Meditations
Respect Life Video Series: Reducing Gun Violence
October 25, 2021
Drawing on their experiences in parish ministry, Fathers Joe Uecker and Mike Goode lead a lively discussion on how to reduce gun violence. If you couldn’t join the presentation, you can now watch the video.
Shekhinah: The Indwelling Presence of God
By Kathy Keary
Rabbinic mystics use the term, Shekhinah, a feminine Hebrew noun for God, to describe the indwelling of God’s Spirit in the human soul. Monica Brown’s beautiful meditative song “titled “Shekhinah” describes this idea: “Shekinah, Shekinah of God, Presence that is seen and touched, heard and felt.”
Respect Life: Strategies for Reducing Gun Violence
October 20, 2021
This Saturday, Oct. 23, Fr. Joe Uecker, CPPS, and Fr. Mike Goode, CPPS, will talk about how they confronted gun violence when they worked in parish ministry. They will help us brainstorm about what each of us can do about gun violence.
Respect Life Video Series: Abolish the Death Penalty
“Why do we kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?” is the question Jean Swymeler asked to begin her presentation on abolishing the death penalty during the third session of the Renewal Centers’ October discussion series on respect life issues. Then Connie Swymeler described her personal conversion to opposing the death penalty.
The Jewish Holiday of Shabbat: A Time of Refreshment, Part 2 of 2
October 18, 2021
Rabbi Heschel describes Shabbat as "a cathedral in time," a place to enjoy sacred rest, a hallowed break from doing to make room for being.
Family Matters #28: Pets are family too!
October 13, 2021
By Lucia Ferrara
Do you have a furry friend who has become part of your family? People are learning that the connection between their pet is good for their physical health and mental well-being.
Respect Life: Time to Abolish the Death Penalty
October 12, 2021
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the death penalty is “inadmissible” in all cases. Pope Francis has challenged all Catholics to work for its abolishment. On Oct. 16, Jean Swymeler, Connie Swymeler, and Margaret D’Huyvetter will propose ways that we can join this campaign.
Respect Life Video Series: Mothers Who Lost Children to Violence
In the second of our five-week study session on deepening our awareness of the meaning of “respect for life,” Precious Blood Sr. Donna from the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation introduces us to two women who lost their sons to violence of Chicago streets.
The Jewish Holiday of Shabbat: A Weekly Time of Refreshment
October 11, 2021
By Kathy Keary
“The sages describe Shabbat as a taste of the world to come – a glimpse into the Messianic time of true peace and lovingkindness.” ~ Rabbi Ted Falcon
Respect Life: When violence claims a child
October 6, 2021
In the second of our five-week study session on respect life issues, we meet mothers who have lost children to gun violence or incarceration and how they come together for support and healing. Guest speakers: Sr. Donna Liette, C.PP.S. and members of the Mothers Circle at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago.