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Pentecost has always been right up there with Holy Thursday as my favorite day in the Liturgical year. There is something so incredibly meaningful about the realization that, on Pentecost, we were entrusted with the power of the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus’ mission of building the Kindom of God. This day serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our creative and courageous pursuits to bring a little more compassion into the world.
I remember one particular Pentecost Sunday very clearly. It was Spring 2012, and I was on pilgrimage in Rome. It was my first day out of the United States and my first experience as a pilgrim, and every encounter left me in awe. On Pentecost we joined a liturgical celebration at the Church of the Holy Spirit. After the service, I remember sitting in a pew and feeling a sense of Spirit wash over me, softly thinking, “I’m not sure what’s in store for me, but if you send me, I will go.”
Over ten years later, the Spirit has sent me on a journey to discover communities where She is continuing to swirl. This weekend, FutureChurch is delighted to introduce The Pentecost Project– an exploration and celebration of communities around the United States that are creatively and courageously blossoming from their Catholic roots and following the winds of the Spirit where they feel called. Over the next several months, FutureChurch will highlight various liturgical, living, and service communities that have embraced the Spirit of Pentecost and are forging a way forward that is both imaginative and inclusive. Our first highlight, featured below, is The Fireplace Community, an intentional community of artists, activists, and spiritual seekers in the Southside of Chicago. We are honored to share the story of this community, and I am excited to once again put on my pilgrim hat as I continue to encounter communities of faith and hope that leave me in awe.
Do you know of or belong to a community that you would like to see highlighted? Feel free to reach out to me at martha@futurechurch.org.
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| Pentecost Project |
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"The Fireplace Community Brings the Flames of Pentecost to Life"
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With the fire of Pentecost and emboldened by the Holy Spirit, we at FutureChurch are engaging in a new project to recognize and celebrate communities that are embodying the mission of Pentecost. Over the next several months, we will be highlighting communities that have been emboldened to live the Gospel in new and creative ways. We begin by introducing you to The Fireplace Community.
Excerpt: On an unassuming residential street in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, an emerging model of intentional community is creating a place of rest, spiritual growth, and joy. According to its website, The Fireplace started in February 2021 by Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA and Sister Sharon Dillon, SSJ-TOSF, is an intentional community of artists, activists, and spiritual seekers. From its seven residential members to the larger community that gathers at the residence for dinners, spirituality nights, events and celebrations, The Fireplace has certainly become a place of companionship for all who walk up its front steps.
READ MORE...
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Just Word
Today Abby Fraser invites us to explore the Holy Spirit through fire and water, with the help of Rachel Held Evans; engage Spirit for Catholics through our teachings; and embody the Holy Spirit with the help of contemplative prayers and the example of the Palestinian solidarity encampments.
"Holy Spirit contains multitudes, as do we as image bearers of God. So, to acknowledge the way we are intertwined, that when one part of the body hurts, the rest of the body reacts, is to recognize God more fully. To hold the tension that Holy Spirit is both living water and fire is to hold the tension that we are called to live into both water and fire."
Abbi Fraser spends a lot of time confused and loves asking a lot of questions. Abbi likes talking about God and finds Them most in her friends, protests, and the park.
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Catholic Women Preach
Preaching for Pentecost Sunday, Maureen O'Connell offers a reflection on becoming a people:
"A people are those who share a vision and a desire to work together toward it. A people decide to go through hard things together, confident they will be different on the other side."
Maureen O'Connell is professor of Christian ethics at La Salle University in Philadelphia and director of synod and higher education engagement for Discerning Deacons.
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| "Mary Magdalene Goes to the Synod" to Expand the Lectionary |
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As we head towards the 2024 Synod, help us spread the word that women’s history is Salvation History and should be included in our lectionary by becoming a Mary Magdalene Advocate!
There is a lot at stake for women and for the Church as a whole in the choice of scripture passages we proclaim on Sundays. The ways in which we understand and know God are formed within the liturgy. What we pray and sing, as well as the stories we re-tell in public worship form and shape what we believe about God, ourselves, and our relationship to God and to one another.
Many Catholics do not realize that important stories of our foremothers in faith are excluded from or diminished in our lectionary. Catholics are deprived of learning about the gifts, grace, courage, leadership and ministry of women like Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, Junia, and Shiprah and Puah. Lifting up and telling the stories these faithful women will help Synod participants and all Catholics understand that women were and, should now be, leaders and ministers in our Church.
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| Upcoming FutureChurch Events |
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| May 21, 2024 | 7:00 PM ET |
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Mary Magdalene Advocacy- Part II: Recovering Our Faith Heritage
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Become a Mary Magdalene Advocate and join us for our second of three advocacy trainings! In this session, we will learn more about our Foremothers in Faith, the women we want to recover in the lectionary including a) Mary Madgalene’s quest to be heard on Easter Sunday; b) Phoebe our sister, diakonos, and prostatis; c) Lydia, Junia, Prisca, Shiprah & Puah, and more.
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| Development Director, Pax Christi USA |
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Pax Christi USA is the national Catholic peace and justice movement that works for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world through prayer, study and action. The position is full-time and can be done from the home office in Washington, D.C. or remotely. The Development Director strategizes and oversees all aspects of Pax Christi USA fundraising and development in collaboration with the Executive Director.
Learn More/Apply Here.
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| Program Director, Mercy Center Burlingame |
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This role is responsible for the creation, development, and oversight of all program functions, and ensuring quality programming in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy charism and Mercy Ministry Corporation values. The Program Director will further the mission of Mercy Center Burlingame through program design, implementation, and evaluation while collaborating with current staff to promote retreats and programs.
Learn More/Apply Here.
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| Intergenerational Faith Sharing Event | DignityUSA |
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June 3, 2024 | 8:00PM ET
With leadership from the Aging with Dignity, Women of Dignity, and Dignity Young Adults, DignityUSA is deepening connections among our members of different generations. This faith sharing is a kickoff event that will involve sharing stories of faith and identities by representatives from each caucus. Join us on June 3, 8 PM ET/5 PM PT to listen and learn! A $10 donation is recommended for this event.
Register Here.
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| Teresa of Ávila and Peacemaking in a Nuclear Age: A Contemplative Conversation |
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July 15-18, 2024 |Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN, 46556
Keynote Speakers Include: Mary Frohlich, RSCJ; Mary Ann Hinsdale, IHM; Maria Teresa Morgan; Margie Pfeil; and Lori Stanley. For more information about the event, contact Dan Horan at dhoran@saintmarys.edu.
Young Adult Scholarships Available!
Register Here.
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| We seek changes that will provide all Roman Catholics the opportunity to participate fully in Church life and leadership. |
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FutureChurch is a national 501(c)(3) organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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