Comments and Contributions for Lent

How to Fast
Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast in the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of life.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on appreciation.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on increasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast form gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with your presence, so we can gift others in carrying out your work. Amen.
~Author Unknown


Spokane Bishop praised for victim settlement.
On Feb. 1, Bishop William S. Skylstad announced an offer of $5.7 million dollars to settle with 75 victims of sex abuse. But it was the non-financial concessions that won the diocese praise from various victims’ organizations including the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priest and Voice of the Faithful.

The diocese agreed to use the term "victims" rather than "alleged victims" and allow victims to write about their experiences in the diocesan newspaper. Skylstad also plans to lobby state lawmakers for an end to the statue of limitations on child sex abuse. Skylstad is currently the President of the U.S. Bishops' Conference
~Catholic News Service


A comment on "Thoughts on collaboration".
Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo, March 19, 2006

It is very difficult to understand why has our Catholic Institution discriminated against women, and continue to do so, when historically they played a very important role and there was no conflict about it during the first four centuries of Christianity.

More than ever the church leaders should welcome the gifts of women to meet the needs of of our Church by emulating Jesus' example.

Jesus honored women, treating them as equals. He welcomed them as His disciples -Scripture tell us that Mary of Magdala, Joanna, and Susanna "and many other women" accompanied Him and supported and financed His Galilean ministry. (Luke 8:1-3)

Jesus chose to reveal His Resurrection first to a woman - His devoted disciple, Mary of Magdala - and entrusted her to proclaim this good news to her brothers.

The early church, inspired by Jesus' example, and the memory of women leaders such as Mary of Magdala, Prisca, Lydia, Phoebe and many others, welcomed the leadership and talents of women.

Substantial archaeological and literary evidence reveals that women served as deacons, teachers of theology, priests and bishops throughout the Mediterranean world. Early women leaders had the same ministerial roles and titles as their brothers.

Sadly, by the fourth century, male Church leaders succumbed to the conventions of society. The memory of Mary of Magdala was re framed, identifying her as a repentant prostitute, which has no Scriptural foundations. In the 4th century, the Council of Laodicea suppressed women serving as priest.

This is simply wrong especially at a time when the growing priest shortage deprives many Catholics of access to Eucharist and is causing closing and merger of parishes. (Excerpts from Future Church)
~Submitted by a Parishioner


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