Dear LIS Friends,

St. Augustine exclaims, “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” As Christians, we embrace the gift of assurance that we’ll live eternally with the Risen Christ. In the end, we must believe that no matter what happens to us in life, we are hopeful in how the story ends. At the Religious Education Congress last month, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI reminded us that our “hope must be based on the promises of Christ and on God’s backing of those promises. Our ending is already written and gives us the vision beyond optimism and wishful thinking.” Once we believe the world is already saved, we can become messengers of hope in our own circles of influence. The Good News is that God’s hand can be found in all things. We know that God will work all things together for our good and that our purpose is to live eternally in Heaven. You can watch Fr. Ron's presentation, "Speaking Prophetically for Justice- Principles for Christian Prophecy," by clicking here.

In addition to Fr. Ron, there were 3 other LIS-affiliated speakers who presented at Congress. Each of the presentations I attended was engaging and enlightening and provided much food for thought! Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher and Fr. Felix Just, SJ, PhD, are biblical scholars who teach in our Catholic Bible Institute (CBI) program. Smith-Christopher interpreted the wisdom tradition in Proverbs and urged us to assume our responsibility to discern the truth. “We must discern within the text of scriptures too…any claim to Biblical truth must benefit the weak, oppressed and disenfranchised. Our discerning voice of reason seeks out our own good and that of others.” Fr. Felix explored the Gospels through parables and punctuated his instruction with C.H. Dodd’s description of them as being agents “to tease the mind into active thought.” The parables highlighted today’s relevant justice themes in a powerful way. Douglas Leal, development chair of our LIS Board, presented topics that nudged at my conscience to act in ways that widen my circles so as to include those in need. He invited us to take a look at how well we are operating in a spirit of “enlargement.” Are we loving more? Including more? The Congress was a nice respite to recharge and what made my weekend that much nicer was attending the sessions of good quality speakers AND teachers.

You’ll also have opportunities to enjoy LIS-sponsored presentations very soon! Fr. Ron will be the featured guest at our Speaker Series on Saturday, May 4 ^th . Our CBI program is fortunate to have Dr. Smith-Christopher and Fr. Felix who will return as instructors in September. This is a great time to apply since we are currently accepting applications for the new CBI cohort. Our annual fundraiser, Hearts on Fire will take place on Sunday, May 5 ^th . We have a Cinco de Mayo-themed event planned with entertainment and a silent auction. I’d love to see you there! If you wish to donate items, place an ad or to be a sponsor, please contact Raymond Uribe at uribe@loyolasinstitute.org or at 714-997-9587 x111.

Peace and Blessings,

Lori Stanley,

Executive Director