Tag Archives: Pax Christi Houston

ON THE LINE: May edition features breaking news on Transformation Now Plowshares, new pope reflection, and more

Posted on May 9, 2013 | Leave a comment

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

Each month, “On The Line” features news items and announcements from around the nation featuring Pax Christi members, local groups, regions and partners. These are gleaned from articles in local newspapers, websites, magazines, and elsewhere.

JURY FINDS TRANSFORM NOW PLOWSHARES GUILTY: (from the AP story) “An 83-year-old nun and two fellow protesters were convicted Wednesday of interfering with national security when they broke into a nuclear weapons facility in Tennessee and defaced a uranium processing plant. It took a jury about 2 ½ hours to find the three protesters guilty of a charge of sabotaging the plant and second charge of damaging federal property in July the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge in July. Defense attorneys said in closing arguments that federal prosecutors had overreached in the charges because of the embarrassment caused by the break-in. ‘The shortcomings in security at one of the most dangerous places on the planet have embarrassed a lot of people,’ said Francis Lloyd, who represented Sister Megan Rice of Washington, D.C. ‘You’re looking at three scapegoats behind me.’… Read more here: http://news.yahoo.com/jury-finds-3-guilty-weapons-plant-break-222543688.html

Sr. Megan Rice of the Transformation Now Plowshares.

Sr. Megan Rice of the Transform Now Plowshares.

PAX CHRISTI MASSACHUSETTS STATEMENT ON THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING: Chaos, destruction and death visited Boston on Marathon Monday, bearing witness to the perverse power of violence to shatter families, annihilate hope, end dreams, and engender great fear in our hearts. We members of Pax Christi Massachusetts, the Catholic peace organization built on the foundation of gospel nonviolence, and deeply committed to the Way of Peace of Jesus, wish to express our profound sorrow at what has come to pass in our beloved city of Boston. We mourn with the victims and families, and claim kinship with all who will carry their suffering far into the future. We pray for the healing of bodies and spirit and cling to the hope that in this city of great diversity, we remain united in a spirit of compassion and clear thinking… Read the entire statement here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/04/22/statement-statement-from-pax-christi-massachusetts-on-the-marathon-bombings/

FORMER PCUSA BISHOP PRESIDENT WALTER SULLIVAN FEATURED IN HUFFINGTON POST ARTICLE: (From the Huffington Post, written by PCUSA Ambassador of Peace Fr. John Dear, S.J.) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that if our righteousness does not surpass that of the religious authorities, we will not enter the reign of God. It’s a shocking instruction. He seems to have learned early on that power corrupts, and not just politicians, but professional religious people, too. If professional religious authorities do not break out of the trappings of power, authority, money, and cultic privilege, if they do not embody the Beatitudes and struggle for justice and peace, they will not enter the reign of God. I think he means, not just in the next life, but here and now, in this life, where the reign of God is at hand. We see this play out everywhere today, where our religious leaders go along with the culture of violence and war, and remain silent in the face of warmaking, nuclear weapons, poverty, and violence. They fear rocking the boat, so they do nothing, protect their money, stay close to their benefactors, accept whatever the military tells them, and reject the way of the cross. Or if they speak, they only denounce abortion, claiming to be pro-life, even though they actively support U.S. warmaking and nuclear weapons. In doing so, they come across to the faithful as radically pro-death. They remain clueless to the prophetic vocation which Jesus calls us all to live in the Sermon on the Mount. The exceptions, of course, make the rule, and one great exception was my friend Walter Sullivan, bishop of Richmond, former president of Pax Christi USA, who died on December 11, 2012… Read more here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-dear/walter-sullivan-the-good_b_3186832.html

Pax Christi Houston members join Mothers Demand Action for gun safety.

Pax Christi Houston members join Mothers Demand Action for gun safety.

PAX CHRISTI METRO NEW YORK’S EASTER REFLECTION: “Easter is a time for hope, for renewal, and new life.   Nature is at one with the Resurrection of Jesus, as the first buds on the trees appear, tiny creatures cling to their mothers, and the seas calm from the harsh winds of winter.  It is a time of celebration, a time of growth, and a time of change. The recent installation of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis I has given us a very special reason to celebrate, to hope, to renew, to grow, and yes, even to change, as individuals, as a community, and as a Church…” Read the entire reflection here: http://www.nypaxchristi.org/reflection.html

Images of Fr. Bill Bichsel, beloved figure of Pax Christi Pacific Northwest members, are showing up in unusual places!

Images of Fr. Bill Bichsel, beloved figure of Pax Christi Pacific Northwest members, are showing up in unusual places!

PCI CO-PRESIDENT ASKS NEW POPE – BE A SHEPHERD OF PEACE: (from US Catholic by Marie Dennis) “In his resignation statement, Benedict XVI, now the bishop emeritus of Rome, pointed to the great challenge these times present to the papal ministry, speaking in particular about ‘today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith.’ Few challenges will be greater for Pope Francis than the challenge of peace—to turn the hearts, minds, and energies of 1 billion Catholics around the world to fulfilling Jesus’ resurrection promise, ‘Peace I leave with you.’ Exactly 50 years ago, Pope John XXIII’s great encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) ended with a prayer that Christ would ‘inflame the desires of all … to break through the barriers which divide them, to strengthen the bonds of mutual love, to learn to understand one another, and to pardon those who have done them wrong.’” … Read the rest of the article here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/04/18/reflection-be-a-shepherd-of-peace/

PAX CHRISTI TEXAS LEADER DELIVERS SPEECH ON PACEM IN TERRIS: (David Atwood of PC-Texas gave the following talk at the Catholic Library Association Conference.) “It is an honor to address you today on the important subject of Pacem in Terris, the encyclical written by Pope John XXIII that was published in 1963, 50 years ago. I think we would all agree that we need more peace on earth – both in our own nation and throughout the world.  The recent murder of 20 school children in Connecticut as well as the thousands of murders each year in the U.S. are indicative of the problems we have in this country.  The recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the current conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, are indicative of the need for peace in the world… Read the entire speech at: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/04/14/reflection-pacem-in-terris-its-importance-in-current-time/

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

June 14-16 – Pax Christi USA National Conference in Atlanta, GA: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/national-conference-2013/

Quicklinks:

A special supplement by Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore member Scott Wright on “Pacem in Terris” is now included in the Just Peacemaking module from JustFaith Ministries … Tom Cornell delivered the homily at Pax Christi Hudson Valley’s Mass for Peace at St. Augustine Church in Highland, N.Y. on March 16 … Pax Christi members in Upstate New York helped to start a “groceries for guns” program at their parish … Jerry Bettice of PC-Memphis presented a PowerPoint reflection on “The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: The Dream Fulfilled” at the April meeting and at the Young Adults group at St. Patrick Church … Pax Christi members in Maryland were involved in the effort to repeal the death penalty … Pax Christi Illinois member Tom Cordaro wrote this prayer following the Boston Marathon bombing … The Washington Post ran an article on the Transform Now Plowshares prior to their May trial … The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, a PCUSA partner, has named Gerry Lee their new director … Pax Christi Tampa Bay member Mary Ann Holtz has published “Ten Action Steps for Individuals and Families Responding to the Current Global Crises of Energy, Environment and Economy” … Pax Christi Southwest Florida is participating in “Hands Across the Sand” to raise awareness of global climate change … Pax Christi UK has made a YouTube video called “Give Peace a Budget: 7 Ways to Spend $1.7 Trillion” … Pax Christi Metro New York’s latest edition of Kerux is now available on the website … Pax Christi Birmingham member Shelley Douglass asks if we will be open to the promptings of the Spirit this Pentecost? … Pax Christi Pacific Northwest member Nick Mele reports on his visit to Fukushima, Japan … Pax Christi International’s May 2013 newsletter is online … See more local and regional updates in the Spring 2013 edition of The Peace Current …

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ON THE LINE: January edition features PC Illinois’ interfaith peace service, PC Florida’s Haiti delegation report, and more!

Posted on January 9, 2013 | Comments Off

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

Each month, “On The Line” features news items and announcements from around the nation featuring Pax Christi members, local groups, regions and partners. These are gleaned from articles in local newspapers, websites, magazines, and elsewhere.

PAX CHRISTI ILLINOIS CO-SPONSORS INTERFAITH PEACE SERVICE: The 8th annual World Peace Day Inter-Faith Prayer Service, co-sponsored by Pax Christi Illinois, was held on January 1st on the campus of North Central College in Naperville. The theme for this years’ service was, “Breaking Down the Mysteries Between Us: Seeking Peace Through Understanding”. In explaining the hope for this years’ celebration, Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace Tom Cordaro stated, “Even though this past year has been marked by incidents of unspeakable violence, polarization and hostilities in our nation and around the world, the truth is that more and more people of faith are coming together across religious and cultural boundaries to give witness to our common humanity. There is more that unites than there is that divides us. Our hope is that this service will build on the successful interfaith efforts of the last year and deepen the bonds of respect and love between us.” Read the whole article here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/01/04/regional-news-pax-christi-illinois-joins-diverse-religious-communities-in-calling-for-world-peace/

Participants in the World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service add their piece of colored paper to the map of the world.

Participants in the World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service, co-sponsored by PC-Illinois add their piece of colored paper to the map of the world.

PAX CHRISTI GROUPS MARK THE FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS: Traditionally, many Pax Christi groups hold vigils, prayer services, and actions on December 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Pax Christi Florida chapters held vigils dedicated to a commitment to nonviolence as a remembrance of the school children in Newtown, Connecticut . Pax Christi Northeast Florida held one in downtown St. Augustine at the Plaza de la Constitution, with nine people participating, including 2 priests: Fr. Rene Robert and Fr. Sebastian Muccilli. Other PCF members held vigil in downtown Jacksonville in front of the new County Courthouse.

Members of Pax Christi Northeast Florida vigil on the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

Members of PC Northeast Florida vigil on the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

LONG-TIME PAX CHRISTI MEMBER PUBLISHES NEW BOOK: An Invitation to Think and Feel Differently in the New Millennium, by Fr. Harry Bury, long-time member of Pax Christi USA, describes an innovative way of looking at life that brings meaning and  fulfillment to oneself and others. It tells stories that touch the deepest layers of our humanness, awakening our imagination and transforming our understanding in a manner that delights and fulfills us. The intent of this book is to generate new stories for the New Millennium in order to overcome cynicism with reasonable hopefulness, while suggesting practical measures ‘the least of us’ can take to make life wonderful for ourselves and for everyone in the world. Read more about Fr. Harry’s book here: http://www.harryjbury.com/HarryJBury/Books.html

PAX CHRISTI WESTERN NEW YORK COORDINATOR DELIVERS ADVENT HOMILY: This homily was given by William Privett, coordinator of Pax Christi Western New York, on December 8-9 at his parish. “Today’s Gospel reading quotes Isaiah, ‘Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’ Still today we have the responsibility to ‘Prepare the way’ and ‘straighten the paths’…for our Lord. 2000 years later, we can all observe that the path is not straight, the hills are still not level. About 20 years ago, it occurred to me during my meditation that I not only COULD, but was CALLED UPON, to give birth to Jesus into this world. What I will share in the next few minutes is what I have learned in the past few decades, and that is making the path straight is doing what Jesus calls us to do – Love without violence. I believe that Loving without violence, for those of us who believe in Jesus is making the path straight and leveling the hills. Is it even imaginable to you that we could pPrepare the way for Jesus’ with violence, mayhem, destruction and death?” Read the entire homily here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/12/29/christmas-2012-birthing-the-prince-of-peace-love-without-violence/

Jorge Parra

Jorge Parra

PAX CHRISTI MICHIGAN MEMBER WRITES ON COLOMBIAN’S WORK FOR JUSTICE: Pax Christi Michigan member, Carol Jachim, wrote the following story about Jorge Parra’s struggle for justice. “It was International Peace Day in September when I first met Jorge Parra, a humbling man who walked with a cane. We marched together with 25 peace advocates for a mile or so from a downtown Detroit Church to Comerica Park where the Detroit Tigers were playing a home game.  Did we make a difference?  Did anyone notice?  One only wonders with hope. As we gathered in a small park, Jorge spoke, through an interpreter, telling us his reason for being in the U.S. — to draw attention to his and his coworkers’ plight in a General Motors plant in Columbia.  GM Colombia (Colmotores), the most profitable GM plant in Latin America, fired over 200 workers who suffered work-related injuries and diseases, including spinal fractures and cancer…” Read the rest of the story here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/12/21/human-rights-colombians-story-moves-us-to-question-the-meaning-of-joy-and-peace-this-season/

PAX CHRISTI MAINE MEMBER ASKS IF WE SEE THE POOR? The following article was published in the Bangor Daily News by Mary Ellen Quinn of Pax Christi Maine during the Advent season. “As a social worker in this community over the past three decades, I have seen the resources allocated to those living in poverty rise and fall. In recent years, there has been a steady downward spiral. At both federal and state levels, budgets cuts are being made that severely jeopardize the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. It is difficult to witness the current congressional debate on who will receive a tax break, knowing that the income of the top 1 percent of wealthiest Americans has risen close to 75 percent in the past 30 years. At the same time, the income of those on the lowest rung of the ladder has seen only a 1-percent increase…” Read the entire column here: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/12/17/opinion/how-do-we-see-the-poor-or-do-we-see-them-at-all/

PAX CHRISTI FLORIDA MEMBERS ON A DELEGATION TO HAITI: Three Pax Christi Florida Council members made a trip to visit Pax Christi Haiti in November. They spent 5 days in Cite Soleil to see firsthand how the Sakala Peace Program is making a difference in the lives of the children and families living in one of the poorest communities in the world. They returned filled with hope and inspiration from working with these bright, promising youth and resilient, innovative adults. Read their full report here: http://paxchristiflorida.org/take-action/report-of-our-trip-to-pax-christi-port-au-prince/

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

Jan. 6-12 – Witness Against Torture, Close Guantanamo: http://witnesstorture.org/

Jan. 6-12 – National Migration Week: http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/index.cfm

Jan. 11-13 – National Weekend of Prayer to End Slavery and Trafficking: http://www.weekendofprayer.net/index.html

Jan. 18-19 – Pax Christi Cleveland West is presenting a retreat with Fr. Emmanuel McCarthy on gospel nonviolence. Contact 216.651.0550 for more information.

Jan. 21 – MLK Day: http://mlkday.gov/about/serveonkingday.php

Jan. 27 – Pax Christi Metro New York presents Peacemaking Through the Arts, featuring a play on Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day: http://www.nypaxchristi.org/events.html

Feb. 2 – Regional Dialogue in Michigan: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Feb. 13 – Ash Wednesday

Feb. 23 – Regional Dialogue in Minnesota: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Mar. 1-3 – Pax Christi Metro New York’s retreat, “Have this mind in you which was in Christ Jesus…Conversion to the active love of Jesus by praying Sacred Scripture,” with Bishop Thomas Gumbleton: http://www.nypaxchristi.org/events.html

Mar. 10 – Regional Dialogue in Richmond, VA: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Mar. 23 – Regional Dialogue for Pax Christi Metro New York and Long Island: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Quicklinks:

Pax Christi member Fr. Tim Taugher and Fr. Fred Daley were featured in this article from The Post Standard (NY) following the Newtown massacre … Watch this incredible slideshow of Pax Christi Houston events from throughout 2012 put together by Dave Atwood … A number of Pax Christi members, including Ambassadors and Teachers of Peace, were featured in this article in NCR on Catholic peacemaking … Pax Christi New Mexico co-coordinator Bud Ryan had this comment published in the New York Times … Read the new reflection from PCUSA National Council member Nick Mele on “Sex and violence” … A photo from the Sakala project in Haiti was featured in The Global Fund for Children’s blog … The latest edition of Pax Christi Metro New York’s newsletter Kerux is available online … Many thanks to Sue Malone who is stepping down as coordinator of Pax Christi Massachusetts and a grateful welcome to Pat Ferrone who is stepping into her place … Pax Christi El Paso (TX) continues their regular film series this month with the movie “Encounter Point” … Read the January edition of Pax Christi International’s newsletter online … See more local and regional updates in the fall edition of The Peace Current …

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ON THE LINE: August edition features Hiroshima Day actions, PC members supporting the Sisters, and more!

Posted on August 8, 2012 | 2 Comments

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

Each month, “On The Line” features news items and announcements from around the nation featuring Pax Christi members, local groups, regions and partners. These are gleaned from articles in local newspapers, websites, magazines, and elsewhere.

HIROSHIMA DAY WITNESS: Numerous Pax Christi local groups from around the nation participated in events, prayer services, and public actions to commemorate the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima 67 years ago. Here is a sampling of what groups did: Pax Christi New Mexico members hosted their annual “Sack Cloth and Ashes” vigil at Los Alamos. Pax Christi Metro New York hosted prayer, talk, and a public witness to express opposition to nuclear weapons with historian David Watt providing a historical critique of the bombings and Leila Zand, Middle East Program Director from Fellowship of Reconciliation, sharing a contemporary look at the nuclear threat with Iran. Pax Christi Metro D.C.-Baltimore members joined others at the Pentagon where members of the Atlantic Life Community were arrested for nonviolent action. Pax Christi-St. Maurice Church in S. Florida held a special evening of remembrance that included speakers and Japanese drumming. Members of Pax Christi Rochester (MN) lit peace lanterns to illuminate the threat of nuclear war. Pax Christi of Pomona Valley (CA) sponsored a peace vigil.

Hiroshima Day Action

Nonviolent action on Hiroshima Day at the museum where the Enola Gay is displayed in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ted Majdosz)

PAX CHRISTI MICHIGAN SUPPORTS LCWR: On their website, PC-MI writes, “We are writing to assure LCWR that Pax Christi Michigan stands firmly in support of your members throughout the United States AND in absolute opposition to the Vatican decree issued against you on April 18, 2012. We are deeply saddened by the decree contents and want you to know that we stand in awe of the positions you have taken and the leadership you have given through your prophetic works over these many years. Moreover, Pax Christi Michigan is a proud signatory of the Pax Christi International letter of support which was issued just a few weeks ago, publically declaring our solidarity with LCWR in praise of your work. PCM joined other National Sections, including Pax Christi USA, and numerous PC Regional Members as signatories of this powerful letter…” To read the entire letter, click here: http://paxchristimi.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/open-letter-to-the-leadership-conference-of-women-religious-from-pax-christi-michigan/

Supporting the Sisters

Members of Pax Christi Indianapolis support women religious outside the Cathedral. (Photo courtesy of Val Fillenwarth)

WOMEN OF GOD SLIDESHOW: Former Pax Christi USA Development Director Jo Clarke has put together an excellent slideshow called “Women of God” which is now playing on the Erie Benedictines’ website. At a time when our women religious have come under Vatican criticism, this slideshow really celebrates the incredible, diverse ministries of our Sisters. Click here to see the slideshow: http://eriebenedictines.org/

PAX CHRISTI HARRISBURG (PA) LEADER PASSES: Patricia Mary Schulder “wasn’t afraid to get arrested across from the White House for protesting the Vietnam War — and did. She wasn’t afraid to hold an anti-war sign in front of the federal building in downtown Harrisburg — and did that, too. [She] believed it wasn’t enough to hope and pray for peace and justice. She also worked for it… ‘Pat made a difference in the world,’ said Mary Hertzel of Harrisburg, a fellow member of Pax Christi. ‘She came to peace vigils at noon at the Federal Building. She held posters about ending war. She always worked for peace. She also gave great Christmas parties and served delicious food. We will miss her very much.’ Read the entire story at bit.ly/NRZmB2

SUPPORT FOR JUSTICE FOR JANITORS: Dave and Peggy Atwood of Pax Christi Houston were arrested in support of the Justice for Janitors campaign. Dave also delivered a powerful letter of support to janitors organizing for their rights in that city. This is an excerpt from his message: “his is not a matter of supply and demand as some in the business world would like to say.  This is a question of basic justice.  Paying poverty wages to someone to do an essential job is just plain unjust. And so I say to the large companies who are making record profits and to their CEOs who are earning millions of dollars each year, treat these workers right!  If you do so, your company will do better and the Houston economy will benefit.  And I say to the janitors and other low-wage workers of Houston: ‘Stand your ground, my brothers and sisters!  Your cause is just and God will bless you.’” Click here to see their video in support of the campaign: http://youtu.be/PqU3yk9-7B0. Click here to see photos from the action in which Dave and Peggy were among those arrested: http://www.chron.com/business/article/Protesters-block-intersection-in-support-of-3716827.php?cmpid=emailarticle&cmpid=emailarticle

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

July 1-August 9 – Forty Day Fast for the Truth of Gospel Nonviolence, http://lifeofanunorsister.blogspot.com/2012/07/forty-day-fast-for-truth-of-gospel.html

August 5-9 – Faith and Resistance Retreat in Washington, D.C., commemorating the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; contact Art Laffin at artlaffin@hotmail.com for more information

Sept. 7 – Momentum 2012 with Bishop Gumbleton, Bishop Kevin Dowling and Teacher of Peace Ruben Garcia at Trinity University in Washington, D.C., http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/momentum-2012/

Sept. 15 – Regional Dialogue in Atlanta, GA: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Sept. 21 – International Day of Peace

Sept. 29 – Pax Christi Richmond with the Catholic Diocesan Office of Justice and Peace and the Office for Black Catholics will co-sponsor the Slave Trail Walk. Contact Mike at mike.jackman@capitalone.com for more information.

Sept. 29 – Regional Dialogue in Illinois: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Quicklinks:

PC Pacific NW member Nick Mele writes on various peace and justice topics on his blog, The Disconnect … Pax Christi Florida member Pat Mahon reflects on Hiroshima on his blog, ChristFaithPower … Pat O’Neill had his letter in support of the Transform Now Plowshares published in the Knoxville (TN) newspaper … Pax Christi El Paso is showing “The Good War and Those Who Refused to Fight It” for August … PC Metro NY Director Rosemarie Pace was quoted in a comment on the New York Daily News’ website regarding the theater attack in Aurora … Pax Christi Mariposa hosted a speech by Dan Flaming of the Economic Roundtable in July … Pax Christi members in the Bay-Area (CA) are supporting Hyatt housekeepers in their boycott of Hyatt Hotels … Pax Christi Illinois member Tom Cordaro has a series running on the PCUSA website critiquing the theology and practice of nonviolence from an anti-racist perspective … See more local and regional updates in the summer edition of The Peace Current …

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ON THE LINE: July edition features remembering PC-Burlington co-founder Marmete Hayes; Jim Gower, PC’s first peace ambassador; and more

Posted on July 11, 2012 | 1 Comment

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

Each month, “On The Line” features news items and announcements from around the nation featuring Pax Christi members, local groups, regions and partners. These are gleaned from articles in local newspapers, websites, magazines, and elsewhere. 

PAX CHRISTI BURLINGTON CO-FOUNDER – PRESENTE! Marguerite Corliss Hayes, better known as Marmete, one of the founding members of Pax Christi Burlington in Vermont, passed away on June 17 after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer. Sr. Miriam Ward, her close friend and care-giver was at her side. Marmete taught religious education and spoke at parishes across Vermont about religious customs in the home. She was inspired by Dorothy Day, the Catholic Worker and the Berrigan brothers, and had a lifelong journey working for peace and justice. In 1981, she cofounded a new chapter of Pax Christi in Burlington, promoting peace and justice and addressing issues such as violence, nuclear weapons, oppression in Central America, the U.S.-led wars in Iraq, and the School of the Americas. You can read more about Marmete from her obituary and the eulogy given at her funeral: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/07/10/obituary-marmete-hayes-co-founder-of-pax-christi-burlington-vermont/

Marmete Hayes, co-founder of Pax Christi Burlington

Marmete Hayes, co-founder of Pax Christi Burlington (VT)

PAX CHRISTI METRO DC-BALTIMORE CHAIR’S REFLECTION FOR TORTURE SURVIVORS WEEK: “Hello, my name is Bob More, and I’m the Chairperson of Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, which is the regional affiliate of Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement.  (‘Pax Christi’ is Latin for ‘the peace of Christ.’)  We are honored to be partners with TASSC in the vital work of abolishing torture and holding accountable those who authorize it.  We bring greetings of peace and solidarity to TASSC members and supporters as you conclude your annual Torture Survivors Week with this vigil in Lafayette Park. Two weeks ago, Catholic Christians around the world celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi, which is Latin for ‘the body of Christ.’  Corpus Christi holds great significance for us as Christians, on three main levels…” To read the entire reflection, click here: http://www.paxchristimetrodc.org/2012/06/27/reflection-for-tassc-survivor-week-vigil/

Justice for Janitors campaign in Houston

Pax Christi Houston has been very supportive of the Justice for Janitors campaign for a livable wage in Houston.

PAX CHRISTI MEMPHIS LOSES LONG-TIME MEMBER FR. JOHN VALENTINE ATKINSON: “We are sad to report the death of longtime Pax Christi Memphis member Fr. John Atkinson, on the morning of June 7, 2012. Fr. John passed peacefully after an extended illness. He has been visited by many of his loving friends in the past few days. He will be fondly remembered by his Pax Christi friends and by all those whom he served as priest,” stated the PC-Memphis website.

PAX CHRISTI’S FIRST PEACE AMBASSADOR, REV. JIM GOWER: “Jim Gower—the Rev. James Manley Gower—should be remembered by Pax Christi USA before he is altogether gone from us.  Jim, 90, now resides in a nursing home, suffering dementia. Jim, a direct descendant of the ‘noble Gower,’ the medieval poet celebrated by Shakespeare, World War II Navy veteran, and long-time Portland, ME, diocesan priest, should be remembered as an exemplary witness, in Maine and nationwide, to the nonviolent Jesus and to the priest in service to his community. Remembered throughout the country because his recognition of the centrality of peace in the Gospel and alarm at the madness of mutually assured nuclear destruction occasioned him becoming, after Dorothy Day–the perpetual peace journeyer, the first PCUSA peace ambassador.  Shortly after his discovery of Pax in England and Pax Christi’s foundation here, in the early 80s, Jim met a need of the fledgling PCUSA movement.  He took a two-year leave of absence and visited any parish, school, or seminary anywhere that would give him a hearing about Pax Christi as an instrument of peacemaking.  He made two coast to coast to coast circuits, clocking 25,000 miles, living hand to mouth, asking only gas money to the next stop. Years after, early Pax Christi members would ask anyone from Maine if they knew Jim…” Read the entire article at http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/06/27/news-rev-jim-gower-the-first-ambassador-of-peace-for-pax-christi-usa/

PAX CHRISTI STATEN ISLAND (NY) LEADS DOROTHY DAY PILGRIMAGE: “The 20th Annual Pax Christi Dorothy Day Pilgrimage was held June 16 in Pleasant Plains. Participants started at the office of Resurrection Cemetery in Pleasant Plains, where Ms. Day is buried, and proceeded to the former Spanish Camp, where Ms. Day’s cottage once stood, walking on the beach as she did. The final stop was at Our Lady Help of Christians R.C. Church in Tottenville, where Ms. Day and her daughter were baptized…” Read the article announcing the pilgrimage here: http://www.silive.com/worship/2012/06/remembering_dorothy_day.html

Solidarity with Sisters march

PC Palm Beach members participated in a solidarity prayer vigil & procession outside the Cathedral of the Diocese of Palm Beach in Palm Beach Gardens in May.

PAX CHRISTI USA HIRES NEW DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS: Pax Christi USA announced that Sr. Anne-Louise Nadeau, SNDdeN has joined the national staff as the Director of Programs. Sr. Nadeau’s responsibilities will include developing, implementing and overseeing the programs of Pax Christi USA related to its primary initiative areas of the spirituality of non-violence and peacemaking; disarmament, demilitarization and reconciliation with justice; economic and interracial justice in the United States; and human rights and global restoration.“Pax Christi USA is delighted to welcome Sr. Anne-Louise Nadeau, SNDdeN, to our national staff. As Director of Programs, Sister brings her talents and skills to assist PCUSA in the implementation of national programs based on its priority initiatives,” stated Sr. Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA. Read the entire announcement here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/07/05/news-sister-of-notre-dame-de-namur-joins-pax-christi-usa-as-director-of-programs/

Upcoming Events:

Quicklinks:

Pax Christi Central Seattle will be starting the Just Peacemaking module from PCUSA and JustFaith Ministries in August. Contact pc.centralseattle@gmail.com for more information … Pax Christi Indianapolis member Fran Quigley will be speaking on “What is a Peaceful Society?” on August 4 at Veterans for Peace meeting. Contact VFPindianapolis@gmail.com for more info … Pax Christi New Orleans member Kevin Cahalan spoke on July 14 at the Gillespie Memorial Community Breakfast … Beth Begley of Pax Christi Metro New York and the Pax Christi rep to the UN sent us this video on the Arms Trade Treaty … Pax Christi Long Island started this petition in support of the LCWR … Welcome to the new Pax Christi local group started in Prescott, AZ … Art Laffin of the Dorothy Day CW in DC did an excellent prayer service on ending the use of drones … Pax Christi Reno (NV) hosted a Labyrinth Walk and Candlelight Vigil on June 24th to commemorate the 15th Annual United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors … See more local and regional updates in the summer edition of The Peace Current …

  • Send your news items, announcements, photos and links to stories about Pax Christi groups or members to johnnypcusa@yahoo.com.

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ON THE LINE: June edition features PC members, groups in Newsday, NY Times, Washington Post, and more

Posted on June 7, 2012 | 1 Comment

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

Each month, “On The Line” features news items and announcements from around the nation featuring Pax Christi members, local groups, regions and partners. These are gleaned from articles in local newspapers, websites, magazines, and elsewhere. 

PAX CHRISTI MICHIGAN COORDINATOR FEATURED IN YOUTUBE VIDEO: Joan Tirak, coordinator for Pax Christi Michigan, was a featured speaker at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Lansing Peace Community. The event was videotaped and uploaded to YouTube. You can watch Joan’s speech here: http://youtu.be/x7tWykfP8DI?t=6m40s

PC Michigan Conference - Workshop on Racism

Floyd Cook leads a workshop on racism at the PC-Michigan State Conference in April.

PAX CHRISTI LONG ISLAND’S MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE FEATURED IN NEW YORK TIMES BLOG: Nancy Dwyer of PC-Long Island responded to the New York Times request for readers to share their Memorial Day rituals and traditions. Nancy wrote of PC-Long Island’s annual memorial at Jones Beach for the war dead, inviting people “to join us, even if only for a few minutes, for the solemn reading of the names of the war dead.” Nancy also wrote that Memorial Day “shouldn’t be a time to glorify war with an air show and a display of weapons to entice young people to enlist in more wars.” Read the entire letter here: http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/28/readers-memorial-day-rituals/

PAX CHRISTI’S RECOGNITION OF U.S. NUNS FEATURED IN WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE: In an article by Mary Johnson of Religion News Service on the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s report on the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, she cited Pax Christi USA’s recognition of U.S. women religious at our national conference in 2010. “As Pax Christi noted when honoring the sisters in 2010, the LCWR is composed of ‘strong, prophetic, and compassionate women … always on the front lines where the weak and most vulnerable suffer at the hands of violent and unjust power.’” Read the entire article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/the-nuns-who-once-taught-the-bishops-arent-done-yet/2012/06/04/gJQAe2c4DV_story.html

PAX CHRISTI NEW MEXICO CO-COORDINATOR TO UNDERTAKE HUNGER STRIKE: This year New Mexico Pax Christi invites PCUSA members to join them in participating in Nuke Free Now, a weekend event Aug. 4-6th in Santa Fe and Los Alamos, N.M. We will transform the nuclear narrative in the public consciousness and inspire a life-affirming future. Alaric Balibrera, whose father was the film documentarian for Los Alamos Labs from 1967 to 1982, realized his exposure as a child to nuclear contamination and the terrible consequences of nuclear weapons. He will be hunger striking from July 16th to August 6th to increase the awareness to the mounting nuclear crisis that threatens all na­tions on this planet. Ellie Voutselas of Pax Christi New Mexico  has pledged to join his hunger strike from July 16-22. Others are invited to join in this action. Please see http://www.nukefreenow.org for complete information.

PAX CHRISTI ILLINOIS HOLDS MASS ON THE GRASS PRIOR TO MARCH: On Sunday morning, May 20th in Chicago, prior to the March for Justice and Reconciliation organized by the Iraq Veterans Against War (IVAW), nearly 100 members of Pax Christi USA, the Catholic Worker and 8th Day Center for Justice gathered in Grant Park for a Eucharistic Liturgy. Presiding at the liturgy was Fr. Bob Bossie, SCJ, a long-time Chicago peace activist. After Mass the group joined the IVAW rally and marched with the thousands from around the country who were saying “no” to NATO’s ever-expanding mission and ever-increasing costs that serve the strategic goals of the 1% while forcing austerity at home and destitution and death around the world. To see photos and read a full report, go here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/05/23/regional-event-catholics-gather-for-eucharist-prior-to-nato-summit-march-for-reconciliation-and-justice/

PC Illinois Mass on the Grass

Members of Pax Christi Illinois share in the Eucharist prior to joining the March for Justice and Reconciliation at the NATO Summit in Chicago in May.

PAX CHRISTI METRO NEW YORK HONORS JEWISH PEACEMAKER: The Times Ledger of New York featured an article on Rabbi Michael Weisser, who was honored by Pax Christi Metro New York at an awards reception on June 3. You can read the article here, http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2012/22/weisserhonored_ne_2012_05_31_q.html. Also honored were Bud Courtney for his peacemak­ing on the lower east side of Manhattan, in Iraq, and at the Arizona/Mexico border; and Carla DeYcaza for her work for hu­man rights, transitional justice, and nonviolent conflict resolu­tion in Africa. Read more at http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/05/25/regional-event-pc-metro-new-york-honors-peacemakers/

PAX CHRISTI HAITI COLLEAGUE HONORED AS ARCHITECT OF THE FUTURE: Daniel Tillias, Program Director of Pax Christi in Haiti and a frequent speaker to Pax Christi local groups in the U.S., was honored recently as an “Architect of the Future.” Daniel was recognized as one of ten outstanding social entrepreneurs from around the world. Read more here: http://architectsofthefuture.net/portfolio/daniel-tillias/

PAX CHRISTI MANASOTA CHAPTER OBSERVES MEMORIAL DAY: On Memorial Day, the Manasota (FL) Chapter of Pax Christi, together with members of the Coalition for Concerned Patriots and the Southwest Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice, gathered around the Peace Pole erected several years back at Island Park—in the Sarasota Bayfront area—to remember in song and prayer all who locally stood for peace and justice and had passed on before us. We remembered fifteen area peace activists, including Les Druckemiller who was responsible for erecting the Peace Pole.  About twenty people gathered for the service and a picnic luncheon.

Upcoming Events:

Quicklinks:

Pax Christi Houston honors U.S. vets by calling for an end to the war in Afghanistan … Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore has posted an excellent prayer service on the use of drones by Art Laffin … Pax Christi Michigan conference inspires hope, action … Pax Christi Long Island board member and Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Keeler writes about his worst nightmare in Newsday … Pax Christi Baltimore’s Chuck Michaels is featured talking about liturgy in this article in the Herald Malaysia Online … Jim O’Callahan of Downtown Brooklyn Pax Christi wrote this review on the film Cite Soleil: Sun, Dust and Hope … Read the thoughts and opinions of Mike McCarthy of Blue Water (MI) on his blog … Pax Christi Maine hosted a state assembly titled “Resisting the Culture of Violence” in May … Pax Christi Long Island’s Memorial  Day service was mentioned in a letter to the editor to Newsday … Read Pax Christi International’s June newsletter … JustFaith Ministries in collaboration with Pax Christi USA just released a special 12 session module for small groups on “Just Peacemaking.” There is a special discount for Pax Christi local groups wanting to purchase the module … PCUSA is seeking an Associate Director of Development and a Program Director …

  • Send your news items, announcements, photos and links to stories about Pax Christi groups or members to johnnypcusa@yahoo.com.

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LOCAL GROUP NEWS: Pax Christi Houston honors U.S. veterans, calls for an end to Afghanistan war

Posted on May 28, 2012 | 4 Comments

On Memorial Day, 2012, Pax Christi Houston recognizes the supreme sacrifice that U.S. military personnel have made in Iraq and Afghanistan. These wars have resulted in the deaths of about 6400 U.S. military personnel and caused thousands more to suffer severe injuries. The wars have also caused the death of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan and caused great suffering in those nations.

While we honor the veterans of these wars, we wish to reiterate our belief that the wars were unnecessary. We hope and pray that in the future the United States will be able to resolve international problems without sending our young men and women to war. We reiterate here the words of Pope John Paul II regarding war:

“War – never again!
No, never again war,
which teaches how to kill,
throws into upheaval even the lives of those who do the killing and
leaves behind a trail of resentment and hatred,
making it all the more difficult to find a just solution to the very problems which provoked the war.

No to war!
War is not always inevitable.
It is always a defeat for humanity.
International law, honest dialogue, solidarity between states,
the noble exercise of diplomacy:
These are methods worthy of individuals and nations in resolving their differences.”

Pax Christi Houston is the local chapter of Pax Christi USA. Pax Christi USA strives to create a world that reflects the peace of Christ by exploring, articulating and witnessing to the call of Christian nonviolence. Pax Christi USA promotes the Gospel imperative of peacemaking as a priority in the Catholic Church in the United States.

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ON THE LINE: Way of the Cross additions, PC-Texas coordinator receives award, PCUSA-JustFaith partnership update

Posted on April 19, 2011 | Comments Off

Compiled by Johnny Zokovitch

Each week “On The Line” features news items and announcements from around the nation featuring Pax Christi members, local groups, regions and partners.

UPDATE ON GOOD FRIDAY WAY OF THE CROSS EVENTS: More than 15 “Way of the Cross” prayer witness events are being planned around the country for Good Friday. Pax Christi members are initiating or co-sponsoring this powerful witness in Denver and Louisville, Sioux Falls and Boston, and all across the U.S. We’ll continue to add listings on our Lent page, so feel free to send your information in to Johnny at johnnypcusa@yahoo.com.

SUCCESSFUL STATE CONFERENCE IN TEXAS: Frank Skeith, the long-standing Pax Christi Texas state coordinator was awarded the Pax Christi Peacemaker award (in absentia) at Pax Christi Texas’s state conference this past weekend. PC-Texas asks all of us to keep Frank in our prayers as he recovers from a recent operation. Fr. John Dear, S.J. provided a powerful and intensive review of the gospels in his keynote presentations, “Jesus and the Holy Week Journey to Peace”, with an emphasis on the nonviolent Christ. Over 115 participants attended the conference, hosted by Pax Christi Houston.

PHOTOS FROM THE PRAY-IN: In February, Pax Christi Long Island participated at a “pray-in” at Rep. King’s office, shortly before he was scheduled to hold his so-called “radical Muslim hearings.”

Long Island Pray-In

For more photos, visit the PC-Long Island website at http://paxchristilongisland.org/index.php/16-past-events-past-events/14-pray-in-at-peter-kings-office.

PAX CHRISTI USA-JUSTFAITH MINISTRIES PARTNERSHIP: Local Pax Christi groups have sent speakers to share the story of Pax Christi and Christian nonviolence with more than 40 JustFaith groups throughout the U.S. in the past 3 months. Pax Christi members have connected with JustFaith groups in Atlanta and the Washington, D.C.-area, Phoenix and Portland, Indianapolis and Cleveland, and dozens of other cities. We encourage local Pax Christi groups and members to reach out to JustFaith groups in your area, promoting the work your group is doing on behalf of peace and justice and inviting JustFaith participants to join you!

SEEDING NEW GROUPS: Organizing toolkits for starting a new group were sent out recently to Bucknell University (PA), Salve Regina University (RI), Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, NY; and local group organizers in Las Cruces, NM and Springfield, MA. We wish many blessings to these new groups as they discern and begin their work for peace and justice!

ENDING HOMELESSNESS: Pax Christi Memphis focused on the issue of homelessness during March with two events. On March 1, members of Pax Christi Memphis attended the meeting of the Memphis City Council in support of the Mayors’ Plan to End Homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County. At their March 19 meeting, the group discussed local homelessness issues in Memphis with Brad Watkins from the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, who presented an account of the work the Center on this issue.

IN BRIEF: On May 8 in Plano, Texas, Pax Christi Dallas will co-sponsor the film, Iraq for Sale, with Iranians for Peace and Justice… Pax Christi Phoenix, along with the Arizona Death Penalty Forum and the Coalition of Arizonans to End the Death Penalty, held witnesses that included prayer services on March 29th when the State of Arizona put Eric King to death… Pax Christi Burlington (VT) will celebrate its 30th anniversary later this year, on October 4. Thanks PC-Burlington for your steadfast witness!…

  • Send your news items, announcements, photos and links to stories about Pax Christi groups or members to johnnypcusa@yahoo.com.

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