I Am Entitled To Be...

Yesterday I attended a training retreat for 33 Catholic high school students - volunteers to help with Grade Nine class retreats. It was led by the school Chaplain - a Faith filled educator with wisdom and empathy. Goals included building friendships, community, and participation in the life of the school - with Faith being the bonding agent.

I knew a few people. Some knew many. No one knew everyone. We sat in a circle. The first person, Carolyn, said her name plus a word which started with the first letter of her name and also described a value she held important - Community. The second person repeated Carolyn-Community and added his name Bill-Babies. The third repeated the 1st and 2nd names with values and added Jordan-Justice. The string grew. As we reached 10 it took full attention to hold names and values. By the end we were amazed at the power of repetition. I had learned almost 30 names and their chosen values.

During sessions we explored talents - reflected on our Faith's calling to become servants - acknowledged witnessing Faith can be risky - need for courage to step out. Commitment and support became central themes.

There was a rich discussion on 'entitlement'. Many said they would not give up ritual privileges to Grade Nines (IE where they sit at assemblies and in the cafeteria). They were entitled to these recognitions of 'seniority'. As Grade Nines they had experienced a lower status - so it was right the new Grade Nines should continue the tradition. Being lower class. 'It is just the way things are'.

The Chaplain noted 'seniority status' was not followed during school Mass. The community was homogenized. All are equal as children of God. She encouraged reflecting on the different ways we live our relationships. In Faith we proclaim respect equality and dignity for all... always.

At the close the leaders formed working teams of 4 or 5. Each group created a welcoming prayer for their Grade Nine retreat. Some teams used the Rap format - others were more traditional. All expressed a deep spiritual wish - the new students would feel welcomed and find a centering in their new school.

A privilege to be there! Evidence of Hope for the future!

Conflicting Needs

After Mass Peggy and I went for coffee with friends at the local St. Tim's (aka Tim Horton's).

One friend said - as she was leaving Church a lady complained to her that she was wrong for 'visiting' in church and not reverencing the Tabernacle, or respecting others who wanted silence to pray.

Our friend was clearly smarting from what she felt was an unjust criticism. Her 'visiting' had included encouraging a profoundly sick friend; sharing about a young person's involvement in a migrant worker programme with a parish Deacon; and providing information for a Parish outreach.

So I thought - here are conflicting needs.

On Sunday the Community comes together for worship - praying, learning, singing, celebrating Eucharist, supporting, encountering Jesus. Many only see each other at this gathering.

Some of our Community say 'visiting' should be in the vestibule, or parking lot so the Church can remain a quiet sanctuary for praying and meditation. Others say our Sunday celebration should be an open opportunity for Faith exchanges in the common place of gathering.

How can we know God's feelings about this???

Communities are always interesting...