlife." But I readily see that -- of course he wouldn't, as a faithful Jew! And I didn't know about the East celebrating (preferring) the Transfiguration. Regarding that question about death, (I think that was yours, Allen?), I'd also unreservedly recommend Hans Kung's book Eternal Life? which I'm close to finishing. Consisting of nine lectures he gave at Tubingen, and later at the University of Michigan, it was written in 1981. About Creation's being "the first sacrament," I want to share a quote written in calligraphy by a friend. I enlarged and posted it on our refrigerator door: "When man writes, he inscribes characters upon rock, leaf, paper, wood, or steel. When God writes, the characters He writes are living creatures. There is one holy book, the sacred manuscript of nature, the only manuscript which can enlighten the reader." Hazrat Inayat Khan - the Sufi message" Oh yes, -- I can also picture Bob's 6' greenhouse, and share others' joy, like Theresa's, in the earth, and I appreciate Fred's sharing how in free moments, sitting in his car, he communes with loved ones who have passed on. Finally I've marked our calendar so that Francis and I can accompany Allen with our prayers on April 30. Two more things, -- what Francis and I contributed: 1) Francis related that last year he gave the eulogy for a former parishioner, and he used the quote that someone sent me when my mother died. I liked it so much I made a memorial bookmark commemorating my mother's passing which I distributed freely because it includes a few other quotes too and a striking photo of a sculpure of the head of the cruficied Jesus which Bill Slavick took when visiting a German cathedral. I will bring copies to give you at the Joint Conference. Here's the quote: (I used "she" of course, though St. John Chrysostom used "he.") She whom you love and lose is no longer where she was before. She is now wherever you are." 2) Commenting on Dick's first point about "The crucifixion of Mother Earth, which is also the crucifixion of the Cosmic Christ," I also mentioned that Sanskrit scholar Dr. George Feuersteins' book Green Yoga aims to spur into action to save our planet people who are practicing yoga. If you're trying to live mindfully, he tells them, you'll educate yourself and act. His book offers not only motivational material based, e.g. on the Bhagavad Gita which emphasizes the importance of action, but it's chock-full of specific information. We look forward to hearing from the rest of you, Elaine & Francis too ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Monday, 17 March 2008
Conversation
Sunday, February 17, 2008
![]() Community of John XXIII
Conversation Sunday, February 17, 2008 Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy Fred and Terry Quinn, Theresa Padovano, Linda Pinto, and Mary and Dick Scaine gathered by phone to continue the conversation. Linda had several announcements. The Board of CORPUS recommends that the Community of John XXIII have its own website. This user-friendly space can be expanded to include a resource link for prayers and reflections, a list-serve for our continued discussion and a prayer link. Joe Cece and Stu O’Brien are working on its format. Linda also reported that a proposal about the Community to the Joint Conference in July 18-20, 2008 had been accepted. Bob Charpentier will give a history; Mary and Dick Scaine will root the Community in the theology of Diarmuid O’Murchu; and Bishop Peter Hickman will address the ecumenical aspects of the partnership. Linda invited all members of the Community of participate in the workshop. She additionally suggested that members meet for dinner on that Friday. Francis and Elaine led the Community in the Prayer of the Holy Spirit by Diarmuid O’Murchu. It reads: Come Holy Spirit, breathe down upon our troubled world, Shake the tired foundations of our crumbling institutions, Break the rules that keep you out of all our sacred spaces. And from the dust and rubble, gather up the seedlings of a new creation. Come Holy Spirit, inflame once more the dying embers of our weariness, Shake us out of our complacency, Whisper our names once more, And scatter your gifts of grace with wild abandon. Break open the prisons of our inner being And let your raging justice be our sign of liberty. Come Holy Spirit, and lead us to places we would rather not go; Expand the horizons of our limited imaginations. Awaken in our souls dangerous dreams for a new tomorrow, And rekindle in our hearts the fire of prophetic enthusiasm. Come Holy Spirit, whose justice outwits international conspiracy; Whose light outshines spiritual bigotry, Whose peace can overcome the destructive potential of warfare, Whose promise invigorates our every effort To create a new heaven and a new earth, Now and forever. Amen. Previously, Mary and Dick Scaine distributed discussion questions. All participants were asked to share where they were on their spiritual journey, integrating the New Cosmology. It was recommended that we examine how we integrate the differences between the God “up there” paradigm and the creative evolutional Spirit. Each member of the Community commented on their experience and/or reflection during the past month. Theresa and Bob updated us on the health of Allen. His recent operation revealed no lymph node problems. We pledged our prayerful embrace and await further word. Mary started our discussion focusing on our prayer life by sharing Celtic customs concerning the autumn harvest. There are four seasons within the clay heart. Since we are formed from clay, the rhythms of the seasons outside in nature is also active within our own hearts, spring, summer, autumn and winter. Several seasons can be present simultaneously. Autumn is the inner harvest, a time for great gathering. It is a time for harvesting the fruits of your experiences. Elaine indicated that her prayer life is now harvesting years of earlier practice. The reality of her mother’s death has prompted her to add “Amma” (mother in Aramaic) to the “Abba” mantra. She also shared her recitation of Ps. 139 in French, a psalm which expresses a panentheistic approach to spirituality. Dick indicated that the term “Abba” should be seen in the “Wisdom Age” in which it was articulated, an age which viewed Abba as the Creative Source and womb of nourishment. This is not to say the hand of patriarchy was not and still is at work in biblical translation. Both Linda and Theresa spoke of how the Spirit permeates everything and the need to listen. Dick spoke of the need for silence in our liturgy. Terry spoke of interrelatedness an how today was such a special day of remembrance for her wonderful and creative sister Elaine who died 13 years ago. She mentioned On the Day You Were Born and its emphasis on the connection between one’s birth and the earth. Dick and Mary indicated that the liturgy celebrated by Fred and Terry at the Inclusive community generated such energy that it concluded with a dance (Mary and Dick) to Miriam Therese Winter’s, Come Spirit, a pertinent refrain: Dance, my heart, at your rebirth, partner to the dance of earth. Thirsting Spirit, drink your fill: Love goes dancing where it will. Francis mentioned that his contemplative prayer life overflows into an expression of concern regarding peace and justice issues Bob spoke of the Benedictine Camaldolese monks near Berkeley where he and Mary Alice visit for prayer and workshops. He described their history and their cutting edge charism. Dick mentioned that Bruno Barnhard, author of Second Simplicity and the The Good Wine (Gospel of John) resides there. Bob also spoke with enthusiasm of the genome project workshop presented by Francis Collins. Its evolutionary thrust, with an appreciation of Quantum physics, led him to ask deep questions. Slight chromosomal differences actually lead us to embrace interconnectedness rather than separation. In response to how we are integrating the new cosmology, Dick commented on the need to overcome dualism, for example sacred and profane, body and soul. Practical applications might include introducing cosmic liturgy (awe), indigenous rituals which include dancing, chanting and circles, science with its particle/wave findings, accenting the role of the Holy Spirit during the epicleses of the Mass, re-examining the seven sacraments and ordained priesthood as the sole mediation to the sacred, deep ecumenism and ecojustice . He also mentioned that when the universities in Europe started, the search was not for a job but to find one’s place in the universe. The next scheduled conversation will take place on Palm Sunday, March 16th at 2:30 Eastern. Suggestion from Bob to include Paschal theme, (birth, death, rebirth). Compiled by Mary & Dick Scaine from notes by Linda Pinto and Elaine McGillicuddy ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Monthly Conversation - January 20, 2008
![]() In attendance were a cross-section of representatives from various parts of the U.S.A. Bob Charpentier joined us from Honolulu, Allen and Sylvia Moore and George LeBlanc from Arizona. Linda Pinto from PA and the following: Theresa Padovano, Fred and Terry Quinn, and Mary and Dick Scaine from N.J. Fred and Terry Quinn began our session together by leading us in A Prayer for Peace. Other members of the group shared their thoughts and prayers. Special thoughts and prayers for Allen Moore who will undergo surgery on Wednesday February 6th @ 5:00 a.m. We promised to be united with Allen in cosmic prayer and vibrations on that date from our various dwelling places at that particular time. David Gawlick was unable to be part of the group due the sudden illness of his friend and participant member of John XXIII community, Jim Koneazny. We also acknowledged Jim as well in our prayers. We continued to discuss the John XXIII website and how we could make it more computer friendly. Bob suggested that we have a site called John the XXIII Cafe where we can post our thoughts and ideas. He also mentioned the Jesuit Website from Dublin Ireland, which some us are familiar with already. Terry Quinn suggested that we have access to the names of all listed members of John III Community. (Will check with Joe Cece and Stuart O' Brien). We continued our discussion of Diarmuid O' Murchu's book Consecrated Religious Life, The Changing Paradigms. We began with Chapter Three: Paradigms in Transition of which there are eight. Dick emphasized that although the book was written based on a retreat O'Murchu gave to women Religious in the Philippians, its applications are a passionate exploration of the future not only of religious life, but of the Church. Allen suggested that we try to get Diarmuid O' Murchu for our next Corpus Convention. I mentioned O' Murchu's website www.diarmuid13.com. ( Dick and I have since spoken with Allen) who accessed the website and O' Murchu's itinerary is fully booked until 2011. We concluded the conference at 3:20 PM Prayer for Peace By Pope John XXIII ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Community Conversation
![]() Members and supporters of the Community of John XXIII (Tony and Linda Bocchino, George LeBlanc, Francis and Elaine McGillicuddy, Allen and Sylvia Moore, Theresa Padovano, Linda and Ralph Pinto, Mary and Dick Scaine) met through the services of www.freeconferece.com for their monthly conversation on Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 2:30 pm (Eastern). Mary and Dick Scaine began our time together with a prayer for a Pilgrim Church. Members who had attended the inaugural ceremony on November 10, 2007 recounted events of the day. Linda Pinto will draft an article for CORPUS REPORTS. Mary noted that the IPOD recordings of the conversation, the Liturgy, as well as the homily will be made available on the www.corpus.org website. Mary also informed the group that David Gawlik has been contacted by a group in the Milwaukee area who may be interested in participating. As some in the group were unable to obtain Diarmuid O’Murchu’s book, Consecrated Religious Life: The Changing Paradigms, it was agreed that we would postpone a discussion of Chapter One. It was agreed that today’s discussion focus on the vow of Relatedness (formally celibacy). How to refocus and redefine our relationship to nature was the platform for discussion. This was especially true in our effort to challenge not only deviant sexual behavior, but any political, consumerist or socially oppressive practices,, which exploit our sacred creation. Dick noted that the word “dominate” should not be viewed as having power over the earth. On the contrary, he noted that the word actually means “to be at home with” or to “make a home”. Therefore, our charge was to be an intimate part of nature, having respect for every aspect of it. A discussion ensued about how each of us actually gives life to that charge. Theresa Padovano invited all to pray for the conversion of the Church, especially for our Bishops. It was noted that Catherine of Siena walked hundreds of miles to visit the Pope. While seemingly a useless venture, she won over his heart and it made a difference. She is a good example of our need to continue to pray for and work for conversation from the top-down and the bottom-up. Dick spoke of the presence of God (our Future) in our lives. The emphasis is on the Creator God and the liberating Son. He felt the focus should be on the Liberating Spirit. He noted that the current Church hierarchy was afraid of the freedom of the Spirit. We agreed to meet on Sunday, December 16, 2007 to begin discussion of O’Murchu’s book. ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 23 September 2007
Phone Conversation - September 23, 2007
![]() A conference call was held on Sunday, September 23, 2007 for those who continue to be interested in furthering the formal initiation of the Community of John XXIII. Mary Scaine began with prayer, reading from a translation of The Lord’s Prayer created by Mark Hathaway. It is based on the original Aramaic rather than the Latin translation. It reads: O Cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration! Linda Pinto reviewed the sense of past conference conversations and the development of the community to date. While the initial initiative was presented several years ago, the current interested members of community seek a deep sense of spirituality, intimacy and community rooted in the values celebrated by John XXIII. It has been described as the “spiritual arm of CORPUS”. The Community continues to develop their partnership with the Ecumenical Catholic Communion to broaden and deepen its approach to theology and ecclesiology. The ECC has also provided an opportunity for members to have their ordained ministry recognized due to the ability of the Community of John XXIII as being recognized as a “specialized ministry”. This aspect of the Community will need to evolve as members express their desire for this ministry. She noted that despite email broadcasts to the thirty-four individuals who had expressed some interest in the Community over time, there was very little activity on the CORPUS website blog. Linda noted that this activity may develop over time as the Community takes some shape and form. She invited current participants to commit to connecting monthly through the free conference system. All concurred. Linda thanked Mary and Dick Scaine for coordinating the Community and for their availability to represent the Community at the CORPUS booth at the CTA Conference, November 2-4, 2007. Mary and Dick are working closely with David Gawlik to develop a brochure, liturgy and lapel pin to distribute as needed. Over the course of previous conversations, it was agreed that you did not have to be a member of CORPUS or the ECC in order to be a member of the Community of John XXII. The mere desire to journey with other members of the community was qualification enough. Additionally, it was agreed that the term “commitment” would replace the word “vow” used in the original proposal. Further, the commitments would be renamed as that of Relatedness (Chastity), Justice Making (Poverty) and Mutual Collaboration (Obedience). Linda invited participants to express why they would want to be a part of such a Community. Many noted that CORPUS had served as their community and that a deeper, more intimate connection would serve as a valuable experience to grow spiritually and personally. Some noted that the current void provided by the re-entrenchment of current Church policies would be filled with the opportunity to question, challenge, expand and and further explore our religious experience. The themes of personal growth, spiritual nurturance, freedom of thought, connectedness and relatedness were expressed. One individual reminded us of Christ’s indictment “do not be afraid” and appreciated the fraternity and sorority provided by the Community as vital. Dick Scaine eloquently explained why Diarmond O’Murchu’s book Consecrated Religious Life: The Changing Paradigm should serve as a basis for our understanding for our Community. He spoke of changing paradigms regarding the image of God, the focus on patriarchy, a misguided emphasis on dualism, the canonical control of the Church, clericalism, fear and emphasis on obedience. He noted that we should celebrate a community of equanimity and discipleship. Dick described it as a “waking up” developing new horizons of consciousness and awakening the evolutional Spirit. Linda thanked all for their contribution and blessing. It was announced that the Eucharistic Celebration of John XXIII Inaugural Ceremony will take place at the Inclusive Community, St. Paul’s Church, Nutley, New Jersey on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 11:00 am. Dick and Mary Scaine are currently designing the Liturgy. They are working closely with David Gawlik to record it through IPOD and MP3 players for the website. Linda will explore with Joe Cece whether “real time” coverage could be provided by video camera services, especially for those individuals who are interested but geography presents challenges. All agreed to meet through monthly conference calls. The next regularly scheduled conversation is scheduled for Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 2:30 (Eastern).
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![]() ![]() Monday, 17 September 2007
Inaugural Service
![]() We have scheduled a formal inaugural service of commitment for Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 9:30 am-12;30 pm at St. Paul’s Church in Nutley, New Jersey. As so many of you are spread throughout the country, we will make every effort to have you included virtually.
We are scheduling two more opportunities to be part of the conversation regarding the Community of John XXIII. Our next conversation is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 10:00 am (Eastern) or Sunday, September 23 at 2:30 pm (Eastern).
After initial prayer, we will begin a discussion of the three commitments: Relatedness, Justice Making and Mutual Collaboration. If interested in participating in this week’s conversation, please email me at Linda@corpus.org. you will be included in the invitation from the website: www.freeconference.com ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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![]() ![]() Sunday, 22 July 2007
Phone Conversation July 21, 2007
![]() The first in a series of conversations regarding the Community of John XXIII took place Saturday, July 21, 2007 using the services of www.freeconference.com. Linda Pinto facilitated the conversation with Mary and Dick Scaine, Fred and Terry Quinn, Jack Houston, and George LeBlanc. These individuals met at our most recent CORPUS conference in Providence, Rhode Island and had expressed a strong desire to see the Community come to fruition. To that end, Linda, Mary and Dick have organized a series of phone conversations over the course of this summer. A sense of the conversation will be posted on the CORPUS website blog. Comments, reactions and questions are welcomed. If you would like to participate in one of the conversations, please email Linda@corpus.org. Mary and Dick began the conversation with a prayer: Let us pray, Creative Spirit, may we pay attention to your call to authenticity as we seek to become co-creators in this time and place of which we are a part, by incarnating your evolutionary Spirit through our own humanity. As you hovered over the waters to generate order out of chaos, as you came to Mary to birth a son, inspire our creativity, working to give birth so that we might become co-creators of new possibilities. Strengthen us to do the work you have given us to do, so that by the power of your Spirit we may advance your kingdom of peace and justice. Participants introduced themselves and shared why they so much desired to enter into a community focusing on the charism of John XXIII. Many called him a “hero” but also a champion of creativity in responding to the whispers of the Spirit. All agreed that Vatican II was such an instance. Many longed for a community within a church where freedom of thought was valued. Most expressed a yearning for a fresh spirituality, a deep sense of connection and a commitment to inclusivity. As we had all reviewed Dick Scaine’s most recent article in the July/August issue of CORPUS REPORTS, this became a focus for discussion. He emphasized the importance of the writings and work of Diarmuid O’Murchu, Teihard de Chardin, Thomas Berry and Miriam Therese McGillis. Dick spoke eloquently about the emphasis on the divine “overhead” God in contrast to the “here and now” God. He noted that an overemphasis on divinity creates a Eucharist which is incomplete. He noted that refocusing on the presence of God within us “no longer allows a Eucharist which escapes responsibility”. A discussion began regarding the proposed vows. The original charter called for frugality (poverty), solidarity (obedience) and fidelity (chastity). O’Murchu’s writings inspired a change of verbiage to suggest vows of relatedness, justice making and mutual collaboration. Some commented that the word “vow’ was European and might elicit a rigidity of the past. The word “promise” or “internal commitment” was considered. This led to a discussion regarding sacraments. Dick noted that the etymology of the word was “to reveal the sacred.” He noted that creation was the first sacrament. Mary mentioned that O’Murchu primarily emphasized Baptism and Eucharist and that the priesthood belongs to everyone. It was remembered the Edward Schillebeeckx described every person as sacred, as if to say, an angel precedes every person walking down the street, preparing the way is if he or she were royalty. There was regret that the most recent declarations of Pope Benedict XVI have set the Church back to a Vatican I mentality. This gave members an increased desire to commit to the Community of John XXIII. Linda noted that there would be a formal inaugural service at the Inclusive Community, Nutley, New Jersey on Saturday, October 13, 2007. The ceremony will be videotaped and available on the website for all interested members.
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![]() ![]() Monday, 25 June 2007
Welcome!
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If you haven't already done so, please read our White Paper describing our intent and focus; you may also read our FAQ's regarding the John XXIII Community. Your input is valuable. Please feel free to respond to any posts with your questions, comments or suggestions. ![]() ![]() Posted By Dick and Mary Scaine in Category:General Info
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