December 17 -- It's a Wonderful Life

Is everyone enjoying the snow today? Anyone want to start taking bets on whether or not Ithaca will have a white Christmas?

The Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group will be meeting for the last time this semester tomorrow (Tuesday, 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St.). By popular demand, we will be screening It's a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra's Christmas classic starring James Stewart. Join us for a relaxing, upbeat end of the semester.

Just a few notes about next semester. We have two book suggestions on the table:

• Fr. Bob has recommended: "Transforming Our Days: Spirituality, Community, and Liturgy in a Technological Culture" by Richard R. Gaillardetz. "One day Rick Gaillardetz came home from work and was struck by the spiritual equivalent of a lightning bolt. He suddenly realized that the portable computer, cell phone, microwave oven, and kids Nintendo had made todays family like no other in history. Drawing on his training as a theologian, Gaillardetz set out to explore the subtle yet pervasive ways in which technology has re-shaped our families. Filled with questions about the role of technology, and faith-based answers, Transforming our Days is a practical guide to finding God amidst the noise of modern life."
• Theresa has recommended: "Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality" by Anthony De Mello. "Mixing Christian spirituality, Buddhist parables, Islamic sayings, Hindu breathing exercises, and psychological insight, spiritualist and Jesuit priest Anthony de Mello challenges readers to identify our most submerged, darkest feeling, accept them, not let them rule us, and allow this new awareness of ourselves to change us. Using humor, compassion, and insight, the beloved and best-selling Anthony de Mello teaches us to welcome the challenge of knowing ourselves and living the 'aware' life."

Finally, safe travels to everyone and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Pax.

December 10 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

I hope that everyone survived the last week of classes intact and got to enjoy a little of the clear weather on Saturday. It seems particularly fitting that this week we have the opportunity to join our community in a communal celebration of Penance this evening and then come together on Tuesday to conclude our reading and discussion of Slavko Barbaric's "Give Me Your Wounded Heart -- A Guide to Confession." The relevant details:

• Communal Sacrament of Reconciliation: Monday, Dec. 9, 7 PM, ATH Chapel

• Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 8PM, 410 E. Lincoln St.

  We will be discussing Chapters 19: A Prayer for the Priest Confessor, 20: Approching the Priest, 21: After Confession. Once again, we will be concluding our discussion of this book. Even if you haven't had an opportunity to read any of this book, join us to reflect on, share experiences of, and continue to celebrate God's forgiving love.

Pax.

P.S. A second reminder to chime in with reading and scheduling suggestions for next semester

December 3 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

I hope that everyone had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving Break. The Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group will be meeting as usual tomorrow (Tuesday, 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St.). We will be discussiong Chapter 18: Preparation for Confession of Slavko Barbaric's "Give Me Your Wounded Heart -- A Guide to Confession." This chapter brings a lot of threads together into a detailed examination of conscience -- it should lead to a thoughtful discussion. Please join us; reading beforehand is never a requirement. Hope to see you all there. Pax.

P.S. As we finish up the fall semester, our thoughts turn to the spring semester.

First, we're soliciting suggestions for a a spring topic. We generally focus on a book for the majority of the semester. In the past, we've read Henri Nouen's The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming and Ignacio Larranaga's The Silence of Mary. If you have a recommendation for the group, please let me know.

Second, while the Graduate Fellowship group has been meeting on Tuesdays since the start of the summer, we've changed it around in the past. If your schedule has prevented you from making Tuesday meetings (and you know enough of your spring schedule to have an opinion), let me know what days work best for you.

November 26 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

For those of you stressing with projects that just must be completed during this abbreviated week, consider taking a well-deserved rest at the weekly Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group. And for those of you relaxing with some free time during this abbreviated week, also consider attending and supporting the stressed among us. As usual, we will be meeting tomrrow (Tuesday, 7:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St.) We will continue our discussin of Slavko Barbaric's "Give Me Your Wounded Heart - A Guide to Confession," discussing Chapters 16: Contrition and 17: The Action of Satan. Everyone is always welcome and reading beforehand is never a requirement. Hope to see you all there.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Safe travels to all.

November 19 -- Surprise Party

Papers and deadlines are fast approaching; Old Man Winter is beating a path to your door; you've already seen Harry Potter three times; Thanksgiving break still seems far away. You need a break. You need ... a party. Come join the Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group tomorrow (Tusday 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St.) for a (suprise) birthday party (and celebrating any Oct. or Nov. b-days that got missed). Food and desert provided!! Hope to see you all there.

Looking ahead: There is another installment of "Theology on Tap" this Wednesday (Nov. 20), 7:30PM at Ruloff's (downstairs) in Collegetown. This month, come and discuss "The Death Penalty and the Beltway Snipers." For more information, contact Rob Henry (rhh23).

Have a great week. Pax.

November 12 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

Hope that everyone was able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend. The Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group will be meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St.) to continue our discussion of Slavko Barbaric's "Give Me Your Wounded Heart - A Guide to Confession." We will be discussing Chapters 12: The Confessor, 13: You Are Called to Confession, 14: Regarding Penance, and 15: How to Prepare for Confession. At this busy mid-semester time, take break to explore and share your Catholic faith. Everyone is always welcome and reading beforehand is never a requirement. Hope to see you all there.

Have a great week. Pax.

November 5 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

Hope that everyone enjoyed this weekend's winter weather preview. ;) The Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group will be meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St.) to continue our discussion of Slavko Barbaric's "Give Me Your Wounded Heart - A Guide to Confession." We will be discussing Chapters 9: Work on the Heart, 10: Who Sets the Measures, and 11: Confession - Why? I know that the semester is in full swing with papers, projects, and prelims, but please consider taking some time out for exploring and sharing our Catholic faith. Everyone is always welcome and copies of the book are still available.

Looking far, far ahead: Theresa is fielding ideas for a theme for the Grad ("Over 21") retreat next spring: Feb. 21-23 at Mt. Saviour Monastery. Send her your suggestions at tdm7.

Have a great week. Pax.

October 28 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

Here is your timely reminder about the Catholic Graduate Fellowship Group meeting. Tomorrow we will be discussing Chapters 6: The Greatest Sin, 7: Love Loved, and 8: Sacred Flame of "Give Me Your Wounded Heart - A Guide to Confession" by Slavko Barbaric, O.F.M. (Contact Marc (mpp22) to get your copy.) Please join us on Tuesday, 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St. As always, everyone is welcome and reading beforehand is never a requirement.

Looking ahead: The JH Newman Society is co-sponsoring Christine Bochen's lecture: "Seeking Peace Inside and Out: Thomas Merton as a Guide for the Journey" on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:30PM, ATH Auditorium. The Fellowship Group has discussed Merton in the past, including this summer when we looked at his essay "Rain and the Rhinoceros" (contact me if you'd like a copy). Take some time to hear about this influential poet, mystic, activist, and writer of the 20th century.

Have a great week. Pax.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

-Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

October 22 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

Tomorrow we will be discussing Chapters 3,4, and 5 of "Give Me Your Wounded Heart - A Guide to Confession" by Slavko Barbaric, O.F.M. (Copies of the book are still available; contact Marc (mpp22) to reserve yours!) The book is easy to read, but thought provoking, and generated a good discussion last week. Reading ahead of time is never a requirement -- just a desire to relax and enjoy some fellowship. Please join us on Tuesday, 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St. (Directions below.)

Looking ahead in the week: On Wednesday, consider attending Theology on Tap (held at Rulloff's (downstairs) in Collegetown at 7:30). The topic of discussion will be "Does God Bless War?" -- how does the Catholic position challenge us in this time of threatened war with Iraq. Should be a good follow up to Fr. Mike's Sunday homily.

Also, if you can't make it to the meeting on Tuesday but want to voice an opinion on the Game Night, contact Josh (jtp29).

Peace.

October 15 -- Give Me Your Wounded Heart

I hope that everyone had (is having?) a restful and relaxing Fall Break. Here is your timely reminder that the Catholic Grad Group will be meeting tonight as usual, 8:00PM at 410 E. Lincoln St. Tonight we will begin looking at a new book: "Give Me Your Wounded Heart - A Guide to Confession" by Slavko Barbaric, O.F.M. Copies will be available at the meeting tonight. (If you are unable to make it to the meeting this evening, but would like a copy, please drop Marc (mpp22) a line.) Take some time to relax and enjoy some fellowship. Directions to 410 E. Lincoln St. are provided below. Hope to see everyone there tonight. Pax.

October 7 -- Rosary

Just a quick reminder that the Catholic Grad Group will be meeting tonight as usual, 8:00 PM at 410 E. Lincoln St. Tonight the group will be saying the Rosary together since yesterday was the day of Our Lady of the Rosary and since we have still not obtained copies of the book we will be reading this semester. With the current unrest in the world this will be a good opportunity for us all to pray for peace and ask for the intercession of our Holy Mother in our daily lives. Now that the semester is in full swing and research, midterms, and assignments seem to be assailing us from all sides, take some time to relax, refocus and enjoy the some good Catholic fellowship. Directions to 410 E. Lincoln St. are provided below. Also, if you haven't given Matt your roster information and would like to be included on the list, please do so. Hope to see everyone there tonight.

October 1 -- The Next Christianity

Just a quick reminder that the Catholic Grad Group will be meeting tonight as usual, 8:00 PM at 410 E. Lincoln St. This evening's discussion will be on the article "The Next Christianity" by Philip Jenkins. The article posits that the Church and Christianity is at a historical turning point as profound as the original Reformation. Come enjoy Catholic fellowship as we take a look at where the Church may be heading in the near future. Copies of the article are available at my office, 301 Sage Hall, 3rd cubicle down and there will also be extras at the meeting. Don't let not having a chance to read the article stop you from coming. Directions to 410 E. Lincoln St. are provided below. Hope to see everyone there tonight.

September 17 -- Outdoor fun

For a change of pace, and to take advantage of the remaining good weather and long days, the Catholic Grad Group will be getting together Tuesday evening at the Plantations for some outdoor fun, probably an invigorating game of Capture-the-Flag or Ultimate Frisbee. The plan is to meet at 410 E. Lincoln St. at 6:30 and then carpool everyone up to our chosen sight. Don't worry if you don't know how to play, we'll explain all the rules. It does involve occasional running, however, so wear appropriate shoes. And, a flashlight might help, since we'll probably go until dark. The outing should be a good deal of fun and is a great way for new people to get to know everyone. If anyone needs a ride to 410 E. Lincoln, e-mail me and we'll see if we can find someone to pick you up. Hope to see everyone there Tuesday evening.

Also, each year, the group tries to put together a roster, so that everyone has the addresses, phone numbers, etc. of other members. If you wish to participate, please send me the following information:

• Name:
• E-mail address:
• Home Phone:
• Address:
• Office:
• Office Phone:
• Major/Field:
• Birthday:

I will _NOT_ make the roster available off the Catholic Grads website; After compiling the roster, I'll forward a copy of it to the list. Thanks everyone!

September 10 -- Prayer

Considering the twists and turns of last week's discussion, "Prayer" seemed like a worthwhile topic for this week. Sr. Donna was kind enough to provide a whole pile of materials on this deep subject. (Thanks Sr. Donna!!) I've made a (small) subset of the literature available on the Catholic Grads website (links below); I thought the three (short) articles "Why do you pray?", "Prayer 101: Wondering Where to Start", and "Praying When You Feel Spiritually Empty" would be of interest to our group. There are a couple of other items there for those who find this subject as fascinating as I do, and I'll bring the rest of Sr. Donna's recommendations to the group tomorrow. Please join us at 410 E. Lincoln St. at 8:00pm. As always, everyone is welcome and not getting a chance to look at the materials shouldn't stop anyone from attending.

It seems fitting to end with the closing verses of yesterday's Gospel:

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Mt. 18:19-20)

Hope everyone has a good week. Pax.

Why.pdf

Prayer101.pdf

Empty.pdf

Busy.pdf

PrayerCatechism.doc

PrayerCatechism.pdf

September 3 -- C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters

I hope that everyone's semester is off to a good start.

Let me continue to extend a warm welcome to the new members of our community. I think that everyone will agree that last evening's Grad Social BBQ was a great success.

For those of you looking for a little more information about our fellowhip group, I'd like to point you to our "work in progress" website at

http://www.cs.cornell.edu/People/fluet/CatholicGrads

It details the discussions we've had this summer, has some pictures from last spring's Mt. Saviour retreat and this summer's MiniGolf night, has a brief listing of other activities in which members of our group participate, and has brief instructions for using this mailing list. If you have any suggestions for improving the site, please let me know.

For our regular fellowship meeting, Jonathan Wrubel has pointed us to a passage from C.S. Lewis' _The Screwtape Letters_. This (short) passage is available in Word and Adobe PDF formats.

We will meet on Tuesday (Sept. 3) at 8:00pm at 410 E. Lincoln St. for about an hour. I've appended directions below. If anyone could use a ride to or from the meeting, drop me a line and I'll coordinate. Please join us for this opportunity to share your faith with fellow members of our community. And, many of us never get around to finishing the reading before the meeting; it doesn't stop us from attending, don't let it stop you! Hope to see everyone there.

Pax.

Screwtape.doc

Screwtape.pdf

Summer 2002