Abortion: Is It Ever Justified?

Dear Parishioners,

Abortion is a topic that seems to be verboten in so many instances in our society.  However, with the upcoming presidential election, it needs to be discussed with various other important issues.  While there are those who will argue that no election is ever about a single issue, the topic of abortion has to be an issue.  Human life—and respect for it at all stages—cannot be simply ignored or be a non-issue.

Abortion is seen as a moral evil—the taking of an innocent human life.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2271):

Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion.
This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable.
Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:

You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.
God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves.
Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.

Some time ago, this issue was cleverly changed in the political realm to a concern about “choice.”  This word (or the phrase a woman’s right to choose) has become the mantra of those who are pro-abortion or trying to hide behind some level of justification of this act.  The fact is:  we can never deliberately choose anything which is morally evil.  We all should know that we have God-given, free will (choice).  However, what we choose is our concern here.  We can never choose a moral evil—the taking of an innocent human life.  It is gravely sinful.

That being said, what do we do about the so-called exceptions—rape, incest and a threat to the mother’s life?  Rape and incest are again grave moral evils.  Anyone who has suffered from these has experienced a grave injustice and merits our prayers as well as our utmost compassion and sympathy.  If a pregnancy occurs, however, will abortion take away the sexual assault or its memories?  Unfortunately, no.  Does the abortion of the developing baby not, rather, become a continuation of the hostility?  The innocent life in the womb—remember that the baby didn’t have anything to do with the circumstances of its own conception—now becomes another victim.  Strong emotion, rather than reason, often drives the argument that abortion is the solution in the situation of rape and incest.

What about when a mother’s life is threatened because of the pregnancy?  Circumstances like an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy often result in the indirect (neither directly desired nor intended) death of the developing baby when part of the infected fallopian tube is removed.  Morally, this action is considered permissible by an acceptable moral principle known as the principle of double effect.

When other serious illnesses possibly threaten a mother’s life, it could undoubtedly be one of the most difficult choices that a mother will ever have to make.  No one could ever fault a mother for trying to bring the baby along as far as possible to try to reach some level of viability.  Unfortunately, even then, some babies will die.  Then there are those exceptional people who go above and beyond the ordinary with great acts of heroism.  I recall someone like St. Gianna Beretta Molla (canonized in 2004) who unselfishly decided:   "If you must choose between me and the baby, no hesitation; choose – and I demand it – the baby.  Save her!"

I realize that emotions run very high when a topic like abortion is even considered.  Yet, the respect for all human life—from the moment of conception until natural death—has to be part of the discussion leading up to any presidential election.  Topics like a candidate’s “likability” and the economy (alone) are simply insufficient for Christians taking their faith seriously.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

St. Gianna Beretta Molla

Sitting Around the Dinner Table (or Whatever Happened to "Family Time?")

Dear Parishioners,

I was having dinner recently with a family that I knew from a previous assignment.  I related to them that I write a column each week for my parish.  They suggested that I develop this week’s topic:  sitting around the dinner table together (and all of its implications).

There was a time when the family meal in many homes was a sacred time.  It was where and when the family would not only eat together, but also share what was happening in their lives (“What did you do today?” or “What happened in school today?”), learn some basis communication skills, (say “please” and “thank you” and “Wait until your brother/sister is finished speaking before you talk”), pray together (grace before and after meals minimally), and simply spend quality time with each other.  Often, Sunday meals were a time with the extended family and friends.

Things have certainly changed!  Today there are frequently split shifts in the home where a meal is from the microwave oven or the nearby fast-food establishment, children (and even some adults) sit around the table playing their hand-held games, listening to their iPods, talking or texting on their smart phones, the flat screen TV might be on in the background, and there is little or no actual quality conversation taking place.  Social skills and person to person communication now give way to all forms of social networking.

Technology can be a wonderful thing, but not when it takes the place of the necessary interactions with the human person.  (We have all had the frustrating experience of the automated telephone response when wanting to speak to an actual human being!)

The bottom line is:  communication skills and the art of conversation have become lost arts!  (Try getting some young persons to look you in the eyes and say “hello.”  It can be a frustrating experience at times.)  Additionally, regular family time around the dinner table has frequently lessened or disappeared in too many homes.  There’s soccer and basketball practice, dance, piano lessons, etc., etc., that all suck up much family time and energy!

I even think our current life-style patterns have eroded the time that we should spend around the Table of the Lord for the most important meal—the Mass—which we should be attending as a family each week!

May I suggest that each family take the time to evaluate their own situation to see if what I have said applies?  If so, then why not take a few concrete steps to prioritize family time around the dinner table?  Turn the TV’s off, put the smart phones away, have a meal together, look at each other and talk to each other!

I feel very sad even having to write what I just did.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

The Courage to be Chaste

Dear Parishioners,

Years ago (in 1985), when I was still attending the seminary, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR wrote a book entitled:  The Courage to be Chaste.  As with all of Fr. Groeschel’s books, I highly recommend this one.

Chastity simply means being sexually pure according to one’s state in life.  For a single, unmarried person, it means refraining from all sexual activity (if and until one chooses to marry).  For married persons, it means to be faithful and exclusive in all sexual activity with one’s spouse.  For Catholic priests or religious, it means that we ordinarily remain celibate (promising not to marry) and thus are called to live purely, in a type of consecrated, single life dedicated to God.

I sincerely think that most people who have walked this earth have struggled at one time or another with being chaste.  After all, a normal, healthy person has a sex drive which urges us to “be fertile and multiply” (Gn. 1:28) as the bible states.  As we understand this drive to have its origin in God, it is good and needs to be seen as such.  It is when sex is taken out of the parameters of the Christian, biblical understanding of a marriage, that it becomes problematic and, in fact, sinful.

We have recently seen grave sexual scandals, once again, come to the forefront within the Church and in the secular world, right in the neighboring state of Pennsylvania.  Is that the only area where we are going to find such problems?  Absolutely not.  I think that this is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

As long as we live in a sexually charged society, where pornography is as easily accessible as turning on a computer, TV or even using a phone, where traditional sexual morals are seen as passé, where abuse and lack of regard for human life has had our popes warning us about a “culture of death,” where the breakdown of the traditional family is so evident, where contraceptives are as easily available as buying candy at the convenience store, we are going to continue to have problems—severe problems.  Sadly, I think it’s inevitable.

Sexual abuse in any form should never be tolerated.  No one is above God’s moral laws.  Although there is usually shame and fear by those who are abused, they should seek the proper help and counsel and realize that they are victims in the situation.

In the meantime, we all have to work at being sexually pure and chaste.  The process is aided by a good prayer life and personal relationship with God, by seeking spiritual direction, forgiveness and counsel—especially in the Sacrament of Penance, by the frequent reception of Holy Communion, by channeling our energies into good, healthy activities (like exercise or sports), by avoiding the occasions of sin (for example, don’t surf the web or the TV channels for porn, don’t frequent bars looking to find “love”), etc., etc.  With the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pure and chaste, it is possible to live a chaste life in today’s world.  It won’t be easy, but it will be possible.

We all need the courage (with God’s grace) to be chaste.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Meeting an African Bishop

Dear Parishioners,

We were privileged to have Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of the Catholic Diocese of Nebbi, Uganda as our guest this past weekend.  He was the principal celebrant at the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday and the 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday.  Bishop Wanok arrived in the USA to visit the priests from his diocese who are working here in the Camden Diocese—most notably Fr. Alfred Onyutha who had been assigned here at St. Joseph Church.

While enjoying a couple of meals and conversations with the bishop, a few priests and I were able to ask some questions about the church in Africa.  We were told by the bishop that one of his major concerns for his diocese was the strengthening of the family unit and having marriages take place or regularized (convalidated) within the Catholic Church.  For various reasons, people in his diocese would get married outside of the Church (or not be married at all) and he desired to correct that situation.  He informed us that recently 220 couples had their marriages take place together in a common ceremony at the cathedral in Nebbi.  Plans were being made to have this happen in other cities as well.

We were also informed of a few interesting bits of information during our conversations including:  the relative youthfulness of the clergy in the Nebbi Catholic diocese, the large Catholic population there (approximately 80%), the problem of AIDS present in an almost exclusively heterosexual culture, and the matter of fact attitude toward not having many material or technological amenities.  At one point the Bishop informed us that he had been discouraged from visiting our area because of the recent power outages.  His smiling response was:  “For us this is every day.”

There is a certain peace and serenity that I found in these our African brothers.  I observed that they had a pleasant sense of humor, they appreciated so many things that we probably take for granted (like running water and electricity), while they seem to embody a refreshing, simplistic spirituality.

The bishop asked me if we could send his priests some Mass intentions since these were lacking for his diocesan priests.  (If anyone wishes to have us send the priests of his diocese some intentions for Masses to be celebrated, please contact our parish office with the information and any donation.)

Our guest bishop, by his very presence, reminded us all of the true universality or catholicity of our Church.  We all enjoy one faith rooted in Jesus Christ and were able to be with one of the Successors of the Apostles who shepherds a Church far away from us in distance, but nonetheless united in Spirit!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor  

        

What It Means to Volunteer

Dear Parishioners,

I have asked, on quite a few occasions, that people be willing to step up and volunteer their gifts, talents and abilities for service in the Church—and ultimately, for the greater honor and glory of God. I truly believe that everyone has something to contribute to the parish, in accord with the words of St. Paul:

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. (1 Cor. 12: 4-7)

With this in mind, I suggest a few things for you to ponder concerning the idea of service.

Too often today, people look to see what they are going to benefit from a situation: “What am I going to get out of it?” “How much am I going to get paid?” The idea of service, in my opinion, should be seeking the good of the other—not one’s own self—without calculating the cost or benefit. Consider how Jesus had washed the feet of His disciples while giving the following exhortation:

Do you realize what I have done for you?  You call me “teacher” and “master,” and rightly so, for indeed I am.  If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.  (John 13: 12b-15)

Being of service to others does not always mean doing it when it’s convenient for me or when it fits into my busy schedule. I can remember many, many years ago, as an altar boy being required to serve the 7 AM as well as the 5:15 PM Mass on various weekdays! Did I like getting up so early before school to serve Mass? Not really. Would I have rather been outside playing with my friends in the evening? Most likely. Being available to help others--even if I am inconvenienced--certainly needs to be kept in mind since service to others usually involves some personal sacrifice and possible inconvenience.

Being of service to others should not include the primary purpose of getting the recognition of others or being noticed. Jesus told us clearly in the Sermon on the Mount: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” (Mt. 6: 1) When we do things for others, we may, unfortunately, never get any recognition or even a “thank you.” But remember, God sees all things, knows our true motivation, and, in the end, is the only one we should be worried about pleasing!

With the above things in mind, I, once again, ask you to offer your gifts to help others, to help strengthen our parish and ultimately to give honor and glory to God by building up the Kingdom of God here on earth!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

It’s Been a Year, Already!

Dear Parishioners,

First of all, if you haven’t realized it by now, I humbly confess that I have a few flaws.  (My confessor would probably tell you that there are considerably more than just a few flaws—but he won’t/can’t break the seal of confession!  Thank God!)

I know this may come as a complete and utter shock, but I can sometimes procrastinate a bit.  Put this along side of my being a tad bit unorganized and you could potentially have some of the ingredients present in a recipe for certain disaster.

Thank God, again, for the very competent office and parish staff that surrounds me, supports me and helps to keep me on track!  I don’t know what I would do without them.  They are a godsend!

That being said, I want to do a few things that I have been putting off.

I take this time to say “thank you” to all of the people who were so kind, loving, generous and helpful to me at the time of my 25^th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood back in May.  There are far too many to mention individually and by name here.  (It is always a danger that in doing so, someone would be forgotten unintentionally, thus leading to hurt feelings.)  So I make this general thank you to all who made the day, the Mass, the celebration and my priestly ministry—that I am so privileged to have been given—completely joy-filled and beautiful!  You are all remembered in my thoughts, prayers and Masses.

Next, I can tell you that the church parking lot, after much frustration, worry and consternation on my part, should be re-lined shortly.  This will involve a new parking pattern in which cars will no longer be blocked in by others.  Successful results depend, however, on whether or not people follow the new pattern and park within the lines!  The arrangement calls for multiple handicapped spots close to the church doors.  I wait with bated breath!

Unfortunately, across the street in the school lot, we are facing a mysterious sinkhole which we hope to remedy as soon as possible.  I pray that no one gets swallowed up in the meantime!  Stay clear!

Moreover, plans are underway to turn part of the vestibule of the church into a multi-use confessional, cry room and bride’s room.  I had something similar in my last parish and the concept worked pretty well there.

Finally, I express my gratitude to those who stepped forward and answered my Help Wanted ad in the church bulletin.  I once again remind all of you, my parishioners, that this is your parish (as well as mine) and it will only be as active and dynamic as your willingness to be an active part of it.  We are always looking for your help!  Please volunteer your services.  Don’t wait to be asked!

My year at St. Joseph’s has been one of the best in my life!  Thanks to all of you who make it great to be here and to serve you as your priest and pastor!

I love you all!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Fortnight for Freedom

Dear Parishioners,

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has declared the fourteen days from June 21 to July 4 as a “fortnight for freedom.”

The fortnight began with the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More and continues to Independence Day.  The bishops remind us that “Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.”

 

It is a special time dedicated to prayer, study, catechesis as well as public action emphasizing “both our Christian and our American heritage of liberty.”

Why now?

According to the Catholic News Agency, “The initiative was created in response to several moves by the Obama administration that are threatening the Church’s religious freedom.  The most well-known action is the Health and Human Services mandate that requires employers to cover birth control and other services that Catholics and other believers find morally objectionable.”

Various forces in the media and in politics have tried to make it appear that this issue is only about the Catholic Church’s opposition to artificial birth control or abortion.  This is truly not what the matter is all about.  It concerns our ability as Catholics to practice our faith freely and in the manner in which we see fit.  No government can mandate what we can or should believe and how we must practice our beliefs.  The entire situation seems to be an attempt to confuse and to split the ranks of Catholics—in essence, to divide and conquer.

I urge you to become more informed about the issue by reading information supplied by the USCCB (http://www.usccb.org) or similar resources.  Be aware of how the secular media and certain groups, organizations or factions may try to slant or spin the issue to suit their own purposes—political or otherwise.

This matter has become a slippery slope and a grave danger to all believers where our government has overstepped its bounds and attacked religious liberty in the land of the free.

We should be worried.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Man Does Not Live on Bread Alone . . . (and a Parish Needs Financial Support!)

Dear Parishioners,

I hate talking about money.  I always have.  I make no bones about it.  I would love to concentrate solely on the spiritual well-being of this parish.  Fat chance!  Like all of you I also have to pay bills and I am responsible, with others, for the operation and upkeep of our church, rectory, convent and regional school.

While observing trends during this first year of my pastorate, one thing I noted was the weekly amount I am told is necessary to operate the parish.  Sometimes we achieve this goal or occasionally surpass it.  Sometimes we are under the necessary amount, and at other times we have encountered some significant problems.  (For instance, a major difficulty occurred during a weekend last fall when the area was evacuated because of a potential hurricane.)

Falling short just $1000.00 for just 10 weeks during the year leaves us in the hole for $10,000.00.  This is no small amount.  Add to this two holy days this past year that fell on Sundays (Christmas and New Year’s—the Solemnity of Mary) in which there were no additional Sunday Masses or collections.  Moreover, we had a really bad weekend because of a potential hurricane.  Total all this up and we can unfortunately be behind a considerable sum of money by the end of the fiscal year.

It is also important to note that we have had a struggling economy for some time now and weekly Mass attendance is less than 25% of the registered parish population throughout the diocese.

I have brought the issue to the financial council who in turn brought it to the pastoral council.  Discussion and suggestions abounded.  What do we do?  The long range goal is certainly to have more parishioners at Mass each week (evangelization) and to have more parishioners contributing regularly to the parish (tithing or stewardship).

The finance council decided that a second collection be taken up weekly to defray costs such as heating and air conditioning expenses, repairs of buildings, maintenance of grounds, etc.

Unfortunately, all of the promises of “when I hit the lottery” have never amounted to much so far!  In the end, we are still left with bills to pay and a considerably-sized parish to operate with no lottery money.

I make you aware of the current financial situation and its various trends since this is our parish—not just mine.  I love being here and helping in whatever way I can.  In the end, however, we need to grow as a parish and we require your financial support.

 

Unfortunately, bills are never paid by good intentions (or by potentially winning lottery tickets, for that matter!)

Fr. Ed Namiotka

 Pastor

Come and See

Dear Parishioners,

It would be pretty safe to say that most of the people sitting in the pews of our church (and even in the sanctuary) are considered cradle Catholics.  We were baptized as Catholics because our parents (assisted by our godparents) sought to have us share in their Catholic faith from infancy.  Thank you for this!

However, there are frequently those among us who may not have been baptized, may not have received all of their Sacraments of Initiation (including 1^st Holy Communion and Confirmation) or may have received their sacraments but never were thoroughly or adequately trained in the faith (catechized).

Now is the time for those who may be interested to find out more about the Catholic faith.  Perhaps there is an adult within your family or among your friends and neighbors who might be thinking about becoming a Catholic.  They can inquire about what is involved and learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.).  Others may have been baptized but were never confirmed.  They too can find out what is necessary to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.  In addition, there might be those who were never properly or officially married in the manner required by the Catholic Church and would like to have their marriage “blessed” (convalidated) by the Catholic Church.  They can find out if this is possible and learn exactly how to go about it.

In the inquiry process many additional questions may be asked and answered—often regarding annulments, the Holy Eucharist, and the sacrament of Penance (Confession), etc.

And so, I extend the invitation to anyone who may fall into these areas or who may want to find out more about the Catholic faith to Come and See.

The next day John [the Baptist] was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”  The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.  Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?”  They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”  He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” (Emphasis added, John 1: 35-39)

There is an invitation and an opportunity being given once again to follow Jesus more closely.  Discipleship often begins by asking questions, seeking to find out more about Jesus (and His Church) and then taking the necessary steps.

Further information about upcoming inquiry sessions will appear in the weekly bulletin.

Come and see!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Help Wanted

Dear Parishioners,

There are plenty of things to do in every parish.  Ours is no exception.

When I look around I see so much potential for growth—so much that could be!  We are a strong parish built upon a solid foundation and rich tradition.  However, we can never remain complacent or think that we have already accomplished it all.  Until we are in heaven with our Risen Lord, there is still much work to be done!  

And so, I take this time now to ask for your help.  I am inviting you, pleading with you, begging you, to take more ownership in the parish.  There is a lot at stake!  We need to labor, according to the Lord’s bidding, in order to grow spiritually ourselves.  Yet, we must also consider the generations yet to come—our children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and those yet to be born!

We need to build up the Kingdom of God together.  I use the following analogy to help illustrate my point.  I see my role as pastor like the conductor of an orchestra.  The more people I have playing instruments, the fuller, richer and more magnificent the sound.  “I” cannot possibly play every instrument.  I need you to do that.  However, “I” can help to organize and coordinate the instruments so that we perform a beautiful composition together for the Lord.

Too often in the past I have heard this excuse for not getting involved:   No one has ever asked me.  Well, now I am asking!  Can you help in some way?  Yes, you—not your neighbor, your friend, your sibling, your co-worker—I am asking you!   I need your help.  You have some talent or gift that no one else can give because you are unique!

Here are just a few of the areas where you can help:

·       Volunteer some of your skills or trade (carpentry, painting, masonry work, plumbing, electrical, etc.) to help make repairs or improvements for the good of the parish.  (It would be nice to have an active Buildings and Grounds committee).

·        Help teach or be an aide in the Religious Education program or R.C.I.A.

·       Join the Knights of Columbus, the Altar and Rosary Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, etc.

·       Volunteer your services to the Pastoral Council or Finance Council.

·       Join the choir, volunteer to be a Reader, or to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (and take Holy Communion to the sick/homebound), or to be an Altar Server, etc.  (Volunteer to coordinate any or all of these ministries or to help on a Liturgy committee.)

·        Help organize/coordinate a census of the parish.

·     Volunteer to assist the pastor in some ad hoc project with which he might be having a hard time finding people to help.

·        If you unable to do physical work, concentrate on being an apostle of prayer for the parish to pray for all of us!

The above list is only partial!  I assure that with time I can find something for you to do for the parish and ultimately for the Lord!  Just ask me!  

(No applications refused!  100% guaranteed placement!)

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor