Pictured: Abandoned Houses in Camden, NJ
In a recent article for the National Catholic Reporter, editor Tom Roberts reports on a movement he calls “new monasticism” in a parish in Camden, NJ. Sacred Heart Parish is located close to the cathedral parish staffed by the Oblates. Bro. Mickey McGrath, OSFS, has his art studio in one of the houses refurbished by the Heart of Camden program. His art helps bring beauty to people who frequently only see the ugliness of living in a poor, violent city.
Roberts makes several interesting points about the importance of the support of a community and a regular prayer life to sustain us in our efforts to promote justice and peace in the world, especially in places where it is a constant uphill battle such as Camden. The example of Sacred Heart Parish is also a challenge to all of us to rethink what it means to be a parish in service to the local Church and the worldwide community.
The article can be found at this link:
http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/place-renegades
