A central theme of Judaism as instructed in the law of Moses and the preaching of the prophets is that of social justice. As we have seen in recent Sunday Mass readings from the prophet Amos, concern for the poor (both generously sharing our resources with them and seeking to correct unjust business practices, laws, and structures) is a matter of great importance for anyone who is claiming to worship the God of Israel. In fact, the prophets promise doom for those who are indifferent to the suffering of the poor.  A central theme of Judaism, which we find in the Law of Moses and the preaching of the Prophets is that of social justice. While the expression “ social justice ” does not occur, “ justice ” and “ righteousness ” are words which are frequently used.  As we have seen in recent Sunday Mass readings from the Prophet Amos, concern for the poor (both generously sharing our resources with them and seeking to correct unjust business practices, laws and structures) is a matter of great importance for anyone who is claiming to worship the God of Israel. In fact, the prophets promise doom for those who cause the suffering of the poor.

There are other elements to social justice which one sees in the writings of the Law, the Prophets and in the Psalms, including: equal justice for all before judges (avoiding bribes and bias), avoiding harassment of foreigners and exploitation of workers, access to credit, honesty, and a general concern for orphans and widows, who were the vulnerable members of society.

Anyone who is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, will follow these teachings, doing our best to be righteous in all our conduct, including our civic involvement. There is some legitimate range of opinion, (i.e., prudential judgements) as to what the problems are, what the biggest priorities are, and how best to address them. No political party, no candidate, nor any elected official is officially endorsed by the Church. Catholics need to look at human rights, their own assessment of what is actually happening in our society, and the candidates and the propositions that are up for vote, and then they must vote their best to promote a just society as Christians. Of course, they should seek to be informed, and try to help by works of charity. They must also take part in the social/political sphere to see that human rights are respected and to make the world a better place.

Where then does the abortion issue fit into all of this? The U.S. Bishops have said in recent years that protecting innocent human life from abortion is a central social justice issue. How is concern about abortion social justice? It has to do with protecting the human right to life by our structure of laws. Simply hoping that the life of an innocent baby is not unjustly taken, or promising not to do it ourselves, is not enough (just like hoping that employers will be fair and just in their hiring and treatment of employees is not enough!). We must work together to protect the human right to life, not only in our works of charity (which are always important), but in the way we vote. Is abortion the only issue? No. Is it a central one for any Catholic? Yes, definitely.

May the Lord guide us in all we do to protect human life from conception to natural death.

-Fr. Umberg

A few weeks ago, on a Friday afternoon, Father Umberg heard that a priest had called St. Vivian (Assumption’s office was already closed) asking if he could stay overnight at Assumption rectory so that he could concelebrate a funeral at Assumption on Saturday morning. Father Umberg asked if they knew anything about the priest. They responded, “He’s a Jesuit. He says he’s from EWTN.” It was Father Mitch Pacwah, SJ, a leading priest at EWTN television who has many of his own shows! Needless to say, Father Umberg said yes, and he and Father Haft enjoyed many conversations with their special weekend guest! (PS Fr. Umberg’s dog Otto also enjoyed the company of Fr. Pacwah!)

Since arriving at St. Vivian, I have noticed that the way you have done communion here at Sunday and weekday Masses is very unconventional. I am, of course, referring to the fact that communicants here at St. Vivian begin processing from the back pew instead of the front pew, and walk up along the sides of church instead of up the center aisle. I realize there are historical reasons for this pattern, and that you have done this for a long time. Nevertheless, having heard the various reasons and theories for this practice, I do not find any of them of sufficient weight to continue this unconventional pattern. Therefore, beginning this weekend (the first weekend of September), at all weekend Masses, we will follow a new communion pattern:

Communicants in the main body of the church will walk up the center aisle in two rows, beginning with the first pew, and circle around to return to their seats along the sides of church. In the “L”, the communion minister will begin by distributing Holy Communion to those with special needs in the front pew, then to those in the chairs in the front of the smaller seating section. Next, beginning with the first pew of the smaller seating section, communicants will come forward from the smaller seating section. Then, turning left, they will return to their seats by circling around the large section of seats in the “L”. After the smaller seating section is finished, communicants from the large seating section of the “L” will come forward out of the right side of the pew (toward the center), beginning with the front pew, and circle around the large seating section to the left to return to their seats.

At weekday Masses, we have already begun this new pattern. If it seems strange to people at first, I am confident that everyone will very quickly adjust to this new pattern. Thank you for your cooperation!

-Fr. Umberg

As mentioned in my article last week, the Solemnity of the Assumption is coming up this Monday, August 15. This is NOT a holy day of obligation this year. However, it is a special feast day, and it is the patronal feast of Assumption Parish in Mt. Healthy, a parish in our family. While we will celebrate that feast at St. Bartholomew at the usual 8:00AM Monday Mass time, there will be a special celebration at Assumption Church at 8:30AM on that day, with music and with coffee and donuts or coffee cake afterward in the Providence Room, their parish hall. Parishioners from all parishes are welcome.

FEAST OF ST. BARTHOMEW, APOSTLE, WEDNEDAY, AUGUST 24, 8:00AM

The plan is to have music and to have coffee and donuts or coffee cake in the narthex.

PROCEDURES FOR THOSE WHO BRING COMMUNION TO THE SICK

At this past Sunday’s Masses, I mentioned that we would be changing the procedures for those who bring the Eucharist to the sick. The procedures will change for both Sunday and weekday Masses. More info to come. For now, our present procedures will stay.

-Fr. Umberg

It was pointed out to me that the month of August has many saints’ feast days that are the patrons of our parishes in the S7 Family of Parishes. I checked for myself and was surprised to see that 5 of our 6 parishes could claim a saint’s day during the month of August!

We begin with August 11, the feast of St. Clare. Next, we have August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (falling on Monday, so not a Holyday of Obligation this year). Next we have the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux on August 20. On August 22, we have the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (between the Assumption and this feast of the Queenship, I definitely think we have Mother of Christ covered!).  Finally, as if there were not enough of our saints’ feasts already, we celebrate the feast of St. Bartholomew on August 24.

An idea for people who might want to grow in appreciation of the patron saints/feasts of the parishes of our family: look up and read a little paragraph or two about each of them. It is not too soon for us to think about ourselves as one big family.

-Fr. Umberg