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September 10, 2013
COMMENTARY/IN OUR COMMUNITY
The Valley Catholic
GUEST COLUMN: Facing our fears
By Father David Mercer consider Philemon’s part in the story. The Wizard of Oz is a beloved adPaul challenges Philemon to treat his venture story, and it is good theolrunaway slave Onesimus, not as an ogy, too. We know the story: when escapee, but as his brother in Christ. young Dorothy Gale travels over the Philemon has rights over Onesirainbow to the Land of Oz, she natumus, including the exacting of a punrally wants to go home. Assured that ishment due to a runaway. Philemon the great Wizard of Oz can help her faces a dilemma over how to treat go home, she travels Onesimus, eit her as to the Emerald Cit y, a fugitive or as a felmaking friends with low disciple of Jesus In that meeting of a scarecrow, tin man, Christ. Consider Onesislave and master and lion and avoiding mus’ dilemma, too. He the wicked witch who can continue running, is the promise of is intent on interfering but will never truly be redemption. with Dorothy’s plan. home free while always Although successlooking over his shoulfully evading the fearful der in fear. witch, Dorothy learns from the wizard However, if Paul’s request of Phithat to go home to Kansas, she and her lemon works out, Onesimus will no three friends (her brain, heart and courlonger live in fear, but will have found age) ?rst must face her fear, the witch. a new brother. In that meeting of slave St. Paul has a different version of and master is the promise of redempthis story. Rather than sending Dorothy tion for both and the chance to go into the face of fear, he sends Onesihome, not to Kansas, but to the fuller mus. On a September Sunday, we hear life Jesus offers them. this adventure story re?ected in Paul’s Some people say that if Michelanshort letter to Philemon. Most writers gelo had been afraid of heights, his plans would have been only to paint Christ: “Jesus, with His Cross, walks the Sistine Chapel floor. Similarly, with us and takes upon Himself our the Scriptures understand fear as an fears, our problems, and our sufferobstacle to God’s plans. When Mary ings, even those which are deepest learns of her role in the plan of salvaand most painful.” He said: “Do not tion, the angel ?rst tells her, “Do not be afraid! … Jesus does not leave us be afraid.” When shepherds learn of alone, he never leaves you alone! He the Savior’s birth, the angel tells them, always accompanies you.” “Do not be a f ra id.” In the witch’s castle, When women ? nd Jeevil corners Dorothy. sus’ tomb to be empty, Wit h o ut a n e s c a p e The Scriptures the angel tells them, route, she c a n on ly understand fear “Do not be afraid.” The name evil for what it Gospel message aims to is. Her head, heart and as an obstacle to replace fear with trust, courage come together, God’s plans. because fear interferes and the evil melts away. with God’s plan. (I sometimes wonder if I recall a simple way water is used because of of teaching children about faith. its Christian symbolism.) Spread your ?ve ?ngers on one hand, We have no record of Onesimus’ and spell the word “faith” on each meeting with Philemon. However, we finger: F-A-I-T-H. Then, each letter do have Saint Paul’s letter. Philemon (?nger) stands for a word — Feeling did not tear it up in disgust, which Afraid, I Trust Him — reminding us strongly suggests that the fugitive to replace fear with trust (that is, faith). slave faced down his fear and the evil Pope Francis, in Brazil for World of his enslavement melted away. OnYouth Day, spoke to young people esimus went home, not to Kansas, but about replacing fear with faith in to new brother, Philemon.
Event against violent crime draws people to San Jose City Hall
Terry McCaffrey, of California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty, reports that over 100 people attended a prayer service recently at the rotunda at San José City Hall “in response to a wave a violent crime in the area.” Kathleen Flynn, who is a relative of a victim of homicide, organized the event. Those attending heard speakers including San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Acting Chief of Police Larry Esquivel and several local clergy. McCaffrey’s People of Faith organization works with the Of?ce of Restorative Justice of the Diocese of San Jose which focuses on the needs of both victims and offenders, as well as involving the local community, going beyond legal principles and punishment. Offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to make restitution in a variety of ways. In addition, it provides help for the of-
St. Lucy School Student Council members dressed in 50’s style (l-r) Samantha Park, Lily Chuck, MacKenzy Jaques, Sam Ricci, Mr. Dan Kropp, Matthew Salvador, Maisie Martin, Christina Higareda, Madelyn Davis.
At prayer vigil, Elsa Lopez holds photo of her son who was murdered earlier this year in San Jose.
St. Lucy School celebrates 60th anniversary
St. Lucy School (Campbell) Student Council helped kick off the 60th anniversary of the school with a spirit rally dedicated to 1953, the year the school opened. Student Council members dressed in 50’s clothes. The Parent Teacher Group prepared the annual back-to-school kickoff dinner for parents and staff, themed with vintage photos. Sisters of Notre Dame opened the school in September 1953 with students in grades 1-3. A new grade was added each year for the next ?ve years. Today the school is ?lled with over 330 students in grades Pre-K through eight. “This is a year to celebrate what makes St. Lucy School such a special place,” said principal Sue Grover. “We celebrate our faith, our academic excellence, and our wonderful community. This year will be dedicated to celebrating our 60th anniversary in all that we do.”
fender in order to avoid future offences. Restorative justice fosters dialogue between victims and offenders.
‘An Evening with Mary’ Oct. 11 at St. Elizabeth, Milpitas
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Milpitas will honor the Blessed Mother with its annual “An Evening with Mary” event, Oct. 11; gathering at 6:30 pm, procession at 7 pm, Mass at 7:30 pm. Cory Mollat, parishioner and event organizer, said, “It’s our seventh year for this event to honor the Blessed Mother and we will again gather under her different titles and roles. Different statues and pictures of Mary, fully decorated in their carozzas, will join the candlelight procession. We are inviting everyone to join us.” St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is located at 750 Sequoia Dr., Milpitas, 95035. For more information call Cory Mollat at 408-834-2196.
More School News on pages 8–9
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Catholic Community Foundation of Santa Clara County
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