9 July 2012
14th Week in Ordinary Time
Blessed Adrian Fortescue
A project of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in Camden, NJ,
De Sales Service Works welcomes volunteers to join
in service, prayer and learning in our struggling neighborhood.
Contents:
- Service Word
- Last Week in Camden
- Upcoming Events
- Links
1. Service Word 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
…but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness.”
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,
in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and constraints,
for the sake of Christ;
for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Camden is a place where weakness is plain to see, out in the open: young women and men wandering in search of a high, and to keep away the pain of coming down from the high; people sleeping outside, nowhere to clean up or to get a foothold to move beyond just getting through the day; kids disciplined with rough vocabulary and raised voices; adults who cannot read, who have no real work skills; people making homes in aged, rented, row houses in chronic need of repair; people with nowhere to escape from summer heat.
These issues seem out of control. But, whether we live in a wounded inner city or in a manicured, orderly suburb or small town, aren’t there conditions and events that are bigger than we are.
St. Paul’s reflection about his experience of weakness and strength, and God’s grace—faithful and sure friendship—offer insight as we face our own weakness, hardships, persecutions, and constraints. These can remind us that we need God. God is there to give strength to endure, to challenge the forces of negativity, to spur us to shape structures with justice and compassion.
-Are there conditions or events that turn you to God?
-How do you handle your weakness and strength?
-What are ways you experience God’s grace?
2. Last Week in Camden
Inters Molly, Molly, Sam, Claire, and Maddy had a great week! Friday University of Wisconsin students Tyler and Ethan arrived for a Camden week.
3. Upcoming Events
Friday a group from Holy Infant Parish in Durham, NC, will arrive by train for a service week.
4. Links
Check out DSW community member Mike Morgan’s blog. Philadelphia Inquirer writer, Kevin Riordon, interviewed Bishop Galante about the Church in the Camden Diocese from his office across the street from the Cathedral http://www.philly.com/philly/video/BC1708252232001.html. It gives a picture of the intention and faith of our local shepherd.
Have a good week,
Father Mike McCue, OSFS
