From the Pastor May 17/18

Conventional wisdom going into the latest Papal Conclave was that an American could never be elected pope. It was believed the College of Cardinals thought the United States exercises such great political, economic, military, and cultural power that it didn’t want to also give an American authority over the Church. 

Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona-Rochester, and driving force behind Word On Fire Ministries, and known to many parishioners who read our weekly Flocknotes, got himself in a bit of trouble at the start of the conclave. He quoted his mentor, the late Cardinal George of Chicago, who said an American would not be elected pope until the United States was seen as going into decline. When Cardinal Prevost was elected to be Pope Leo you could almost hear the media jumping to the conclusion that maybe the Cardinals feel our nation is in decline. 

Many reputable commentators, with a good understanding of the Vatican, said before the conclave geography would not play as great a factor in the pope’s election as might be thought. Leadership skills, experience, intellect, and temperament were going to be the most important qualities looked for in their selection. Pope Leo XIV fulfills those important requirements. 

Pope Leo has been called the least American of the American Cardinals. Yet, he has many qualities that epitomize the American experience. His ancestry includes a melting pot of ethnicities including his mother’s Creole background. A product of Catholic parochial schools and colleges, his family life reflects the rise of Catholic prominence in the post World War II era. 

While an American, his life experience is that of being a citizen of the Americas, north and south. Most of his ministry has been spent outside this country. As a young Austinian Friar he went to minister in Peru for ten years. After spending twelve years living in Rome in the international role of Superior General of the Augustinians order, where he supervised members of this order living in over 50 countries, he returned to Peru as a bishop. An agreement with the Peruvian government requires bishops to be Peruvian citizens, so he holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship. 

As Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, a relatively small diocese in the northwest of the country he was known as being very direct in helping those people in need. When floods twice affected parts of the diocese he donned rubber boots and gloves to help the homeless. Quite a singular honor bestowed on Pope Leo was that of being elected President of the Peruvian Bishop’s Conference. A great sign of confidence in his leadership.

What kind of pope will Leo XIV be is a question that he has been answering this week as his official instillation on Sunday approached. Leo has been answering that question in homilies, addresses, and blessings over the last week. He has said he will continue the initiatives of Pope Francis to make sure we are a listening, welcoming Church with a missionary focus. The sign he sent by choosing the name Leo, last used by a late 19th and early 20th century pope, known for beginning a renewed focus on the social justice gospel, suggests that he will make the concerns of the common person his concentration. He has already made clear he will be sounding warning alarms about the use of artificial intelligence and its effects on working people. 

I strongly believe Pope Leo will lead and govern the Church well during his pontificate. Remember though, its success isn’t only up to him. His accomplishments also depend on each of us. We need to listen, respond faithfully, and share generously Leo’s guidance so all may come to know the living God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Best wishes and heartfelt prayers are on the way to Pope Leo from all your faithful ones.

Catholic Appeal Underway

The 84th Annual Catholic Appeal began May 1. This year’s theme is “Hope Lights the Way” in honor of the Holy Year of Hope. Since 1942, the Appeal has supported people in all phases of life – from children, to youth, to parents, to the elderly. Gifts to the Catholic Appeal sustain the work of our Diocese, including numerous agencies, programs, and ministries providing food and shelter, educating children and adults, and meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of thousands. We encourage you to support the Appeal as generously as you can. You can make a one-time gift or a pledge with convenient payments throughout the year. 

Registered parishioners recently received a mailing that contained a brochure describing the works and agencies supported by the Appeal, and a pledge card. Extra brochures and contribution card are located in pew book rakes, or make your gift or pledge online at: www.GiveFRDiocese.org. 

As your pastor I put an emphasis on supporting the Catholic Appeal. Besides the parish itself, the Catholic Appeal is one of the charities to which I make my largest contribution. I donate 2.5 % of my income to it. Last year 146 Holy Redeemer parishioners donated $51,503.50 to the Appeal. We would like to increase our donations by 10 % this year. That is a monetary goal of $57,000 and a donor base increase of 15 to 160. As of Tuesday, 15 parishioners have donated $3,605 to the Appeal. It is still early in the appeal but we need to pick up the pace of donations. I hope you will consider prayerfully consider making a generous donation to this 84th annual Catholic Appeal.

Lower/Outer Cape Young Adult Group Forming

A Young Catholic Adult Group for those aged 19-35 is being formed in the Lower/Outer Cape Area to socialize, play, and pray together. If you are interested in joining, please contact Colin Murphy at YACapeCod@gmail.com 

We Have a Dream

Deacon Art La Chance will assume the role of Parish Business Manager when Howard Whelden retires at the end of June but we have a bigger dream. It is to employ Deacon Art full-time as a Pastoral Associate. The problem is we can’t afford that now. We would need to increase our weekly collection by about 15% to pay for the additional costs. When was the last time you increased your donation to the parish? Like your own household we have faced increased expenses over recent years. What would contributing a percentage of your income look like? Can you get out of the habit of donating a set monetary amount and donate 2%, 3% or maybe even 5% of income to the parish to pay for spreading the gospel in our community? There is no better use for your wealth than to help make the name of Jesus Christ better known in Chatham.