The Valley Catholic
IN OUR COMMUNITY
September 10, 2013
23
Secular Institute Missionaries of The Kingship of Christ hold Chapter of Mats
The Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ (SIM), a Franciscan secular institute, held a Chapter of Mats (CofM), a spiritual retreat, at the Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours in Mariottsville, MD in late June. Theme was “Faith Alive” in keeping with the Year of Faith. Purpose of the Chapter of Mats, according to SIM Assistant General Caesare Vaini,from Italy, is an extended retreat, a time for listening to the Word, fraternity, formation and in-depth spiritual growth. Life experiences of the missionaries help to strengthen rapport and relationships between Institute leadership and missionaries through sharing of common vision, goals and aspirations. It also celebrates past accomplishments, acknowledges present challenges, and creates a vision for the future accompanied by a strategic plan. SIM has over 2,000 members worldwide with approximately 100 in the US. Missionaries from the U.S. as well as from Italy, Africa, Argentina, Philippines and Poland attended. The President General of the entire Institute resides in Italy. Keynote speaker, Dr. Susan Muto, a single lay woman, is Executive Director and Dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality, and served as facilitator during the week. In addition, Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of the Catholic Social Justice Lobby known as Network, gave a presentation on Catholic Social Justice. Sister Simone recently spearheaded the national Nuns on the Bus campaign and tour for immigration reform. (See June 25 edition of The Valley Catholic). Father Dominic Monti, former Ecclesial Assistant for the U.S., gave a talk at the end of the week. During the week, the Central Council, based in Italy, held their meetings and delegates were in attendance as well as the President General. The week-long event concluded with renewals and a reception.
Second Harvest Food Bank serves seniors in Silicon Valley — part of hidden hungry
Nearly half local seniors can’t meet basic needs
By Caitlin Kerk Nearly half of seniors living in Silicon Valley are struggling to get by economically. According to the Insight Center for Community Economic Development’s Elder Index, 48 percent of adults over age 65 in Santa Clara County and 43 percent of those over age 65 in San Mateo County don’t have enough income to meet basic needs. That often forces them to choose between necessities such as food, shelter and medicine. “The high cost of living in Silicon Valley is hurting many of our neighbors, particularly seniors who ????????????????????????t?????-????)???????