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Companions on the Journey

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

These words of encouragement were written by St. Paul to the Christian church in Rome, but similar sentiments were echoed by Pope Benedict XVI throughout his recent visit to the United States. How blessed the American Church was to have the Pope - the preeminent teacher of the faith - worship with us, share in our pains and afflictions, and offer to us the hope of Christ in word, prayer and presence.

As companions on the journey, we have compiled in this edition of the Emmaus Journal - along with our usual features - a collection of photos, reflection questions and snippets from several of Pope Benedict's homilies and addresses in Washington DC and New York that you might find helpful in your educational and pastoral ministry. Please let us know if what you see and read here in this edition of the Emmaus Journal is of help to you!

Peace and God's good blessings,

Gary T. Meyerl
Assistant Executive Director
Secondary Schools Department
National Catholic Educational Association

In this Edition...

Wisdom & Witness Conference for Religion Teachers at the University of Notre Dame
Highlights from the U.S. Visit of Pope Benedict XVI
Birthday Blessings
Collaborative Spirit: Part III of III
New Resources: School Success Teams & The Care Team Approach
World Food Crisis 2008
Creighton University On-line Course for High School Religion Teachers
WYD2008 in Sydney, Australia
The CCHD Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award
The Soul of Youth Sport Summer Symposium

The Secondary Schools Department Presents Wisdom & Witness When: June 29 - July 1, 2009 Where: University of Notre Dame, Indiana Who: High School Religion Teachers, Campus Ministers, and Service Directors This national conference is designed to bring together religion teachers, campus ministers and service directors from across the country for three days of learning, renewal and prayer as well as workshops facilitated by some of the best in the field. If you are interested in Wisdom & Witness 2009 and want to be placed on the mailing list, please contact us at kendreola@ncea.org

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A Hope-filled papal journey: Highlights from the U.S. Visit of Pope Benedict XVI An excerpt from the homily of Pope Benedict XVI, Nationals Park in Washington, April 17, 2008 "Here I wish to offer a special word of gratitude and encouragement to all those who have taken up the challenge of the Second Vatican Council, so often reiterated by Pope John Paul II, and committed their lives to the new evangelization. I thank my brother Bishops, priests and deacons, men and women religious, parents, teachers and catechists. The fidelity and courage with which the Church in this country will respond to the challenges raised by an increasingly secular and materialistic culture will depend in large part upon your own fidelity in handing on the treasure of our Catholic faith. Young people need to be helped to discern the path that leads to true freedom: the path of a sincere and generous imitation of Christ, the path of commitment to justice and peace. Much progress has been made in developing solid programs of catechesis, yet so much more remains to be done in forming the hearts and minds of the young in knowledge and love of the Lord. The challenges confronting us require a comprehensive and sound instruction in the truths of the faith. But they also call for cultivating a mindset, an intellectual "culture", which is genuinely Catholic, confident in the profound harmony of faith and reason, and prepared to bring the richness of faith's vision to bear on the urgent issues which affect the future of American society." Reflection Question: What more can our school community be doing to form the hearts and minds of our students and help them discern the path that can lead to true freedom – "a path of a sincere and generous imitation of Christ"? To read the entire homily of Pope Benedict XVI, go to: http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/04/nationals-park.html An excerpt from the address of Pope Benedict XVI to the Community of Catholic Educators at Catholic University of America, April 17, 2008 "Education is integral to the mission of the Church to proclaim the Good News. First and foremost every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth (cf. Spe Salvi, 4). This relationship elicits a desire to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Christ and his teaching. In this way those who meet him are drawn by the very power of the Gospel to lead a new life characterized by all that is beautiful, good, and true; a life of Christian witness nurtured and strengthened within the community of our Lord's disciples, the Church. The dynamic between personal encounter, knowledge and Christian witness is integral to the diakonia of truth which the Church exercises in the midst of humanity. God's revelation offers every generation the opportunity to discover the ultimate truth about its own life and the goal of history. This task is never easy; it involves the entire Christian community and motivates each generation of Christian educators to ensure that the power of God's truth permeates every dimension of the institutions they serve. In this way, Christ's Good News is set to work, guiding both teacher and student towards the objective truth which, in transcending the particular and the subjective, points to the universal and absolute that enables us to proclaim with confidence the hope which does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5:5). Set against personal struggles, moral confusion and fragmentation of knowledge, the noble goals of scholarship and education, founded on the unity of truth and in service of the person and the community, become an especially powerful instrument of hope." Reflection Questions: How has my own Christian witness been strengthened as a result of my teaching at a Catholic school? What opportunities are made available to our faculty and staff to grow our faith so that the "power of God's truth permeates every dimension of the institutions we serve?" To read the entire address of Pope Benedict XVI, go to: http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/04/to-catholic-educators.html Address of Pope Benedict XVI to the United Nations Organization at the UN Headquarters, New York, Apeil 18, 2008 "In the context of international relations, it is necessary to recognize the higher role played by rules and structures that are intrinsically ordered to promote the common good, and therefore to safeguard human freedom. These regulations do not limit freedom. On the contrary, they promote it when they prohibit behaviour and actions which work against the common good, curb its effective exercise and hence compromise the dignity of every human person. In the name of freedom, there has to be a correlation between rights and duties, by which every person is called to assume responsibility for his or her choices, made as a consequence of entering into relations with others. Here our thoughts turn also to the way the results of scientific research and technological advances have sometimes been applied. Notwithstanding the enormous benefits that humanity can gain, some instances of this represent a clear violation of the order of creation, to the point where not only is the sacred character of life contradicted, but the human person and the family are robbed of their natural identity. Likewise, international action to preserve the environment and to protect various forms of life on earth must not only guarantee a rational use of technology and science, but must also rediscover the authentic image of creation. This never requires a choice to be made between science and ethics: rather it is a question of adopting a scientific method that is truly respectful of ethical imperatives." Reflection Questions: How many of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching does Pope Benedict XVI make reference to in this address? As members of one human family and one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, what responsibilities and opportunities do we have to protect the rights and dignity of all of creation? To read the entire address of Pope Benedict XVI, go to: http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/04/at-un.html An excerpt from the discourse of Pope Benedict XVI with Young People at St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie, NY, April 19, 2008 How then can we as believers help others to walk the path of freedom which brings fulfillment and lasting happiness? Let us again turn to the saints. How did their witness truly free others from the darkness of heart and mind? The answer is found in the kernel of their faith; the kernel of our faith. The Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, tells us that God does indeed find a place among us. Though the inn is full, he enters through the stable, and there are people who see his light. They recognize Herod's dark closed world for what it is, and instead follow the bright guiding star of the night sky. And what shines forth? Here you might recall the prayer uttered on the most holy night of Easter: "Father we share in the light of your glory through your Son the light of the world...iinflame us with your hope!" (Blessing of the Fire). And so, in solemn procession with our lighted candles we pass the light of Christ among us." It is "the light which dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace, and humbles earthly pride" (Exsultet). This is Christ's light at work. This is the way of the saints. It is a magnificent vision of hope - Christ's light beckons you to be guiding stars for others, walking Christ's way of forgiveness, reconciliation, humility, joy and peace." Reflection Questions: Who can we introduce to our students as "guiding stars" and models of faith? How can our own personal witness be a sign of hope to our students, passing the light of Christ on to them? To read the entire discourse of Pope Benedict XVI, go to: http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/04/to-young.html An excerpt from the greeting of Pope Benedict XVI to a group of young people with disabilities in the Chapel of St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie, NY, April 19, 2008 "God has blessed you with life, and with differing talents and gifts. Through these you are able to serve him and society in various ways. While some people's contributions seem great and others' more modest, the witness value of our efforts is always a sign of hope for everyone. Sometimes it is challenging to find a reason for what appears only as a difficulty to be overcome or even pain to be endured. Yet our faith helps us to break open the horizon beyond our own selves in order to see life as God does. God's unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life. Through his Cross, Jesus in fact draws us into his saving love (cf. Jn 12:32) and in so doing shows us the way ahead - the way of hope which transfigures us all, so that we too, become bearers of that hope and charity for others." Reflection Question: While this greeting was spoken to a group of young people with disabilities, its message is one that touches on one of life's universal truths - life is not always easy. How might the Holy Father's Gospel-based, hope-filled message help young people or families in your school community? To read all of the greeting shared by Pope Benedict XVI, go to: http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/04/to-disabled-youth.html An excerpt from the homily of Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium, New York, April 20, 2008 "Yesterday, not far from here, I was moved by the joy, the hope and the generous love of Christ which I saw on the faces of the many young people assembled in Dunwoodie. They are the Church's future, and they deserve all the prayer and support that you can give them. And so I wish to close by adding a special word of encouragement to them. My dear young friends, like the seven men, "filled with the Spirit and wisdom" whom the Apostles charged with care for the young Church, may you step forward and take up the responsibility which your faith in Christ sets before you! May you find the courage to proclaim Christ, "the same, yesterday, and today and for ever" and the unchanging truths which have their foundation in him (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 10; Heb 13:8). These are the truths that set us free! They are the truths which alone can guarantee respect for the inalienable dignity and rights of each man, woman and child in our world - including the most defenseless of all human beings, the unborn child in the mother's womb. In a world where, as Pope John Paul II, speaking in this very place, reminded us, Lazarus continues to stand at our door (Homily at Yankee Stadium, October 2, 1979, No. 7), let your faith and love bear rich fruit in outreach to the poor, the needy and those without a voice. Young men and women of America, I urge you: open your hearts to the Lord's call to follow him in the priesthood and the religious life. Can there be any greater mark of love than this: to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who was willing to lay down his life for his friends (cf. Jn 15:13)?" Reflection Question: It is obvious that the Holy Father holds young people close to his heart, recognizing that they are not only the "Church's future", but active members of the Church of today as well. What opportunities do the students in our schools have to exercise their faith and live out the call to "proclaim Christ" and follow in his footsteps? To read the entire homily of Pope Benedict XVI, go to: http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/04/at-yankee-stadium.html Many of the events during Pope Benedict's U.S visit were captured on video. If you'd like to watch an event again or for the very first time, visit the special Papal Visit section on the USCCB website at http://www.uspapalvisit.org

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A Hope-filled Gift: Birthday Blessings

NCEA and the Secondary Schools Department are most grateful to Catholic school and parish religious education students throughout the country who pledged more than 1.7 million hours of service in honor of Pope Benedict's XVI's 81st birthday.

On April 16, 2008, NCEA President Dr. Karen Ristau and three students, including Kristina Wilson and principal Jeff Mancabelli from St. John's Catholic High School in Washington, DC, met with the Holy Father at the Vatican Embassy in Washington to personally present the birthday gift to him. In addition to the pledged service hours, parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. collected more than 100,000 bags of food which was distributed to Washington-area food banks.

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Over the Transom

TRANSOM: "TRAN-sum" A small hinged window above a door, allowing light and ventilation into hallways of older buildings. At magazine and newspaper offices, unsolicited manuscripts were often submitted "over the transom." Each edition of The Emmaus Journal will feature at least one article written by those of you "in the trenches" - teachers, campus ministers and service coordinators who are ministering to and with our students and faculty everyday. We welcome your input and encourage you to submit articles of interest "over the transom."

Collaborative Spirit: Part III of III
Dr. Rita E. Cutarelli and Ms. Carrie J. Schroeder
Director of Campus Ministry and Religious Studies Chairperson
Mercy High School, San Francisco, California

Retreats

All juniors at Mercy participate in a day-long retreat with their Religious Studies class focused on the theme of "The Journey of Life." Since students have already experienced two day-long retreats during their previous years, they do not need as much preparation as students for whom the idea of a retreat may be brand new. However, Religious Studies teachers do introduce the theme of the retreat to the students, along with the three sub-themes that they will explore throughout the day: "companions on the journey," "the map," and "the leap of faith." If time permits, students begin, in class, to reflect on specific questions like these: "Who are my companions on the journey of life?" "What 'map' do I use to find my way around a confusing or difficult situation?" "When have I taken a risk, and what has been the result?" Planting the seeds of these ideas in the students' minds enables them to mull over issues and topics so that they can more thoughtfully contribute to the discussions and activities at the retreat itself.

In addition, Religious Studies teachers help the students to understand why the junior retreat focuses on the theme of journey: it is a prominent theme in Scripture. From the very beginnings of Jewish history with the journey of Abraham and Sarah, to the great journey of the Exodus, to the journey into exile in Babylon and back again, to the travels of Mary, Joseph, the magi, Jesus, and Paul, God's people are ever on the move in the pages of sacred Scripture. Even a cursory familiarity with some of these Scriptural stories enables students to begin to understand how life itself can be understood, literally and/or metaphorically, as a journey.

The exploration of the theme "The Journey of Life" occurs on the Junior Retreat through the opening prayer and activity, the three focus sessions, and the concluding prayer. Students are divided into groups where they rotate through the three focus sessions in no particular order. The sessions are led by seniors who are members of the Retreat Team, with the support of a faculty member. As noted above, one of the sessions focuses on "The Map" which guides our life's journeys. Students begin exploring the questions of which "turns to take" in order to help them find their way while doing a scavenger hunt around the retreat facility. At the conclusion of the scavenger hunt, the student leader helps the juniors understand the meaning of the different symbols they found. She then offers a talk about her own life journey and what experiences – both positive and negative - have helped her to determine the direction of her life. Finally, the session concludes with each student creating a paper lantern on which she draws a symbol of what guides her and lights the way for her on her life's journey.

Another session in the rotation focuses on "Companions on the Journey". Not only do students reflect upon why we need those "expected" companions (such as parents, other family members, and friends) who walk with us, offering support and guidance, but they also consider who the "unexpected" companions are who appear along our life's path. In the spirit of Jesus accompanying the disciples on the road to Emmaus, "unexpected" companions can be a great source of strength, encouragement, and wisdom. In order to delve into this topic, the student leaders engage the juniors in a number of activities and follow-up discussions including an obstacle course, creating a yarn web, offering a personal talk or testimony, and creating colorful footprints with the names of those expected and unexpected companions.

The final session in the rotation centers on "Leaps of Faith". During this session, students consider how part of any journey is taking risks and trying to make good decisions, even when we do not have all the information we might ideally want. The "journey of life" invites all of us to take risks in order to live life to the fullest. Having faith in ourselves, in others, and in God can enable us to take risks and to grow in ways we might never have imagined. Through a series of trust activities which include doing human sculptures and simple trust falls, students develop an awareness that "leaps of faith" or taking risks are essential in life. The activities and follow-up discussion allow the students to understand that if we were always afraid to try something new, to reach out to a new person, or to speak our mind, we would never get anywhere in life. The student leaders encourage the juniors to move to another level, however, by offering a personal talk or testimonial about what enables her to take risks, to step out of her comfort zone and to take a particular course of action, even without knowing for certain what the outcome will be. The session concludes with students considering what their foundation or "rock" is which enables them to take a risk or a "leap of faith". Rather than simply naming a person, students are encouraged to name the qualities of that person who inspire or empower them (For instance, rather than simply stating "my mother is my rock", a student might indicate that it is her mother's faith which inspires or empowers her.). Each student then receives a rock on which she writes her foundation or source of strength, thus serving as a reminder when taking that next "leap of faith".

The concluding prayer for the Junior Retreat truly integrates the theme of "The Journey of Life" and more firmly roots it in the faith story of our ancestors. The prayer weaves together three important stories of journey: those found in scripture, those of the students, and that of faculty members. Throughout the prayer we hear scripture passages involving the journeys of Abram, Ruth and Naomi, Mary encountering her kinswoman Elizabeth, and that of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. While prayers of intercession connect our stories to that of our ancestors of faith, students present the various symbols they have made: lantern, footprints, and rocks. In order to help students understand that the questions we encounter on our life's journey do not stop in high school, faculty members offer personal talks about their journeys of faith and how they have been fed along the way. The prayer concludes with a bread-breaking in which we are reminded that the bread we share is a sign of gratitude for the many ways in which God nourishes and sustains us on our journey, and as a promise to be nourishment and sustenance for others.

Spending an entire day steeped in a Scriptural theme is an invaluable experience for students, one which continues to bear fruit throughout the year. Having explored the theme of journey through all manner of activities, discussions, and prayer—all of which would not have been possible to accomplish within the confines of a class period—students immediately notice when this theme appears in a new story or text they are studying. In addition, having reflected on their own journey of life thus far, students observe parallels between their own story and the stories of the many colorful characters they encounter in Scripture. Some Religious Studies teachers build on this by assigning an essay or project in which students study one character through the lens of the retreat sub-themes: Who are this character's companions on the journey? What key experiences in this character's life provide the "map" by which she or he navigates through decisions and difficulties? What "leaps of faith" did she or he take, and how did this risk-taking change the character's relationships with God and other people? This type of analysis and reflection develops students' spirituality and self-awareness; builds their critical reading and thinking skills; and heightens their appreciation of Scripture as a living document, one which continues to shape the lives of believers who claim it as God's Word.

Conclusion

This three part essay has described a model in which Campus Ministry and Religious Studies each make a unique contribution to the collaborative task of educating and forming students in faith. While acknowledging the variety of organizational models operative in U.S. Catholic secondary schools, we have found this model to be the most effective way to help our students to grow in faith, both cognitively and affectively. The greatest hope of any high school Campus Minister or Religious Studies teacher is that his or her students will continue to engage in a life of faith beyond high school, making prayer, worship, study, and service integral parts of their lives. When students learn in high school that academic inquiry can nourish one's prayer and spirituality, and that prayer and worship can, in turn, prompt serious intellectual questions, they are well on the way to an adult life of genuine religious commitment and faithful discipleship.

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New Resources: Models of Hope: School Success Teams & The Care Team Approach

The Care Team is a comprehensive approach to managing difficult situations in the school setting and provides staff with the leadership, resources and support to reach a positive outcome that provides a win-win environment for students and staff. It provides necessary information for teachers and is extremely thought provoking. Real case studies mirror family and student challenges that schools face each day. "It is a 'must read' for every educator on our staff. This publication is a valuable handbook for our entire team. Concise, yet thorough, it has helpful technical information communicated for the practicing educator." Sr. Joan Andert, SSND, Principal, Rosati-Kain High School To purchase, click here for NCEA's online store

School Success Teams (SST) a model launched from Loyola Marymount University, is designed to be a school-wide early identification and intervention process. Working as a team, the student and his/her parent(s) collaborate with a team of teachers, counselors and school administrators to identify the student's strengths and assets. The identified strengths serve as the foundation of a comprehensive plan to improve the student's chance of success. Follow-up meetings provide the support and encouragement needed to maximize the student's achievement and overall school experience. "Building community through School Success Teams is one of the missing pieces that will allow Catholic schools to meet the needs of all students. SST lays the foundation for Catholic schools to achieve their true purpose - educating all of God's Children." Gabrielle Benson, Bishop Amat Memorial High School To purchase, click here for NCEA's online store

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Education for Justice: World Food Crisis 2008

In the past few weeks, riots over food prices have been erupting in several countries around the world including Egypt, Bangladesh, Haiti, and Cameroon among others.

The riots are in response the sharp spike in the price of basic foods made from wheat, rice and corn. Prices of these commodities have almost doubled in the last 12 months, but most of the increase has been seen and felt since January 2008. This sharp increase in prices is making it dangerously difficult for people to buy the foods they need for basic survival. People who are the poorest have been particularly hard hit, because the foods they normally purchase to secure their only meal for the day are now priced far beyond their reach.

Education for Justice has created a special 7-page resource which summarizes the situation and provides an educational tool that you and your students can use in order to learn more on this issue. To obtain a trial membership and a copy of this invaluable teaching resource, visit the Education for Justice website at http://www.educationforjustice.org  

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Creighton University On-line Course for High School Religion Teachers

Could you or a high school religion teacher you know benefit from enrolling in an on-line religion teaching methods course through Creighton University next fall?  This course is designed to be flexible and manageable for full-time teachers. A limited number of scholarships for this course are available, so apply early.

 

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WYD2008 in Sydney, Australia

Are you or one of your Catholic secondary school students planning to attend World Youth Day this summer in Sydney, Australia? If so, let us know. We are planning to feature WYD2008 in our Fall 2008 edition of the Emmaus Journal and would welcome the opportunity to feature a reflection and pictures taken by a Catholic secondary school educator and student. Please send the names and e-mail address of those attending to gmeyerl@ncea.org  

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The CCHD Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development, a branch of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), recognizes the leadership, energy, and diverse skills that young adults bring to the anti-poverty work of low income projects and Catholic parishes. The Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award highlights the gifts of young leaders ages 18 – 30 and their gospel commitment to the poor. If you know a student, alum or teacher who is worthy of being nominated, download a nomination form by visiting the USCCB website at http://www.usccb.org/cchd/youth.shtml#cardinal

Deadline: July 31, 2008 

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Summer Symposium: The Soul of Youth Sport

The Soul of Youth Sport: Discovering the Life-Giving Dimensions is a summer symposium hosted by The Center for the Study of Sport and Exercise at Seattle University from June 27-29, 2008. This three-day symposium will bring together experienced coaches, administrators and scholars in philosophy, moral development and theology/spirituality with national and international reputations to reflect on this topic. Information is available at http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/css/youthsport  

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The Emmaus Journal Educator's Exchange

We are looking for teachers "in the field" who would be willing to submit brief descriptions of programming in their schools or classrooms. If you are doing something that you think others would be interested to know, please email Gary Meyerl, Assistant Executive Director of the Secondary Schools Department and editor of The Emmaus Journal, for inclusion in the next issue. Please limit your submission to 100-200 words and include your position, school and an email address where readers can contact you for more information about your great ideas. If you can share a link that will take readers to more information, please do.

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