We continue Pope Francis encyclical letter entitled Fratelli Tutti, on fraternity and social friendship. This week is a summary of Chapter 6 by Brendan Gottschall, SJ.
Chapter 6 – Dialogue and Friendship in Society
In this chapter, Pope Francis turns to dialogue and its essential role in creating a new culture of fraternity. Dialogue is a middle path between “selfish indifference” and “violent protest” (198). Society is built on authentic dialogue, which involves respecting the other’s viewpoint, but not in a relativistic fashion. Rather, “it must respect the truth of our human dignity and submit to that truth” (207). In envisioning how this might look in a pluralistic society, the pope draws on a favorite image, that of the polyhedron, “whose different sides form a variegated unity, in which ‘the whole is greater than the part’” (215). This is lived out in the hard, but joyful, work of encountering those who are different than ourselves. For this we can call on the Holy Spirit for the gift of kindness.
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I’m grateful for the people who stepped forward to adopt the 5 families for Spirit of Giving. We have also had a good response for the Blood Drive this Sunday, December 6th. I appreciate the goodness of our parishioners.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sacrament of Reconciliation
I will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation after the masses on Tuesday, December 8th.
Dolores Sillimon Funeral
Friday, December 11th we will celebrate the Funeral Mass for Dolores Sillimon. Visitation will be from 10:30 – 11:00 AM. Mass will begin at 11:00 AM. Signup is not required.
Office Hours
Just a reminder that our current office hours are M-F 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
You can find this week's Prayers of the Faithful here.
Fr. Mike
