Tag Archives: Pax Christi Indianapolis

ON THE LINE: November edition features members in Iraq, Pakistan; interview with PCUSA Ambassador of Peace, and more!

Posted on November 14, 2012 | 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.

A SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PAX CHRISTI GROUPS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY: Members of the Pax Christi Metro New York, Pax Christi Long Island and Pax Christi New Jersey regions were hit especially hard by Hurricane Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them as they continue to recover from the storm. If you wish to send a note of solidarity and support to members of these regions, or ask how you can help PC members who might need some direct help as a result of the storm, you can send an email to the following leaders of those regions:

PAX CHRISTI MINNESOTA MEMBER IN IRAQ: Steve Clemens of PC-Minnesota, is back in Iraq ten years after being there with the Iraq Peace Team. He writes in his blog, “I had left Iraq just 3 months before the US war-of-choice began in March 2003. My experience with the Iraq Peace Team was powerful and life-changing because I was able to act on my faith rather than my fears. So this land between the Tigris and Euphrates has a special place in my heart.” You can follow his reports from Iraq on his blog at http://www.mennonista.blogspot.com/

PC Florida Leaders

Five “Prophets of Peace” were named on PC-Florida’s 30th anniversary: Fr. Sebastian Muccilli, Mary Lea Zamora, Carol Ann Breyer, Anne Richter and Maureen O’Connell.

NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER INTERVIEWS PCUSA AMBASSADOR OF PEACE NANCY SMALL: From NCR – “Among my favorite Pax Christi memories is one of Nancy Small leading a few hundred of us in a prayerful protest against the first war in Iraq from the steps of Brooklyn’s St. James Cathedral, which barred our entry, to Assumption Church, which welcomed us. We walked in total silence except for a drumbeat. Along the way, we offered inquisitive spectators fliers explaining our absence from the huge pro-war rally in Manhattan on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge. We were few compared to the thousands who supported the military action. I recall that The New York Times, which covered the large rally, concluded with a mention of our resistance…” Read the entire interview with Nancy at http://ncronline.org/node/38161/

LAKESHORE PC (WI) COVENANTS WITH OTHER FAITH COMMUNITIES: Lakeshore Pax Christi in Manitowoc County in Wisconsin have covenanted with Lakeshore United Methodist Church, First Lutheran Church, St James Episcopal Church, and Fox Valley Friends (Quakers) to work for justice. The “Covenanting Celebration for RUTH of Manitowoc County” (RUTH=Responding with Understanding, Truth and Hope) was on October 29. RUTH members work to help persons in need, assisting at the Domestic Violence Shelter, tutoring children, mentoring those returning from prison and jail, volunteering at Hope House and planning the men’s homeless shelter, advocating for children in the CASA program, foster parenting and participating in a myriad of ways of ways of serving and giving locally and on mission trips. RUTH members have concluded that systemic and structural change must also occur if the public good is to be fully served. Read more at http://www.htrnews.com/article/20121026/MAN0101/310260158/Lakeshore-Update?nclick_check=1

PAX CHRISTI HIGH SCHOOL CHAPTER HOLDS PEACE FESTIVAL: The Pax Christi group at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, CA, worked with their school’s Campus Ministry Department to celebrate their annual St. Francis Peace Festival, October 1 -4. Every student in the school was invited to contribute some research, art, prayer, skit, etc. on the topic of peace.  Each teacher (across the curriculum) was invited to share a peace lesson in their class. The school’s Alumni Hall was filled with colorful and thought-provoking work and activities that invited the students to take a stand for non-violence and peace-making.  The week culminated with a Catholic mass on the feast of St. Francis. The mass began with large puppets created by the Art and Religion Departments, presenting a story of two fighting communities who find a way to sow seeds of peace.

Members of the Pax Christi chapter at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, CA held a peace festival on the Feast of St. Francis.

PAX CHRISTI MEMBER PUBLISHES NEW BOOK ON SERVANT LEADERSHIP: In Blessings for Leaders, long-time Pax Christi member Dan Ebener skillfully weaves an understanding of one of the most powerful and familiar Bible passages with insights drawn from his experience developing faith-filled leaders in churches and ministry organizations. Ebener reflects on how the paradoxes of leadership can be understood from a careful reflection on the Beatitudes: It takes wisdom, empathy, humility, justice, mercy, service, peace and courage to lead as a Christian. Read more about the book on Dan’s website here: http://www.servantleadershipmodels.com/blessings_for_leaders.html

CONGRATS! PAX CHRISTI FLORIDA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS: Watch the video below prepared by Pax Christi Florida Council member Jim Rucquoi celebrating PC-FL’s 30th anniversary:

PAX CHRISTI WESTERN NEW YORK COLLABORATES TO MOVE VIOLENCE TO HOPE: From the Buffalo News – “Peaceful Genesee envisions a community free of violence of all forms, where all people treat each other with dignity and respect, and that develops ways to peacefully transform conflicts. Its partners include Genesee Community College, government, non-profits, the high school, faith leaders and individuals. The collaborative is working to move from violence to hope in Genesee County, with 58,000 people and 3,300 documented instances of violence and disruption…” Read the rest of this article by PC Western NY coordinator Bill Privett at http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121101/OPINION/121109972/1074

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

Nov. 16 – PCUSA at the SOA with Medea Benajamin and Bill Quigley, 6-8pm, Friday: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/pax-christi-usa-at-the-soa/

Nov. 16-18 – Annual Vigil and Action at the School of the Americas in Columbus, GA: http://soaw.org

Nov. 16-18 – Ignatian Family Teach-in in Washington, D.C. PCUSA staff members Sr. Anne-Louise Nadeau and Rachel Roa will be presenting a workshop: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/11/13/press-release-pcusa-to-present-at-the-ignatian-family-teach-in-for-justice/

Nov. 18 – Regional Dialogue in Southern California: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Dec. 1 – World AIDS Day: http://www.worldaidsday.org/

Dec. 2 – First Sunday of Advent: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120212.cfm

Dec. 10 – International Human Rights Day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Day

Dec. 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121212.cfm

Dec. 28 – Feast of the Holy Innocents: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122812.cfm

Quicklinks:

Chase Nordengren, former coordinator for the Pax Christi chapter at the Catholic University of America, is now a blogger for the “Young Voices” section of National Catholic Reporter … Pax Christi Austin and PC-Austin member Kay Arnold were featured in an interview on The Way podcast … Former PCUSA National Council member and member of PC Metro DC-Baltimore Donna Toliver Grimes was named the Assistant Director of African American Affairs at the USCCB. Read this interview with Donna done last February by Mary Liepold. Congrats Donna! … PC-Indianapolis member JoAnn Lingle was in Pakistan on a peace delegation in October. Read her blog entries here … Bud Ryan of PC-New Mexico had a comment published in The New York Times blog regarding an article on the just war theory … Pax Christi Tucson participates in their parish’s “Theology Uncorked” program which is discussing gun violence with survivors of the January 2011 shooting in Arizona that killed 6 people and wounded 12 others including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords … Pax Christi Pentagon Area (VA) held a drone protest outside CIA headquarters last weekend … Pax Christi Teacher of Peace Ruben Garcia was featured this month in the Christian Science Monitor … Pax Christi South Dakota members protested the death penalty and were featured in several news outlets in October, including this story in the San Francisco Chronicle … Pax Christi Upstate New York member Jack Gilroy was one of several authors of this invitation to “Awake to Drones!” … See more local and regional updates in the fall edition of The Peace Current …

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ON THE LINE: October edition features drone protests, regional dialogue news, and more!

Posted on October 10, 2012 | 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 MEMBER ARRESTED IN DRONE PROTEST: Ten members of New York’s Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars protesting the U.S. use of drone aircraft were arrested recently at the gate of the Air National Guard’s Hancock Field in DeWitt, New York. Pax Christi member and playwright Jack Gilroy was one of those arrested. The Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard reports: “Ten members of a group protesting the U.S. use of drone aircraft were arrested this morning at the gate of the Hancock Field in DeWitt. It was peaceful and over quickly. After a trooper delivered a last warning about 9:40 a.m., state and DeWitt police and Onondaga County sheriff’s deputies walked down the shoulder of East Molloy Road, told the protesters they were under arrest, put them in handcuffs and walked them to waiting patrol cars.” Read the whole story here: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/10/05-11

PAX CHRISTI INDIANPOLIS MEMBER ON PEACE DELEGATION IN PAKISTAN:  Pax Christi Indianapolis member JoAnne Lingle is part of a delegation of U.S. peace activists protesting drone warfare in Pakistan. She writes, “On the Peace March, we will be traveling to the tribal areas of Waziristan, a 200 mile trip, the areas hit by drone strikes.  We want to reach out to the people there to show that we care about their lives; we want to show the American public how civilians are being targeted by drones; we want to come back to the U.S. and tell the stories of drone victims. Our larger goal is to stop the drone strikes. We will be working with the political party of Imran Khan, other anti-war groups in Waziristan, the Foundation for Fundamental Rights and the Pakistani chapter of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.  No political party would be against us; on the contrary they all welcome us.” The delegation was in the news yesterday when the Pakistani military blocked their access to a tribal region on the border of Afghanistan. Read more about the delegation here: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/10/09-5

Pax Christi Dallas at rally

Pax Christi Dallas members participate in the “Shut the Door on War” march and rally marking the anniversary of the war in Afghanistan.

PAX CHRISTI METRO D.C.-BALTIMORE CHOOSES PEACEMAKER OF THE YEAR: Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore will hold a prayerful and celebratory evening of peace on Saturday, November 10. The Service of Peace led by Fr. Bob Albright, an interactive liturgy of the word and prayer service, will be followed by the annual Peacemaker of the Year Award Dinner. Our special guest and 2012 award recipient is Sr. Katherine Corr, SNDdeN, of Baltimore. In the 1980s, she founded Jobs With Peace, a Baltimore non-profit that spearheaded a campaign to establish the Baltimore Development Commission, which was organized to make public the amount of local dollars that support the military budget. Read more on Sr. Katherine at: http://www.paxchristimetrodc.org/2012/09/25/sr-katherine-corr-named-2012-peacemaker-of-the-year/

PAX CHRISTI ATLANTA’S REGIONAL DIALOGUE FEATURED IN DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER: From The Georgia Bulletin – “From fighting racism and building bridges between Arabs and Jews in the Holy Land to visiting prisons, Catholic activists with Pax Christi USA talked about a vision for the international peace movement. Some 40 members of the organization spent Saturday, Sept. 15, at St. Jude Church, Sandy Springs, talking with each other and the organization’s executive director, Sister Patricia Chappell, to plan for the future. A priority is to increase the number of young people involved with Pax Christi and have the organization look more like the Church, including having leaders who are people of color. Sister Chappell, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, said the membership of the organization needs to better reflect the diversity of the Church. Read more here: http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/09/27/paxchristievent/

QUESTION AND ANSWER WITH SR. PATTY CHAPPELL IN THE GEORGIA BULLETIN: “Sister Patricia Chappell is helping to build a road map for the future of Pax Christi USA, the Catholic peace movement. Its executive director for the last nine months, Sister Chappell is going around the country to gauge the opinions of and pick up insights from members of the organization.  She spent some time in Atlanta where a regional meeting was held at St. Jude Church, Sandy Springs, Sept. 15. Sister Chappell has been a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for 35 years. One of seven children, she grew up in New Haven, Conn., with a civil servant father and a nurse mother. She sat down to talk about her organization and vocation. Her responses are excerpted below. Read the interview here: http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2012/09/27/qa_chappell_paxchristi/

Members of the South Dakota Pax Christi conference team

Members of the South Dakota Pax Christi conference team pose prior to their retreat with Sr. Helen Prejean. (To see more photos go to: http://www.presentationsisters.org/news/news-item.php?ID=1088)

PAX CHRISTI-ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL MEMBERS WORK TO SAVE A LIFE: From The Prep News – “The Students for Life Club and Pax Christi (St. Louis University High School) recently joined forces to work to save the life of one man. Pax Christi and Students for Life together sent six people to a rally at Kiener Plaza last Saturday in support of Reggie Clemons, an inmate on death row.  Clemons was sentenced to death for his involvement in the 1991 rape and murder of two young women on the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. Jurors convicted Clemons despite what some viewed as a lack of physical evidence and charges of prosecutorial misconduct and police coercion. Clemons, who was sentenced to die in 2009, has appealed his conviction.  This week he is appearing before a special judge appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to review the evidence and hear testimony about prosecutor misconduct, racial bias (Clemons is black), and police brutality.  Clemons has consistently maintained his innocence. Around 100 people attended the rally to show their support for Clemons. The rally included a number of speakers and a lot of music. Read more at: http://student.sluh.org/prepnews/index.php/news/student-life/1481-pax-life

BISHOP GUMBLETON PC (MI) MARCHES FOR PEACE: St. Leo’s Bishop Gumbleton Pax Christi partnered with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Jeanie Wylie Community for a Peace Walk through downtown Detroit on September 21, International Day of Peace. Walkers gathered around the peace pole outside of St. Peter’s for prayer, invoking the spirit of St. Francis in calling for peace and healing, locally and globally. Prayers were also offered in commemoration of the anniversary of the execution of Troy Davis and in memory of all victims of violence, including a neighborhood man who was murdered this past summer at the very site where the prayer service was held. The Gospel mandate to challenge economic violence was highlighted when Colombian hunger striker Jorge Parra, President of the Association of Current and Former Injured Employees of General Motors in Colombia (ASOTRECOL), joined the gathering. Jorge is in Detroit to call attention to workers’ rights violations in the hope of persuading GM to mediate a just settlement on behalf of injured Colombian workers who have lost their jobs.  Despite being in the third week of the hunger strike and suffering a serous back injury that requires the use of a cane, Jorge joined the long walk up Michigan Avenue to downtown. Led by a banner reading “End War,” marchers carried signs reading “Drones Kill,” “Instead of War, Feed the Poor,” and “Another World is Possible” to Grand Circus Park in the shadow of Comerica Park where large crowds were gathering for a  Detroit Tigers’ home game.  During a short vigil outside the ball park, Jorge shared his story and offered a prayer on behalf of workers and their families.  It was an honor to walk and pray with Jorge on behalf of all the workers who are engaged in this righteous struggle for justice. Upon returning to St. Peter’s, walkers were treated to vegetarian chili prepared by Pax Christi members followed by a peace and justice sing-along featuring the music of Motown’s own Stevie Wonder. (Submitted by Kim Redigan)

Bishop Gumbleton Pax Christi members march

Members of St. Leo’s Bishop Gumbleton Pax Christi march on the International Day for Peace.

PAX CHRISTI METRO WEST HOLDS RETREAT DAY: On Sunday September 16th  Pax Christi Metro West (meaning the towns and cities around Framingham Massachusetts) gathered for a midday retreat to start their 2012-13 activities. Eleven members were present. We reflected on the upcoming (April 2013) 50th anniversary of Pope John XXIII letter Pacem in Terris, using materials from Pax Christi as well as Center of Concern.  This time of reflection helped us understand the context of the world and Church at the time of that letter, our present day context as well and the impact of those intuitions of Pope John that helped us then and now be committed to peace.   We ended our time together with practical next steps in the Faithful Budget campaigns, both national as well as in Massachusetts, the assisted suicide proposition on our November ballot and local International Peace Day participation in Framingham.

Upcoming or Ongoing Events:

Oct. 14 – Pax Christi Indianapolis presents “Moral Implications of Public Budgets” with Sr. Mary Wendeln of Nuns on the Bus: http://www.paxchristiindy.org/

Oct. 19-21 – Pax Christi Michigan annual retreat: http://www.paxchristimi.org/2012_retreat.htm

Oct. 20-21 – Pax Christi Florida’s Fall Assembly and Regional Dialogue: http://paxchristiflorida.org/events/

Oct. 26-28 – Pax Christi Richmond’s retreat, “Reflecting on Peace from a Vatican II Perspective,” contact Mike Jackman at mike.jackman@capitalone.com for more information

Oct. 27 – Pax Christi Massachusetts Regional Dialogue: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Nov. 3 – Regional Dialogue for Pax Christi Metro New York/Long Island: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Nov. 9-10 – Pax Christi Western New York annual retreat: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/10/08/regional-event-pax-christi-western-new-york-holds-15th-annual-retreat/

Nov. 10 – Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore’s Peacemaker of the Year Award Dinner: http://www.paxchristimetrodc.org/2012/09/25/sr-katherine-corr-named-2012-peacemaker-of-the-year/

Nov. 18 – Regional Dialogue for Pax Christi Southern California: http://paxchristiusa.org/programs/regional-dialogues-2012-13/

Quicklinks:

Former National Council chair Judy Coode has co-edited a book on the liturgical readings, published by Orbis Books … Pax Christi International Co-President Marie Dennis has a series running on the PCUSA website on civil discourse during this election year; click the link to read the latest post with links to previous ones … Read the latest edition of Pax Christi Michigan’s newsletter Peace Connections … Pax Christi Florida is calling for letters to stop an October 16th execution … Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Shelley Douglass writes in the blog on lessons she learned from her mother … Pax Christi was included in an article on Religions Working for Peace in the Huffington Post … Former Pax Christi-Catholic University coordinator Bob Shine writes on reaching out to students, young adults … Pax Christi Northern California recently hosted a day of reflection on “Lives Well Lived” … See more local and regional updates in the summer 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: March edition features PC members and groups in the news

Posted on March 14, 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. 

PAX CHRISTI FLORIDA MEMBER FASTS WITH FARMWORKERS: John Dwyer of Pax Christi Florida represented Pax Christi at the Coalition of Immokalee Worker’s Fast for Fair Food earlier this month. John fasted with farmworkers and their allies for 6 days outside of the headquarters of Publix Supermarkets, who are refusing to meet and work with the CIW to institute changes to improve the lives of farmworkers agreed to by other grocery and fast food giants. John wrote to say,” Just returned from my week’s fasting with the CIW in Lakeland at Publix.  Everyone from every faith was there… People came from everywhere.  Amazing.  Best fast I ever had.”

CIW Celebration

CIW Publix Picket/Jubilant Victory Celebration 2/12/12, following the announcement that any agreement with Trader Joe's was reached, photo by Karen Dwyer

PAX CHRISTI CPT MEMBER IN HEBRON UNDER THREAT: Since publication of the Christian Peacemaker Team’s report, “Under Attack: Golani Brigade’s war on the Palestinian population of Al-Khalil (Hebron),” the Israeli army’s Golani Brigade has threatened CPTers with arrest and death several times.  Pax Christi Indianapolis member, Jo Anne Lingle, is one of four Christian Peacemaker Team members recently sent to Hebron. The report documents the recent escalation of human rights abuses in Al Khalil.  These threats are an attempt to prevent CPT and other international organizations from continuing to document ongoing human rights abuses, including violence and harassment, committed by soldiers against the civilian population of Al-Khalil. Read more here: http://cpt.org/cptnet/2012/03/10/al-khalil-hebron-international-observers-under-threats-arrest-and-death-israeli-ar

PAX CHRISTI USA FOUNDING BISHOP-PRESIDENT ON MICHIGAN RADIO: “Bishop Thomas Gumbleton probably won’t vote in the primary today, though he spends his life doing work that’s greatly affected by the political world. Nor does he seem impressed that Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum are fellow Roman Catholics. Actually, he seems pretty appalled by them.” To listen to the interview with Bishop Gumbleton, go to http://www.michiganradio.org/post/politics-other-means

PAX CHRISTI FLORIDA STATE COORDINATOR RECEIVES AWARD: Nancy O’Byrne, Pax Christi Florida State Coordinator received an award at the Catholic Days at the Capitol luncheon in Tallahassee, FL in February.  Nancy stated upon accepting the award, “I am deeply honored to receive this award today; and deeply grateful that I belong to a Church that has a long, rich history of Catholic Social Teaching, responding to the Gospel Mandate to stand up for the poor, the lowly, the disenfranchised and marginalized; be it a baby in a Mother’s womb; an undocumented worker trying to support his family; a prisoner on death row; or a refugee fleeing from war and oppression.  We are all called to raise our voices in support of the dignity of each human person and the care of all God’s Creation.” Nancy was nominated by Bishop Felipe Estevez to receive the Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. Distinguished Catholic Leader Award.

Nancy O'Byrne

Nancy O'Byrne, state coordinator of Pax Christi Florida, receives award. With her husband David and Bishop Estevez, photo courtesy of Pax Christi Florida

PAX CHRISTI METRO NEW YORK CELEBRATES DAN BERRIGAN: “Marvelous, the best thing I’ve seen, moving, enlightening, inspiring, fabulous, wonderful, beautifully done, a lovely event, a gift!  Such was just some of the praise given to the man and the tribute that over 200 people paid to the iconic priest, poet, and prophet, Fr. Daniel Berrigan on Sunday, January 29th, in St. Joseph’s Greenwich Village Church.  Fr. Berrigan turned 90 years old last May, and Pax Christi Metro New York (PCMNY) decided there could be no better subject for its Peacemaking through the Arts Winter Benefit than this influential man as he achieved this wonderful milestone.” Read more here: http://paxchristiusa.org/2012/03/14/regional-event-pax-christi-metro-new-york-hosts-berrigan-celebration/ or the NCR article here: http://ncronline.org/news/people/pax-christi-pays-tribute-berrigan-ny

TIFFIN-AREA PAX CHRISTI STAYS COMMITTED TO PEACE: “On March 15, 2004, a group of demonstrators gathered at the Seneca County Courthouse to protest the start of the war in Iraq. Initiated by members of Tiffin Area (OH) Pax Christi, that first vigil turned into a weekly event, usually at 4:30 p.m. Three women, Mary Lily and Phyllis Putnam of Tiffin and Jean Cossey of Carey, have faithfully appeared at least 30 minutes every Friday afternoon for the past eight years. ‘Actually, I had gone a couple times up to Toledo, because they had somebody that was standing with signs. Then we started here, so I came down here,’” Lily said. Read the entire article here: http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/page/content.detail/id/544613/Local-protesters-abandon-vigil–still-committed-to-peace.html?nav=5060#.T0vhBCO6Mh2.email

PAX CHRISTI PALM BEACH (FL) SENDS ANTI-NUKE FILM TO FL SENATORS: PC Palm Beach member, Jack MacFadyen, arranged for the video, The Forgotten Bomb, to be delivered to Florida’s two U.S. Senators.  The movie examines the political and legal implications of nuclear weapons, but also digs deeper, into the cultural and psychological reasons behind the arsenal’s existence.  Film producer Bud Ryan’s quest takes us from the homes of hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) in Japan, to an abandoned Uranium mine in New Mexico, to an underground Titan missile silo in Arizona. From these places, and many others, Ryan puts together the pieces of a puzzle that explain why we have the bomb, and how we might finally do away with it.

Upcoming Events:

PCUSA Ambassador of Peace Rev. John Dear, SJ will speak at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Atlanta, March 14. For more info, click here.

PC-Texas will host their Compassion Conference on March 23-24 in San Antonio, more information here: http://paxchristitexas.org/2012/02/08/2012-compassion-conference/

PC-Richmond (VA) will host a “Spring Day of Reflection: Exploring Relationships with Earth and Ourselves” with the Thomas Berry Educational Center, on April 14. Contact Ginnie Morrow at ginnie.morrow@yahoo.com.

PC-Florida will host their Spring Retreat in Parrish, FL on April 14 and 15. Retreat leader is Sr. Paula Gonzalez. For more info, click here.

PC-Michigan’s 31st annual state conference, “Power: Who Lies? Who Dies? Who Pays? Who Profits?” will be April 21 at St. Anastasia Church in Troy, MI. Pax Christi Ambassador of Peace Tom Cordaro and PCUSA Executive Director Sr. Patty Chappell are featured speakers. For more info, click here.

Quicklinks:

Pax Christi International sends a letter to Russia on the situation in Syria … Pax Christi Arizona members held vigils on the eve of an execution in Arizona earlier this month … Pax Christi Lansing (MI) is holding two special Lenten programs on March 20 and March 27 on the Occupy movement and immigration … 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 … Three plays written by playwright and Pax Christi member, Jack Gilroy, are now available as downloads for performance by churches, local groups, schools, etc. on the PCUSA website … PCUSA is seeking an Associate Director of Development … Pax Christi Metro DC participates in Ash Wendesday service at the White House … PC-New Jersey holds immigrant rights march on Ash Wednesday …

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

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