Faith Focus

 

 

Why is the Church getting involved in politics?

"People will often cite separation of church and state when it comes to political issues. The Catholic Church is and remains nonpartisan. So, the Church will never endorse a particular candidate for office. But what we will do is get involved with the issues. So, whether it’s issues that a particular candidate is putting forward as part of their platform, or a political party, we will present those in light of our Gospel teachings. The Church plays an important role in the promotion and the attainment of justice and protection of the common good. Therefore, we’re encouraged to participate in public life, and to apply our Gospel values to political activities. When it comes to issues, I think that we not only have a right, but a responsibility as Christians to get involved in the political sphere, and to make sure that our voice is heard."

– Bishop Gregory Parkes, Diocese of St. Petersburg

 

Throughout the month of November our school community will be focused on the theme of “Leadership”. The dictionary definition for this term is simply the action of leading a group of people or an organization. Through the lens of our Catholic faith, this definition is lacking in regard to the weight of responsibility for any good leader. We prefer a pregnant explanation that recognizes there is much more to this understand beyond the superficial glance. Christian implications to this term must be perpetually wed in order that the coming of the Kingdom of God be the fruit of all leadership. And so this month, let us look at what Christ-centered leadership looks like in various areas of our pilgrim journey toward Heaven. No better place to start than with Jesus.

 

 

I think we can all agree that parenting is tough! We want to provide for our children but not over indulge. We desire discipline for them but don’t want to be too harsh. We want to raise them in the Church and hope that they will then take the bull by the horns with their own faith journey. All of this can feel like a tight-rope walk with the slightest misstep leading to disaster. Thanks be to God, parents aren’t the Savior, Jesus is. Our Parental leadership and parental authority are very real responsibilities not be taken lightly. (see CCC 2222-2230 for a brief insight) But, we must remain dependent on God in order to fulfill such a scared duty. How can we do that practically? Let’s lead with prayer when leading our children.

Prayer: A Parent's Prayer for their Children

Jesus was a leader. He displayed leadership par excellence and a defining part of Christ’s modeling for us was servant leadership. As our Lord was about to enter into his Passion, he washed the feet of his Apostles, communicating that ownership of authentic leadership should be coupled with humility and a desire to will the good of others. How can we actively “will the good of others” in our daily life? Perhaps by making a cup of coffee for your spouse as they rush through the morning routine. Maybe join a committee here at TC, dedicating your time and talents to our community. Consider picking up a holiday shift with your kids at local a nonprofit you are passionate about. Servant leadership can be demonstrated in so many different ways and all of it glorifies our gracious God.

 

Read more: 'Catholic Servant Leadership and the Golden Rule' Article

 

Being Catholic is and absolute grace and privilege beyond what the heart and mind can grasp. Between the Scriptures and the Sacraments, everyday has the spiritual potential of feeling like Christmas morning. But, St. Luke reminds us in chapter 12 of his Gospel, “much will be required of the person entrusted with much”.  As baptized Catholics we are expected to lead in our world as priest, prophet, and king. Our leadership, no matter our state in life, must be clear, bold, and rooted in the Person of Jesus. In society there exists so much uncertainty, many lies, much darkness. May we lead with our baptismal responsibilities; reassuring the anxious, fearlessly speaking truth, and dispelling all shadows with the light of Christ dwelling in us.

Read more: 'Priest, prophet, and king - who, me?' Article

This month our "Faith Focus" theme for the school community is "preparation". This current liturgical season, Advent, begins our Church calendar and invites us in beautifully to such a theme. Let's review the basics of this season just as a refersher for some of us that may be rusty or for some of us that haven't had the blessing of participating in the rhythms and dispositions of Advent. The Oxford Dictionary defines advent as the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. For Christians, it is the preparation time prior to celebrating the birth of Jesus and it includes four preceding Sundays that lead up to the great feast day of the Nativity of Christ. How do you prepare for a notable person's arrival? With great intention! That's exactly the mindset of the Catholic Church when it comes to the Advent season. Let us prepare for the arrival of The Most Notable Person!