March 2004 (View as a .pdf - note this is a scanned copy of the newsletter)
Index
- Are You In Tune? by Fr. Bob Camuso
- Jeff Smith - From the Executive Director
- I'M YOUR NEW "BLESSINGS" EDITOR By Mike Ulrich
- A Letter from the Desert By Richard Casimer
- MEET THE BOARD: RON REIERON, FINANCIAL ADVISOR By Linda Moran, St. Charles Borromeo
- "LENT - SPRING TRAINING FOR CATHOLICS" by Mike Ulrich, Spiritual Development Coordinator
- The Trainers Breakfast — January 17th The Holy Spirit Intervenes to Teach A Lesson in Love by Cyndie Ulrich, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Are You In Tune? by Fr. Bob Camuso
When I was in high school, I played second violin in our school orchestra. I sat in the last row of the second violin section with another student named Fred, who played at about the same level I played. I was happy to be placed in the last row because I knew I did not play as well as the others and I was closest to the door when the bell rang. But Fred was not so pleased. He wanted to be seated nearer to the front of the section. Yet he was unwilling to practice more or even keep his violin in tune. Surprisingly, an out-of-tune violin can be easily heard in an orchestra, and, of course, our teacher noticed. Many times out of frustration, he would stop the orchestra, march over and tune Fred's instrument.
To keep an instrument in tune is how Thomas Merton describes the experience of being at one with God. Merton quotes St. Gregory of Nazianzen who spoke of the Christian as an "instrument played by the Holy Spirit." Then Merton writes, "The aim of asceticism is to keep the instrument in tune. [The Lenten practice of fasting, prayer and almsgiving] is not simply the progressive control of instinct by deadening the appetites of the heart. That is too crude a view It is rather like the tightening of a violin string. We do not go on twisting and twisting until the string breaks. That would not be sanctity, but insanity. No: what we must do is bring the strings of the delicate instrument, which is our whole being, to the exact pitch which the Holy Spirit desires of us, in order that the Spirit may produce in us the exquisite melody of divine love that we were created to sing before the face of our heavenly Father."
There are many times when I've felt tuned to the Spirit and when I felt the Spirit produced in me a divine song. I often have this experience during Eucharist. It's a wonderful feeling to be in tune with God and with what God desires of us. In such moments, heaven and earth become one. This is the experience of God's grace and Christian joy, which is far more than a feeling state. It is a fundamental attunement to God in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
What I find instructive about this experience is that it happens most frequently when I am in community. I recall playing my violin in an orchestra when suddenly we united as one instrument, one voice, exalting the genius of Bach or Handel or Mozart. In a similar way, when we pray and worship in our church community we can suddenly find ourselves at one with the community and with God—one voice moving toward heaven.
Community teaches us that we all move toward heaven together, or we don't move at all. And we travel best at the speed of our slowest members, which is sometimes you, or me. Maybe that's why Jesus said we will find him in the least among us (Mt 25:31-46).
Lent is not a time to go into the desert or the wilderness just by our-selves. It is a time to go as a whole Church. And if ever there was a time for us to be united as Church it is today, with a shortage of clergy; the clergy abuse scandal and the resultant erosion of the moral voice of the Church; and with new anti-Catholic bigotry on the rise.
But even as we travel together in community, Lent will not provide us with answers to these problems. We will find no immediate gratification, no results and no burning bush assurances from on high. Instead, Lent offers us time to wait together with patience and longing for God to save us, for we cannot save ourselves through our own efforts.
Yet, as we pray together, and partake in the sacraments together, we sense that salvation is near. We lose any feeling of being alienated or being out of tune. And for a moment, or an hour, we transcend ourselves to become one voice in praise of God, singing exquisite songs of divine love that lift our hearts and heal our spirits.
Lent is a time, then, to rediscover community. It is a time to find new opportunities to be in community to pray, to worship and find ways to serve God's Church. In doing so, we shall rediscover our selves, which we quickly and happily put aside as we find that we have rediscovered God.
Jeff Smith - From the Executive Director
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Hopefully, most of you noticed something different about the newsletter – it now has a name, Blessings, and a new masthead designed by our SacraMentor sister MaryAnne Reynolds. Here is MaryAnne's description of the new design: (web editors note: look at the pdf file to see the Blessings heading)
A good design needs to stand on its own, yet there are a few subtleties about this design that adds to the meaning. First of all, I knew I wanted the font to be a script - free flowing much as grace is in our lives. The type is also screened back - gray rather than black, much like our blessings. We don't always see them boldly, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. The "B" intersects the word SacraMentors because blessing is at the core of who we are. I like that the letter "B" is also open - much as we need to be open to God's grace to recognize and appreciate our blessings. Finally, the letter "g" intersects the word "and" between men and women. I do believe that we experience God as well as SacraMentors differently as men and women and yet we are united in our love for the same Father as brothers and sisters of Jesus, transformed by the same Holy Spirit.
I couldn't have said it better, MaryAnne! The masthead is the latest way that MaryAnne has blessed us with her many talents and abilities (she also de-signed our brochure and is an awesome trainer to boot).
Another new development is Michael Ulrich joining the board as Spiritual Development Coordinator. In that role, Mike will serve as the editor for Blessings and he will also be responsible for planning and scheduling our quarterly Sacramentums and our annual retreat. If you have any ideas or suggestions about Blessings or the other programs we present, please con-tact Mike.
In addition to Mike, Denise Smith has also joined the SacraMentors board where she will serve as the Women's Senior Parish Coordinator. She will be working closely with Frank Pease, her counterpart for the men, to help our Apostles Groups grow and thrive. If you have any questions or concerns when it comes to the Apostles Group process, or any other matter involving your Apostles Group, please contact Denise or Frank.
By the time you read this, we will on our Lenten journey. I encourage all of you to prayerfully consider how you and your Apostles Group can be of service during this important time on the Church calendar. Perhaps you can sponsor Stations of the Cross for your parish, host a soup supper or assist at a local shelter or soup kitchen. Whatever the project, it will provide you and your brothers or sisters an opportunity to be a blessing to others. After all, isn't that what each of us is called to be?
Your brother in Christ, Jeff
I'M YOUR NEW "BLESSINGS" EDITOR By Mike Ulrich
Recently, somebody joked that I joined the SacraMentors board because my wife is already on the board so now we can use the carpool lane when we go to board meetings. Sounds logical, but it's far from the truth. You see, I've been a SacraMentor from
the organization's very beginnings in 1996. The gifts I've received from the Holy Trinity and from my SacraMentor brothers are rich and numerous. I've decided it's about time I gave of myself in appreciation of those gifts and of my brothers and sisters.
I'm responsible for "Blessings," our newly re-named newsletter, and I need your help. I want to hear your ideas for newsletter themes and I'm interested in your personal stories of spiritual growth and experiences that happened to you as a result of SacraMentors. Like me and all of your SacraMentor brothers and sisters, you took a chance, attended a SacraMentors program, and now you continue to choose blessed opportunities in your spiritual journey. SacraMentors is chock-full of chances to give, to receive and to grow.
I've also accepted the board position of Spiritual Development Coordinator. In that capacity, I schedule and produce the Sacramentums and the retreats for SacraMentors. Email me your ideas about speakers you'd like to hear or topics you'd like covered in our upcoming programs. You will not be disappointed.
My email address is mculrich@comcast.net. My phone number is: 425-896-0083. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
God Bless You and Yours! Mike Ulrich
A Letter from the Desert By Richard Casimer
It's dark and raining again and you're on your way home after a difficult day at work. Traffic is backed up and you know you'll be getting home late for dinner. You decide that you will skip your SacraMentor meeting this week.
Approximately one year ago I moved from rain forest Sumner to desert Arizona. The only SacraMentor meetings I've been able to attend during the last year were two meetings in September during a visit to Western Washington. I knew I would miss the weekly SacraMentor meeting when I moved. What I didn't know was the extent to which I miss meeting with my SacraMentor brothers each week and getting that spiritual shot in the arm. SacraMentors who have moved out of the Western Washington area know exactly the feeling.
Yes, there were those situations when I skipped a meeting because I was tired, had other "important" things to do, just didn't feel like going, or (fill in the blank). I learned early on that the most rewarding meetings were those I attended when I least felt the urge to go. I'm sure it's happened to you as well. Think about it. Remember how relaxed you became during the "Be Silent" exercise or how the comment from a brother released you from your worries, expectations or concerns? How often have you made it to a meeting where something you said had a major impact upon another brother? "For other's prayers and questions are to be answered and received through us."
I encourage those of you living in or near a parish with a SacraMentor program to take the opportunity and to make the effort each week to attend the local meeting. If you've not been regular in your attendance at your SacraMentor meetings, why not make a commitment to yourself and to your SacraMentor brothers or sisters, to once again meet each week and go through the Apostles Group process? You KNOW the blessings that will flow to you as you meet with your fellow SacraMentors. Your presence at the next meeting may have a profound impact on your spiritual life or that of a brother or sister.
May the peace of God be with you.
Richard Casimer
MEET THE BOARD: RON REIERON, FINANCIAL ADVISOR By Linda Moran, St. Charles Borromeo
(Editor's Note: Upcoming issues of "Blessings" will feature articles covering each board position and will include an introduction to the person currently holding the position. We hope this helps you get acquainted with the responsibilities of the board position and get to know the wonderful brothers and sisters who answer the Holy Spirit's call to serve by volunteering their time and talent to SacraMentors).
Each time you're around Ron Reierson, you're in for a wonderful hug and a hearty "hello." Always with the glint of Kris Kringle in his eye and a voice filled with enthusiasm, his greeting and his very persona are pure "SacraMentor."
Learning of the board's need for financial leader-ship, Ron responded to the call of the Holy Spirit and accepted the position of Financial Advisor at the 2002 Leadership Retreat.
The responsibilities of the SacraMentors' Financial Advisor include maintaining the books and preparing monthly balance statements for review by the board. Because SacraMentors is a tax-exempt organization, there is annual paper work for submission to the IRS in order to maintain nonprofit status. Ron nurtures the organization's financial health and growth through development and implementation of the annual stewardship campaign and he researches, develops and writes grant applications to help secure additional funding to support and expand SacraMentors.
Last month, Ron retired from NCH Corporation after 28 years of service. He and his wife, Patricia, have seven children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition to his financial advisory duties, Ron participates as a trainer for SacraMentors and as Parish Coordinator for St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma. Always ready and willing to serve others, Ron and several members of his family traveled to impoverished Baja, California, last month to deliver clothing, toiletries and other items to the poor and work on larger projects to improve the lives of the local population.
Whether it's the first time you meet Ron or you've known him for a while, you quickly realize you're blessed to call Ron your friend. Thank you, Ron, for blessing SacraMentors and its members with the rich treasure of your time and talent!
"LENT - SPRING TRAINING FOR CATHOLICS" by Mike Ulrich, SpiritualDevelopment Coordinator
How many SacraMentors does it take to make a team? The number is forty if you count the SacraMentors who thoroughly enjoyed the Winter Sacramentum presentation by Fr. John Madigan, on Tuesday, February 17, at St Charles Borromeo in Tacoma.
Fr. John began by likening Lent to baseball's spring training, telling us that Lent is a time for Catholics to get in shape. In baseball, the World Series is not the goal of spring training, becoming the best ball player possible is the goal. Similarly, Easter is not the objective of Lent; rather, the objective is to become the best Christian you can be!
"Prepare now for Lent, don't wait until Ash Wednesday," said Fr. Madigan. "Slow down, don't be busy. Prepare your mind and heart starting today."
Fr. John asked the audience, "Tell me, what are the three pillars of Lent?" We were all pretty timid. No one rose to the occasion for the longest time and when some of us did, the first answers were incorrect. Then my wife, Cyndie, (a rookie Catholic, by the way) from the back of the room answered "prayer."
"Yes," said Fr. John. To everyone's surprise, Fr. John quickly took a new baseball out of his pocket and threw a perfect strike to Cyndie, who caught it on the fly. Two more SacraMentors came up with the other two answers, "fasting" and "alms giving." They, too, were pitched the prized baseballs.
In discussing the prayer pillar, Fr. John said that, "Prayer is the change-up pitch." Fr. John noted that some people have trouble praying deeply and meditating. However, Fr. John told us that, "If you can worry, you can
meditate. Prayer is more than talking to God, it is listening too."
Fasting, the second pillar, is the oldest discipline and is the fast ball of Catholic spring training. Fasting is truly the most difficult pillar to bring to action. It is important to ask for grace to fast since fasting is a form of prayer. Fasting is looking at yourself and searching your soul in an honest way. Are there addictions you need to address in your life? Father John mentioned sexual addiction and pornography on the Internet as a major problem in the lives of some people.
Alms giving is the third pillar and is similar to baseball's curve ball. The thought of giving often times takes us outside our comfort zone and therein lies the "curve." The Bible instructs us to tithe 10% of our income to the Church and
related organizations. Father John suggested that, in addition to money, there are other important ways to tithe, such as sharing our time and talents.
"What is your mission here on earth?" Fr. Madigan inquired. He suggested we read "The Purpose Driven Life" and described how the book relates to each of us living the deepest relation-ship with Christ possible. He related this to people called to mission-oriented life. Do you or I have that calling? How can we rid ourselves of the unnecessary and burdensome material items, hindering beliefs and harmful actions that keep us from growing the only relationship that counts — our rich, rewarding relationship with Christ Jesus?
Lent is more than "giving up." What can you take on to enrich your family, your brothers and sisters, your church? Fr. John recommend we use not just our treasure, but also use our time and talent to increase God's Kingdom here on earth.
Thank you, Fr. John, for coaching us so very well in our two-hour spring training camp! We left refreshed with many new ideas to ponder and we're ready to do our best to hit one out of the park for Christ!
The Trainers Breakfast — January 17th The Holy Spirit Intervenes to Teach A Lesson in Love by Cyndie Ulrich, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Truly, it's not known when we'll be called to serve and prayerfully support any one of our brothers or sisters. In just this manner, the Holy Spirit worked with wonder and power at the January 17th SacraMentors trainers breakfast.
The day began with our group attending morning Mass, then returning to enjoy delicious refreshments provided by Ann Trepus and Ann Moser. Bill Wiebe welcomed 21 trainers representing nine parishes. Several SacraMentors interested in becoming trainers joined in the morning's activities, too.
Bill reviewed training concepts and techniques and displayed examples of supplies trainers should use at training sessions. Bill explained that the goal is to eventually have self-sufficient training groups within each deanery of the Arch-diocese. Linda Moran and Frank Frey (who share the responsibilities of the Expansion Coordinator position), discussed long-term expansion strategies and solicited ideas from the group on how best to proceed. Linda and Frank will implement expansion as time and organizational resources permit. Joe Kibler is helping to formulate ideas for development of the South Sound and Southern deaneries.
Denise Smith and Frank Pease led a discussion in mentoring folks into our Apostles Groups now and not waiting until a series occurs. It was stressed that folks can be mentored into meetings while awaiting a series, but that their attendance at a series as soon as possible is a must! Mentoring is a blessing since it requires review of the program by the mentor and leads him or her to a deeper understanding of our powerful program.
Ron Reierson discussed our financial status. All present realized the power of tithing when he illustrated that if each active SacraMentor sister and brother committed just $10 per month in stewardship, the organization would benefit by $42,000 annually. As SacraMentors applies for grants, it is critical that we show potential funding sources that we are self sustaining. In addition, funds are needed in the very near future to hire a part-time bookkeeper/secretary.
Grieving the loss of her daughter, "PJ," to cancer last year, Patricia Reierson then requested and received prayer through the laying on of hands. Joe Kibler led the prayer for Patty and those who participated report it was a most powerful moment as the Holy Spirit proved His presence, grace and love for her and for us all. Patty was later heard to say that the work of the Holy Spirit through SacraMentors should be known as "vitamins for the soul." Thank you, Patty, for blessing us with the chance to bless you. That's what SacraMentors is all about, isn't it?
The next trainers breakfast is planned for late spring. One of our SacraMentor brothers, Charles Lovejoy, offered to research details about hosting the next meeting at his parish, St. Monica's on Mercer Island.
We trainers invite you to join in growing the Sacramentors movement. There's nothing so beautiful as giving (and receiving) the gift of SacraMentors - the gift of peace and happiness, is there?
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