February 13, 2012, Volume VI, Number 7

Monday of the Sixth Week of Ordinary TimeRemembrance of Sr. Dorothy Stang

February 14 – Feast of Saints Cyril and MethodiusFebruary 14 – Valentine’s Day

Question of the WeekFor the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time (February 19, 2012) "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Ave you ever listened to someone share about an encounter they had with a spiritual person who healed them of their psychological troubles and you found your skeptical of the process or the person? Have you ever listened to someone share their story of conversion after participating in a retreat, visiting a shrine, or attending a healing service and you found yourself questioning the authenticity of the retreat leader or the spiritual sight or the actual healer? What arouses these suspicions? Why is it we find it hard to believe in these miracles or transformations or even a change of heart?

NCCL News

Special Events with Fr. Leo Patalinghug  

By special arrangement, NCCL was able to engage Fr. Leo Patalinghug the host of Grace Before Meals to be a part of this year’s annual conference and exposition in San Diego.. Fr Leo has been scheduled for three (3) distinct presentations. The first offering takes place immediately following the

presentations by the two officer slates. To learn more please go to http://www.nccl.us/schedule/frleopatalinghug.html.

Monday, May7, 2:10 pm  Embrace Grace Before Meals: A presentation and cooking demonstration (Additional Fee)

Monday, May 7, 7:30 pm  Spiritual Combat: A special evening for Young Adults with Fr. Leo Patalinghug

Tuesday, May 8, 8:00 am  Mary’s Embrace of Grace

Go to http://www.gracebeforemeals.com/ for more information on Fr. Leo’s ministry. 

Doing GREAT MINISTRY With Less - Available for Sale – Third Chapter FREE

In November of 2010, 34 members of the NCCL Representative Council gathered for their annual fall meeting. Amidst all the other business, this group dedicated three different time segments to the development and creation of a book to be of service to diocesan and parish catechetical leaders.

Thursday, November 3, 2011, many of these same Rep Council members were handed the first copies of this book. Now you can share in the wisdom and thoughts of your catechetical partners. One chapter of this book will be available on the NCCL website under Resources each month for free until the entire book can be downloaded. If you want

your own copy, they retail for $12.95 but for this week, they are available to members for only $10.00 plus shipping and handling. Autographed copies are available to the first 50 orders. Log on to the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) to view the Table of Contents, Preface, and Background along with an order form. Be sure to look under Resources where this month the third chapter is free for download.

SIX THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE HHS MANDATE

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers the following clarifications regarding the Health and Human Services regulations on

mandatory coverage of contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs.

1.  The mandate does not exempt Catholic charities, schools, universities, or hospitals.  These institutions are vital to the mission of the Church, but HHS does not deem them "religious employers" worthy of conscience protection, because they do not "serve primarily persons who share the[ir] religious tenets."  HHS denies these organizations religious freedom precisely because their purpose is to serve the common good of society—a purpose that government should encourage, not punish. 

2.  The mandate forces these institutions and others, against their conscience, to pay for things they consider immoral.  Under the mandate, the government forces religious insurers to write policies that violate their beliefs; forces religious employers and schools to sponsor and subsidize coverage that violates their beliefs; and forces religious employees and students to purchase coverage that violates their beliefs. 

3.  The mandate forces coverage of sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs and devices as well as contraception.  Though commonly called the "contraceptive mandate," HHS's mandate also forces employers to sponsor and subsidize coverage of sterilization.  And by including all drugs approved by the FDA for use as contraceptives, the HHS mandate includes drugs that can induce abortion, such as "Ella," a close cousin of the abortion pill RU-486.

4.  Catholics of all political persuasions are unified in their opposition to the mandate.  Catholics who have long supported this Administration and its healthcare policies have publicly criticized HHS's decision, including columnists E.J. Dionne, Mark Shields, and Michael Sean Winters; college presidents Father John Jenkins and Arturo Chavez; and Daughter of Charity Sister Carol Keehan, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States.

5.  Many other religious and secular people and groups have spoken out strongly against the mandate.  Many recognize this as an assault on the broader principle of religious liberty, even if they disagree with the Church on the underlying moral question.  For example, Protestant Christian, Orthodox Christian, and Orthodox Jewish groups--none of which oppose contraception--have issued statements against the HHS's decision.  The Washington Post, USA Today, N.Y. Daily News, Detroit News, and other secular outlets, columnists, and bloggers have editorialized against it.

6.  The federal mandate is much stricter than existing state mandates.  HHS chose the narrowest state-level religious exemption as the model for its own.  That exemption was drafted by the ACLU and exists in only 3 states (New York, California, Oregon).  Even without a religious exemption, religious employers can already avoid the contraceptive mandates in 28 states by self-insuring their prescription drug coverage, dropping that coverage altogether, or opting for regulation under a federal law (ERISA) that pre-empts state law.  The HHS mandate closes off all these avenues of relief.

Additional information on the U.S. Catholic bishops’ stance on religious liberty, conscience protection and the HHS ruling regarding mandatory coverage of contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs is available at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/index.cfm.

White Papers: The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith

This is the third year that NCCL invites members to consider developing a white paper around a topic of interest. White papers are an opportunity for writers and thinkers to put their thoughts and ideas into a scholarly work that is used to educate members, to help people understand an aspect of how theory might be translated into practical ideas or even how to make decisions regarding changes they may wish to undertake or even solve a problem or shed light on a dilemma. This year’s topic is based on the Catechetical Sunday theme or 2012: Catechists and teachers as Agents of the New Evangelization. Michael Andrews, Director of the Office of Catechesis for the Catholic Diocese of Lansing is serving as chair. All submissions and any questions can be directed to him at MAndrews@dioceseoflansing.org. Further information on this year’s topic and the requirements can be found below.

Call for White Papers on the New Evangelization As we eagerly anticipate the 2012 Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization, we are happy to announce the focus of our call for White Papers to be submitted by NCCL

members between now and March 15. Submissions will be reviewed for possible posting on the Conference Website for members to read. Workshop sessions will be provided at the NCCL Annual Conference May 7-10, 2012 in San Diego, California to reflect upon and unpack the insights gleaned from these papers. Theme and Options The topic for this year’s White Paper is: "The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith." You are invited to submit your own White Paper in this year’s theme. In your paper, you may write a theological paper addressing the Church’s teaching on the New Evangelization. Alternatively, you may focus on one or more aspects of the New Evangelization for one or more settings, including age or ethnic groups, and employing diverse approaches and catechetical formats. White Paper Requirements However you choose to develop your paper, please be sure that it reflects the theme “"The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith" and that it is clearly written. Theological positions should be supported by ample references to one or more of the following sources: Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the National Directory for Catechesis, liturgical documents and texts, papal teaching, patristic writers, and the saints. All white papers will be reviewed for possible posting. The top submissions will be announced in late March and winning authors will be invited to summarize their work at the 2012 NCCL Annual Conference in San Diego. The deadline for submitting White Papers is March 15, 2012.

Illness Has a Silver Lining

Sickness can paradoxically bring beneficial consequences, since illness brings us to give attention to others, but it is also a trial that requires faith in God's love, says Benedict XVI. "The four evangelists are in agreement in testifying that freeing of people from sicknesses and infirmities of every type constituted, together with preaching, Jesus's principal activity in his public life," Benedict explained. "In effect, the sicknesses are a sign of the action of evil in the world and in man, while the healings show that the Kingdom of God, God himself, is near. Jesus

Christ came to conquer evil at its root, and the healings are an anticipation of his victory, obtained by his death and resurrection."

The Pope reflected that sickness is "a typically human condition in which we have a powerful experience of our lack of self-sufficiency, that we need others. In this sense we can say, with a paradox, that sickness becomes a salutary occasion in which we can experience the attention of others and give attention to others!" Still, he admitted, being sick is always a trial, and one that can become "long and difficult." "When healing does not take place and the sufferings continue, we can be crushed. [...] How should we respond to this attack of evil?" he asked.

The Pope said that of course, "we can use the appropriate cures -- medicine has made gigantic strides in these decades and we are grateful. But, the Word of God teaches us that there is a decisive and basic attitude with which to face sickness and it is that of faith in God, in his goodness. Jesus always repeats it to the people he heals: your faith has saved you (cf. Mark 5:34, 36). Even in the face of death, faith can make possible what is humanly impossible."

Carl and Janaan Scholarship – March 16 Deadline

Janaan Manternach established this scholarship fund in memory of her husband, Carl J. Pfeifer and the collaborative work and faith they shared, as evidenced by the words engraved on their wedding rings, “Life, Love, Joy.” Any NCCL member whose spouse is also involved in church ministry is eligible to apply for this scholarship. This is a scholarship that is based both on the couple’s catechetical ministry and their collaborative commitment to serve the church. The scholarship provides free registration for one NCCL member and spouse to attend the NCCL national conference and meeting. Applicants are requested to share how they creatively help their catechists address the six tasks of catechesis and what working together has done for them and their faith life. The application is available on the NCCL Home Page (www.NCCL.org)

Scholarship Deadline is This Thursday, February 16

3rd Annual NCCL Conference Scholarshipin memory of the life and ministry of

Sister Maria de la Cruz Aymes, SH for

Diocesan Leadersserving

Catechesis with Hispanics Through the Generosity of

Information about the Scholarship process along with an application can be found on the NCCL website. Go to the NCCL homepage www.NCCL.org for more information including the application.Application deadline, including all support documentation, must be received no later than midnight, Thursday, February 16, 2012.

Pre-Conference: Forum on Catechesis with Hispanics

Join FCH on Saturday-Sunday, May 5-6 for presentations, panels, discussions, and reports on leadership issues pertaining to catechesis with Hispanics.  Among the presenters that you will hear are Sr. Alice Molina, Adrián Herrera, Marc Gonzalez, Harry Dudley, and Mary Jo Waggoner. 

Since one of FCH’s animators will be elected to the NCCL Board of Directors at the Annual Conference, May 7-10, elections will also be held for a new animator.

Let your voice be heard on these important issues by attending this 2-day pre-conference event! To download a PDF Flyer for this pre-conference, go to http://www.nccl.us/images/NCCL2012-FCH.pdf or to download a schedule of events go to http://www.nccl.us/schedule/fch.html.

Young Professional Catechetical Ministers Scholarships & Young Adult Initiative

Young Professional Catechetical Ministers Scholarship seeks to bolster young people engaged in catechetical ministry to become more involved with the mission of catechesis. If you are a full time paid professional minister who has 5 years or less experience and is 30 years of age or younger, you are eligible to receive a reduced registration fee of $75. You will need to be nominated by your immediate supervisor/pastor, recommended by your diocesan catechetical office, not have received this award or the YAI scholarship for a previous NCCL conference and be able to cover the additional expenses not included in this award.

Young Adult Initiative seeks to encourage young people to consider this ministry. To be eligible for free registration, candidates must:

- be under 40 years of age- have some ecclesial ministry experience- never have been a professional parish or diocesan catechetical leader- be able to cover the additional expenses not included in this award (perhaps they can

secure money from their diocese or if they are in school, from their school)- be nominated by their diocesan catechetical director- not have received this award for a previous NCCL conference.

For more information go to the NCCL homepage www.NCCL.org. Nomination forms should be e-mailed to Michelle Tomshack (mtomshack@dwc.org) and Mark Buckley (mbuckley@stbedechurch.com), NCCL Membership Committee co-chairs. Deadline for submission: March 5, 2012. NCCL’s Membership Committee will determine the awardees and notify them via e-mail by March 16, 2012.

New Wineskins Awards: Deadline is February 15

Last year was the second year this award was presented. The award has two recipients; one for a parish level program and one for a diocesan initiated program. When the award was instituted, former NCCL Board member Tom Quinlan stated that “This award is different from our current awards which celebrate the accomplishments of deserving individuals. It is designed to recognize an existing catechetical/evangelization program or initiative that reflects the vision and values of the National

Directory for Catechesis, is innovative in some manner, and has had a track record of success.” The background information on this award along with an application can be found on the homepage of our website (http://www.nccl.org).

Pre-Conference: Special Sunday Afternoon Tour

FCH along with the Diocese of San Diego is sponsoring a two (2) hourGuided Tour of the Mission San Diego de Alcalá at 1:00 pm on Sunday,May 6, 2012.  For only $20.00, you can visit the first of the 21 missions.Known as the Mother of the Missions, Mission San Diego de Alcalawas founded on July 16, 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra. It wasdesignated as a Minor Basilica in 1976 by Pope Paul VI. To learn more

about Mission San Diego de Alcalá, go to http://www.missionsandiego.com/.

Pre-Conference: National Catholic Partnersip on Disability

The staff from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and members of their National Autism Task Force along with staff from southwestern dioceses invite NCCL participants who have responsibility for ministry with persons having disability (as all or part of their job description) to come together on Saturday, May 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the

Diocese of San Diego Pastoral Center.  Transportation will be available from the Town and Country Resort. Experts in Church access for those with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and mental illness and parish support for veterans will spark dialogue sessions with introductions on their topics followed by conversation with participants about meeting needs in their parishes and dioceses.

On Sunday, May 6, from 9:00-11:00 a.m., the group will meet at the Town & Country Resort to continue networking and to learn more about what other dioceses are doing to support the needs of parishioners with disabilities and their families. For more information or to register for this event, please go to http://www.nccl.us/schedule/ncpdpreconference.html.

Pre-Conference: NACMP: Embrace the Culture, Share the Story

The National Association of Catechetical Media Professionals (http://www.nacmp.org) will be meeting slightly before, and somewhat concurrently with the larger NCCL Conference and Exposition in May.

At 9 am Sunday, May 6, we will enjoy a three hour keynote/workshop with Dr. Elizabeth Drescher ("Tweet if you [heart] Jesus" author) setting the cultural and educational stage.

In the afternoon, Tom Zanzig (http://www.tomzanzig.com/Site/Home.html) will help us process Elizabeth's presentation.

All NCCL members are invited to join us at NO CHARGE. Plan to fly in on Saturday and join us in a discussion that will be a wonderful warm-up for the NCCL conversation to follow. The cost of an extra night hotel stay is not only a bargain for this event, but will give you a chance to network and unwind before the NCCL Convention!

Pre-Conference: Catechesis for the Eucharist

Sunday afternoon, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, Jim Schellman of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate will engage participants in the topic Catechesis for the Eucharist: Insights from the tradition of Liturgical Catechesis.

POST-Conference: CaTECHesis with HOT TECH Topics

A fast-paced experience with tools for ministers to engage students, families, and parish groups in evangelization and catechesis.  Catechetical leaders will identify Web 2.0 technologies and mobile applications, understand the new lingo for the latest technologies, and dig into the latest technological innovations.  From A (Animoto) to Z (Zamzar), no less than 20 types of tools will be explored.  Guided by experts, you will leave with a number of practical tools in your technology toolbox.  Catechetical leaders at all levels of experience will benefit from this post-conference session. You will also have the opportunity to join a Facebook HOT TECH Tools group, which will allow participates to be virtually present to one another after the conference to continue sharing ideas and mentoring one another.

To fully participate, bring a laptop or tablet.  Bring a smart phone and/or digital camera or webcam, if you have one.  If you can't bring any of those tools, just look over someone's shoulder during our hands-on time. For more information go to http://www.nccl.us/schedule/postconferencesession.html.

‘The Light Which Illumines The Way’

Christ is the light which illumines the way” is the theme for the 2012 Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, which will be held in most parishes on February 22, Ash Wednesday. This collection supports essential unmet pastoral needs in Central and Eastern Europe and areas of Asia formerly under Soviet control.

“The collection is a way for Catholics in the United States to stand in solidarity and compassion with our brothers and sisters who suffered severe repression by the Soviet Union,” said Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop emeritus of Philadelphia and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Subcommittee for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. “This repression greatly weakened the Church. The region’s bishops are still facing the formidable task of restoring its church structures and, more importantly, rebuilding the spirituality of its communities.”

Many elderly residents of the former Soviet region of Georgia awoke one morning to find their pensions and life savings gone. Former doctors, lawyers and musicians now find themselves with the equivalent of $50 a month on which to live. This stipend doesn’t even cover the cost of one loaf of bread per day, leaving nothing to pay for transportation, clothing, or medicine. Collection funds are essential to make sure medical dispensaries, shelters, religious and lay ministers are available to help those who live in the region.

“Through your donations, the Catholic Church is able to provide support for Catholic organizations that bring the light of Christ to the region,” said Cardinal Rigali. For more information on the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe visit www.usccb.org and search “Church in Central and Eastern Europe”.

Jonathan Sullivan Announcing Catholic Blog Day Initiative  

"All Catholic bloggers are invited to write on a common theme on the same day. By speaking with many voices on a common aspect of the faith, we can help evangelize the digital continent and demonstrate the powerful presence of Catholics online.  The theme for Ash Wednesday, February 22, is: penance.

Possible points of departure for writing your blog post include the three traditional methods of penance (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving); a memorable experience in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation; or how accepting the call to repentance has made a difference in your life.

My hope is that Catholic Blog Day will occur two or three times each year; much will depend on the feedback I get from other bloggers …"You can get more information and sign up for updates at http://www.catholicblogday.org/.

NCCL invites you to submit your best practices to its YouTube Channel

In the spirit of our national conference roundtables, we invite membership to submit its best practices in evangelization and catechesis. Please submit your entries to Bryan Reising (breising@dnu.org) and Juliann Donlon-Stanz (Jdonlon@gbdioc.org) for review and they may be a part of the NCCL YouTube Channel. Practitioners in parishes, Diocesan level personnel, scholars, publishers, and other resource people can submit their videos. Thank you for sharing your gifts!

Webcast on Advocacy Priorities as Faithful Citizens – February 17

Join USCCB and Catholic Relief Services for a webcast on February 17, 2012 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. During the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, hundreds of Catholics will make their voices heard on issues affecting the poor and vulnerable. This webcast will provide updates on advocacy priorities and identify where further advocacy is needed. RSVP now! (http://tiny.cc/tv0do).

Sister Rose: My Brain Story

This film by Sr. Rose: My Brain Story, has been entered into the 2012 Neuro Film Festival from the American Academy of Neurology Foundation at www.NeuroFilmFestival.com. Let's put our brains together to support brain research. Sister Rose Pacatte writes: “This is my story of living with MS, living with the mystery in hope. As you can tell, I made it myself!’ You can watch this and over a hundred other short films at http://patients.aan.com/go/about/neurofilmfestival. Click on the Watch Video Entries and go to Neuro Festival Film Entries. At the time of this article, Sr. Rose’s film was #99.

Sr. Caroline Cerveny is encouraging all of us to not only watch the film but to vote as well since there is a nice cash prize for the winner.sh to vote, you will need to complete a very simple and easy registration form. Once you register, you will get an email with the link for the film festival. Then scroll down (about 3/4 way through the list) and simply click on VOTE. You only get ONE vote. Be sure to watch the film as Sr.

Rose’s delightful sense of humor comes through quite well. If you just want to watch the film, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3p52ys6dFQ&list=PLEC0277EBDE4F84D0&index=99&feature=plpp_videoe’s

Pope's Lenten Message Focuses on Fraternal Correction

In offering his annual message for Lent, Pope Benedict stated that if Scripture says that even the upright fall seven times -- that is, everyone is weak and imperfect -- then helping others and allowing them to help us see the whole truth about ourselves is a great service. In other words, "we must not remain silent before evil." He went on in his message to state that "In a world pervaded by individualism, it is essential to rediscover the importance of fraternal correction, so that together we may journey towards holiness.”

Drawing on Hebrews 10:24: "Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works,” the Pope reflected on three elements of Christian life: concern for others, reciprocity (the idea that both individual's sin and his good works affect the whole of the community, and he is likewise affected by the rest) and personal holiness.

"[T]he verb which introduces our exhortation [from Scripture] tells us to look at others, first of all at Jesus, to be concerned for one another, and not to remain isolated and indifferent to the fate of our brothers and sisters," the Pontiff said. "All too often, however, our attitude is just the opposite: an indifference and disinterest born of selfishness and masked as a respect for 'privacy.' Today too, the Lord's voice summons all of us to be concerned for one another."

Turning then to the need to look out for others' spiritual well-being, he added: "Here I would like to mention an aspect of the Christian life, which I believe has been quite forgotten: fraternal correction in view of eternal salvation. Today, in general, we are very sensitive to the idea of charity and caring about the physical and material well-being of others, but almost completely silent about our spiritual responsibility towards our brothers and sisters. [...]

"It is important to recover this dimension of Christian charity," Benedict XVI exhorted. "We must not remain silent before evil. I am thinking of all those Christians who, out of human regard or purely personal convenience, adapt to the prevailing mentality, rather than warning their brothers and sisters against ways of thinking and acting that are contrary to the truth and that do not follow the path of goodness. Christian admonishment, for its part, is never motivated by a spirit of accusation or recrimination. It is always moved by love and mercy, and springs from genuine concern for the good of the other. [...]

The Pope went on to take up the other two points of his reflection, reciprocity, and walking together in holiness. You can read the complete text at www.zenit.org/article-34255?l=english.

Church Must Call Things by Name

The Church's opposition to "certain fashionable ideas" springs from her concern for mankind and the world, and her duty to call things by name, says Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum which is the organization that oversees the Church's charitable activities and it is charged with presenting the Pope's annual Lenten message. This year's

message recalls that Christians must look out not only for the material needs of others, but also for their spiritual good. It focuses on the biblical concept of fraternal correction. 

"We know that the Lenten Message contributes to maintaining the faithful's sense of concern for others, communion, compassion and fraternal sharing in the sufferings of those in need," said Cardinal Sarah. "However, over and above this important issue, there is another aspect of Christian life which this year's text highlights: fraternal correction. "Charity teaches us that we are responsible not only for the material well-being of others, but also for their moral and spiritual good."

The cardinal called for giving due attention to "a certain ideology that exalts the rights of the individual," which "can have the consequence of creating isolation and solitude. ... When the call to communion is denied in the name of individualism it is our humanity that suffers, deceived by

the impossible mirage of a happiness obtainable by one self. Therefore we can help one another by discovering our reciprocal responsibility the one for the other."

"Today's message," the cardinal concluded, "aims to awaken people's consciences with respect to the rights and duties of our neighbor, but also with respect to our duties toward the 'rights' of God. All this comes about in the context of Christian communion ruled by the principle of reciprocity and fraternal correction, with a view to the temporal good of mankind and his eschatological salvation." The full text of papal message can be read at www.zenit.org/article-34255?l=english.

Jesus and I Know It

Eric Groth from Outside da Box encourages us to watch this parody of LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It". It was produced by the creative teens of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Derry, New Hampshire. Enjoy their version of JESUS AND I KNOW IT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHnY2C6PZLM .

The Time of Forty Days

Lent is approaching quickly! In today's culture and climate, we need every encouragement we can in order to test ourselves, to prove ourselves worthy to be disciples of Christ. Lent is a fantastic opportunity to die to oneself, and learn to cling all the more to Christ, who loves us and gave Himself up on the cross for us. And yet, Lent is not meant to be sad or depressing, but

filled with joy. This comedy song is my attempt to inject some much needed joy into the Lenten season. May it encourage you and give you laughter! Here's what happens when Weird Al, The Police, and Catholic Tradition collide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCmn7pDgXlc

Ash Wednesday in Two Minutes

A brief kinetic type video explaining the what and why of Ash Wednesday and Lent, from the history of wearing ashes dating back to the Old Testament, to the practices of Catholics and Christians during Lent. (from the editors at BustedHalo.com). Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3L3c23MfC0&feature=related

Money can buy anything, except meaning

The philosopher Jacob Needleman has written about ethics, religion and leadership, but he is perhaps best known for his book Money and the Meaning of Life . The book links our relationship with money to the ways in which we find out what matters most in our lives. When it comes to personal finance, Needleman argues, we come to a greater understanding of ourselves by understanding the true meaning of

money. In a recent interview which you can read at http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=175 here is the final question and his answer.

What one piece of advice would you give people about money?“Learn to be quiet: learn to be still. Live your life just as you’ve been living it, for a while. Don’t change anything, except little things: study, question. This is the kind of answer Gandhi would give: What do you wish to serve? How can your money serve something that is not just good for your ego or comfort but for others? Reflect, find some friends and start talking about the question: What should we do? What is right? And then, act.”

Incentives Are Not Enough

This is an interesting reflection by Swarthmore psychologist Barry Schwartz, author of the The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less on incentives and morality. It is a great discussion starter and probably one that would be very worthwhile with catechists when discussing discipline and incentives and rewards as well as with parents. Here are a few excerpts, if you want to read the reflection in full, go to http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4888a. Barry also delivered a TED lecture on Practical Wisdom, where he dives into the question "How do we do the right thing?" which you can listen to at http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/barry_schwartz_using_our_practical_wisdom.html

When you incentivize everything, you de-moralize it, you take the moral dimensions out of it.

When you rely on incentives, you undermine virtues. Then when you discover that you actually need people who want to do the right thing, those people don't exist because you've crushed anyone's desire to do the right thing with all these incentives. And if you bring in a new set of people to replace them -- virtuous, moral people who want to do the right thing -- and they're subjected to the same set of incentives, they're going to become just like the people they replaced.

I'm not talking about getting rid of incentives; people have to make a living. But people need to understand that rules and incentives aren't enough.... The more rules and incentives you have, the less wisdom you will have. There needs to be room left on the one hand to nurture in people the desire to do the right thing and on the other hand to give them the tools so that they'll know what the right thing is. This incredible pressure to increase payoffs is an obstacle to doing the right thing.

I think the first step toward achieving [a solution] is appreciating that the tools we currently use are not sufficient.... The step after that is to identify and acknowledge the existence of moral exemplars – if you like, moral heroes -- that the people you're training can aspire to emulate. And they don't have to be people who do extraordinary things. There are people who do small things that count as moral heroes. And then giving the people you're training the room both to improvise and to have room in their lives for wanting to do the right thing and not just the profitable thing.

Knowing Jesus and His Message – Conociendo a Jesus y su Mensaje

This is an excellent resource. Immediately following the Learning Session on this resource at the NCCL Conference and Exposition in Atlanta, the NCCL Bookstore sold over twenty (20) copies of the book in English and Spanish.

Based on the protocol used to evaluate elementary religion series, the book used fifteen standards for Pre-K and K through Grades 7 & 8. Included with the binder is a CD with all the materials available for duplication. This is an ideal help for any elementary catechist regardless of the series you might be using. Check out the following and use the Order Form.

PREFACE - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/nysql) EXPLANATION - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/xuvw8) Standards - Explained (http://tiny.cc/65wmc) Normas y Fundamentos (http://tiny.cc/zfrg2)

ORDER FORM - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/9j0mb)

Looking For A Good Book?

Stop by the NCCL Bookstore. Purchasing books, CDs, DVDs, and other products on Amazon through the NCCL Bookstore (http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20) helps support this valuable online ministry.

If you are an on-line shopper and you frequent Amazon.com, please enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore as the organization benefits from every purchase you make. It’s an ideal way to support our ministry. Just go to our Home page (www.NCCL.org) and click on the Store tab or click on http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20 and it will take you directly to our bookstore. It doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as you enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore, we get a percentage of your purchases.

We are just building our bookstore and adding titles every day, so if you have any suggestions for books you believe should be available through our bookstore, please drop NCCL a note. All books mentioned in CL Weekly are available at the NCCL Bookstore.

Feedback/Comments should be addressed to: lnagel@nccl.org