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The Malachi File There's an old joke about a monastery where the monks were only allowed to say two words a year. One year a monk is summoned to the abbot's office and says, "Soup's cold." The next year, he comes in and says, "Bread's stale." A year later, he says, "Bed's hard." The abbot looks at him with exasperation and says, "I don't know what we're going to do with you. All you ever do is complain." When working on Communio, I occasionally think of that story. While its primary purpose is to serve the communications needs of the Community of St. Malachi in Cleveland for its communications needs, Communio also is dedicated to expressing the viewpoints of the Catholic laity. And it is that respect that this is something like the monastery where the monks only say two words. Catholic laypersons have few opportunities to express either their faith or their opinions about their faith. Traditionally, we have been told what to think. We have been told to leave expressing matters of faith to the learned. We are told, generally in very conciliatory, pastoral tones, to shut up and sit down, because usually when we do utter our two words, they aren't what the pastoral leadership wants to hear - especially in recent years. We do it in our free time - try writing an insightful column at 10 p.m. after a long day at work. We do it on an intentionally low budget - if our funding ever dried up, it wouldn't take much to keep going. And increasingly we are doing it on the Internet. I send an e-mail version to a whole bunch of people now, which is fast and saves money. Also I recently reserved the domain name www.CommunioUSA.com for a national/international version of Communio, minus all the Community specific stuff, and plus some material we don't have room for in the print version. We don't have a timetable for that project yet, but soon. (For those who are interested www.Communio.org, .net and .com were all taken - go figure.) Some complain that it is the same people writing every issue, which is true. But if others were to write articles, reports, poems, whatever, we would include them. This is a place where contrary views are welcome. It's also a place where traditional views are welcome, although we don't get much of that. It's meant to be an open forum and it's unfortunate that more people don't take advantage of it. Some complain that it is the same people writing every issue, which is true. But if others were to write articles, reports, poems, whatever, we would include them. In the seven years we've been doing this, we have only not run articles written by Community members on two occasions, both were recently, and both came in after we had finished putting an issue together, long after the stated deadline. Note that we don't run all the reprinted articles and e--mail forwards we receive. We are always looking for more writers, especially to report on Community events and on speakers in the area. As always, opinions, inspirational articles, poems and all kinds of other content are welcome. Also we could use more people with web page expertise to help Mike May. So when you feel the need to say your two words, think of Communio. Other notes: You have one more chance to participate in the St. Malachi Looks to the Future: Rejoice and Renew, a.k.a. the Appreciative Inquiry program. The last town hall--style meeting is Saturday, Oct. 14, in the school hall from 9 to 11: 30 a.m. - note that it is a morning meeting. Many of the descriptions I've heard make the process sound something like going to the dentist, but actually it is a very enjoyable chance to talk and share with other folks from Malachi. It's fun. Go. The Liturgy Committee's survey on standing/kneeling during the Eucharist was certainly eye opening. But someone (like me) needs to point out that the 40-plus responses represent about 10% of Community membership. Discernment is needed, but a clearer sense of the Community is needed first. Through the write--in survey, the folks with strong opinions (like me) have spoken. Now we need to hear from everyone else. Thanks to Helen Brinich, Cindy DiNardo, Terry Jungquist, Frank Schiros, Gary Pritts, Janice Reash, Kim Langley, Eva Sierzputowski, Rebecca Rocco and Peter Toomey for submitting material for this issue. The next issue of Communio is Nov. 12 with an Oct. 29 deadline, and then Dec. 17 with a Dec. 3 deadline. Guess it's about time to get to work on next year's schedule. - Dan Alaimo (Dan co-chairs the Communications Committee with Peter Toomey.) Letters To The Editor Rejoice And Renew I am sending my reflections that resulted from my attendance at the first Rejoice and Renew session. I congratulate and thank Rebecca Rocco, Lou Keim and Gary Pritts for organizing and doing a fine job of advertising the Rejoice and Renew session. A very good crowd turned out for the first session and the reactions were very positive. As a long time member, this was for me an occasion for reviewing the history of the Community as I have lived it. Early on there was very emotional commitment, intellectual ferment, and much soul searching. There were long arguments as to whether or not we should even seek recognition as a parish of the Diocese. When we were given this recognition 25 years ago it was a big event. Our status as part of the establishment is validated for me by comparing our present position with our pre--approval days. We have been able to serve the needy of the neighborhood through many ministries, e.g. those of the Center, Malachi Mart, Malachi House, our commitment to Urban Community School, and Monday Night Meals. Our Community has made a visible, felt impact on the neighborhood of our Church. This could not have been done if we had remained a splinter group on the margin of the established Church. Indeed, something was lost when we became more settled and accepting of the regulations of the Diocese. Some of the passion, spiritual fervor, the questioning of the status quo, and looking for better answers has been lost. But much of the energy has been channeled into productive endeavors that have borne fruit. No cause can remain at fever pitch over a long period of time. Still, I have nostalgia for some of the ferment and the search for spiritual fulfillment which that characterized the Community in its early years. I think we need to make more of a commitment to spiritual formation and renewal. We get so involved in other worthy pursuits that there is little time for reflection and prayer. True, the Liturgy is and always has been our central focus. It draws us together with each other and with God. Many of us would like to have this experience enhanced by other opportunities for spiritual renewal and growth. We seem to have made good strides in caring for the spiritual formation of our young members but much remains to be done. An area in which the Community has never been strong is in its involvement with its young people. There have been bright spots in the past but until recently there has not been an ongoing effective program. We seem to have made good strides in caring for the spiritual formation of our young members but much remains to be done. They have so much to contribute and are most deserving of our help and encouragement. They are, indeed, the most valuable group in the community. The future is more important than the past. Thus, while reviewing our history I feel satisfaction in work accomplished and I see more that needs to be done. All institutions, and we are one, need to be constantly reformed and rededicated. - Helen Brinich Home Dear Editor: You are a safe person to send this to. What a great role you have in our community! I come back to Cleveland regularly from visits to my out- of- town family in order to maintain my life in the Community of St. Malachi. So, on my last return to town, I heard about and then read Frank Schiros' "manifesto" concerning the peccadilloes, failures, foibles, and general shortcomings of CSM. And then he resigns! Well, Frank, I want to tell you, the way to change things is to hang in there and be part of the organization. That's what we who developed the Community in the very beginning learned from our experience. And that's what kept us from ditching the church entirely - we believed that if we could stay the course and keep our focus, we could effect real change that would benefit the entire church. I still believe that. In spite of all our problems, the Community is still home for me. It is still a place of hope, of openness, of acceptance, and of love. In spite of the vicissitudes of parish life, in spite of those who desert us when the official leadership changes, those who can't tolerate an additional 5 minutes added onto the sermon, those who are the senior--citizen equivalent of rock group "groupies," in spite of those who don't understand how far and how fast we've come since the '60's. In spite of all our problems, the Community is still home for me. It is still a place of hope, of openness, of acceptance, and of love. And it is your home, Frank. I love you, even though we may disagree about the nitty gritty of political life in a community. And I hope you can still love me, hidebound elder that I may be! Thanks, dear Editor, for letting me have my say. Love. - Cindy DiNardo We Need To Listen To Each Other In what may be an unprecedented move, I would like to share a few thoughts about the article that appeared in the last issue of Communio by Frank Schiros. I'm fairly sure I may be the first parishioner to offer a written comment in the Community newsletter. I'll attribute my daring to the Jubilee Year! I have belonged to St. Malachi Church for 20--plus years. I initially joined the Community, but after several years, I began to attend the Parish liturgies and found a home there. I have been involved in activities such as committees and the Council during the past 10 years. Committees involving both Community and Parish members also have been a part of my experience. In his article, Frank wrote: "All Council members should (also) have a clear sense of where the members wish to be led and what they desire." This is an issue that became close to my heart when I served on the Parish Council for a number of years. How does one know what the members desire and, more importantly, how does one know what is best for the common good? The obvious answer is that no one person does. We need to listen to each other. I'm aware that the efforts of the Community in the early days of its existence attracted people to St. Malachi Church. There was enthusiasm and a sincere desire to "live out the Gospel" and participate more fully in the Liturgy. This was at a time in the history of the Parish when the "neighborhood" parish had declined and the needs of the homeless and the marginalized were growing. The Community, in a spirit of generosity and charity, addressed needs with enthusiasm and compassion. As time has gone on, participation in the various activities related to St. Malachi Church has become more shared between Parish and Community members. The social concerns that have always been a focus for the Community have led to many opportunities to serve. Sometimes the opportunities outnumber the persons willing or able to volunteer. While I understand that this is frustrating to Frank, I think he is mistaken to mandate participation. Frank has strong feelings about a number of topics, and he is clear about what he thinks would be steps to achieve the goals identified. It seems that the Appreciative Inquiry process - St. Malachi Looks to the Future, Rejoice and Renew - that has been initiated would seem tedious in the light of what he proposes. I have not yet attended an Appreciative Inquiry meeting, but I intend to do so. It's my hope that this process will allow all that attend St. Malachi Church to reflect upon and renew a sense of commitment to how we are called to be Church. The specifics of how that can happen need to come from that process of reflection. The desires and experiences of those who come to our church need to be verbalized. We have a tremendous resource in the depth of our histories and the willingness of many to be of service to our Church and to those we serve. We have a pastor and staff who have a collaborative view and are willing to listen. I think it's time for all of us to follow their lead. Participation in the Appreciative Inquiry may require patience, but it is in the best interests of the Church we are called to. - Terry Jungquist Dominance Over Diplomacy (This was sent to us by Helen Brinich. She found the article in Network, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby publication. It is reprinted with their permission. Thanks Helen!)For nearly half a century the global confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union provided the rationale for U.S. engagement in world affairs. With the collapse of the Soviet Union as a world power, this rationale faded. The end of the cold war brought confusion about our nation's role in the world. Our sole superpower status gives us new choices for engagement in foreign affairs. We could use our superpower status to dominate and control the world, retreat to isolationism, or remain fully engaged in global affairs through cooperative diplomatic and economic partnerships. Common sense, as well as faith, would call us to choose the cooperative option. But that's not what is happening. What we have is an incoherent foreign policy that fluctuates between isolationism and dominance. Some of the confusion about foreign policy is fueled by partisanship. Senate Republicans voted down the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in part because they didn't want to give President Clinton an arms control "victory." But both parties in Congress and the Administration set priorities through the federal budget, and Congress and the President compete with each other to bolster budgets for new weapons and "defense" needs, while cutting budgets for diplomacy, foreign aid and human needs. Congress recently approved a military budget for 2001 of $310 billion, $4 billion more than the President requested and $20 billion more than last year's funding. The International Affairs budget, which includes funding for the State Department, foreign diplomacy, international aid and support for the United Nations and other international institutions, has declined during the past decade, and has been funded for the past several years at about $20 billion. The military gets a $20 billion increase in one year, while diplomacy and foreign aid get a total of $20 billion each year, with almost a third of that going to foreign military aid. The military gets a $20 billion increase in one year, while diplomacy and foreign aid get a total of $20 billion each year, with almost a third of that going to foreign military aid. With a diminished capacity for diplomatic engagement, the U.S. government too often falls back on the threat or use of military force as our primary response to world tensions and crises. We relied on military technology to bomb Iraq and Serbia into submission instead of supporting international organizations' efforts to prevent or resolve those conflicts in other ways. Now we seem to think that sending a billion dollars worth of military equipment to Columbia is a better way to fight the drug "war" there. The current Columbia proposal is all too consistent with our absurd policy of relying on military training at the U.S. Army School of the Americas to promote democracy and human rights in Latin America, given the history of human rights violations by graduates of that school. The critical international issues that concern most Americans - drugs, disease, terrorism, illegal immigration, financial instability, and environmental destruction - do not lend themselves to military solutions. They require multilateral cooperation. Congress has largely abandoned cooperative attitudes and collaboration with international institutions, instead favoring what Senator Arlen Specter calls a "Fortress America." Senate and House leaders either ignore the global scene or believe that if the U.S. is not in charge, then we should spurn engagement. Senator Lugar, one of the few Republican internationalists, lamented that his colleagues insist upon keeping open obsolete military bases while at the same time refusing to pay for U.S. embassies around the world. Congress consistently opposes funding for peacekeeping operations and opposes contributing U.S. troops to peacekeeping forces that are not commanded by U.S. officers. Congresspersons complain about Europe not doing enough for its own defense, but they don't like the idea of a European defense force competing with the power of NATO, which the U.S. can control. In their view, the U.S. stance should be to exert dominance backed by threats. The Senate has a special role in foreign policy due to its power to ratify treaties, approve ambassadors and confirm all high level appointments in any Administration. The current Senate is profoundly dysfunctional in dealing with issues of global engagement and foreign policy. Senators consistently reject cooperative and collaborative approaches, scorn arms control treaties, under--fund constructive foreign aid programs and pour money into the military. Senator Jesse Helms shamelessly uses his power to block treaties, prevent appointments and deny hearings and votes on international issues. The Clinton Administration has been inconsistent in providing leadership on foreign affairs. The President has pursued a policy of economic engagement through trade policies, but has succumbed to the call of defense hawks for ever more military spending while cutting funds for diplomacy and foreign aid. The current movement towards a national missile defense system is a prime example of reliance on military technology no matter what the cost. We have already sunk at least $60 billion into this technology with little to show for it. It will take at least $60 billion more to go ahead with it. But money isn't the only cost. Development of this system will bring havoc to our relations with all other major powers, including our closest allies. It violates the Anti--Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia and the spirit of the Nuclear Non--Proliferation Treaty with other nations. The U.S. spends a smaller proportion of its resources on foreign aid than any other Western country. The sad reality of our foreign/military policy is: "Billions for defense, but hardly a penny for prevention." The U.S. spends a smaller proportion of its resources on foreign aid than any other Western country. Development and humanitarian aid can reduce the terrible effects of poverty in developing countries, but U.S. foreign aid is at a historical low point and will go even lower if President Clinton's budget plans are followed. We are capable of doing better. The Nunn--Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program is helping to disable and destroy Russian nuclear warheads and missiles. President Clinton has brokered peace talks in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. Commitment is growing to cancel the debt of the world's poorest nations. The U.S. provides aid to victims of disasters in many parts of the world. But much more needs to be done. We can promote our values of equality, democracy and human rights only if the rest of the world sees that we truly believe in them. In too many cases the U.S. has been the lone dissenter on international treaties such as the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the treaty to ban land mines. Our commitment to the United Nations must be honored and strengthened. Our national and global economic policies should be restructured to address the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor. We should support people who offer creative approaches to mediate and prevent conflict. Our export policies should promote technology that will protect the environment rather than destroy it. And the federal budget must be altered to reflect the priorities of a more just society. The radical "Fortress America" leaders do not speak for the American people. Public opinion polls consistently show support for arms control, the nuclear test ban and related treaties, the United Nations, foreign aid and reduced spending on fancy new weapons. Most Americans also believe that wealthy countries have a moral obligation to help the world's poor. The coming election gives us an opportunity to shift back toward more balanced, humane, and less militarized policies in defining the global role of the U.S. This shift will not occur, however, without energetic efforts by individuals and groups all across our society becoming advocates for better policies - policies to preserve peace and well being for all people, protect earth's ecosystems and promote global justice. It's time for us to show our policymakers what kind of a superpower we want our country to be. - James Matlack and Jean Sammon (Mr. Matlack is the Director of the Washington office of the American Friends Service Committee and Jean Sammon is a Network Associate.) Let's Talk Politics And Religion There's an old saying about an ostrich burying its head in the sand. The saying refers to the passive reaction of ignoring important issues and hoping that matters will turn out for the best. People never realize that this posture makes one vulnerable to getting whacked from behind. It always amazes me how people avoid talking about two important topics they face on a daily basis - politics and religion. The decisions that a few people make impact millions and billions, and yet the two subjects remain taboo in civil and dining room conversations. It always amazes me how people avoid talking about two important topics they face on a daily basis – politics and religion. In the current presidential campaign, God has been introduced into the candidates' platitudes and it's a major distraction for people who want to be fooled into voting for TV sound bites rather than the issues. I call that burying one's head in the sand and voting with the heart and not the head. The coming presidential and congressional elections may be the most important of the new millennium and we can't afford not to talk about qualifications. As a cartoon character says, "don't allow your mind to be like a bed in your guest room - it's always made up because it's never used much." Can voters choose to avoid discussing issues and put our country and our religion at risk? Questions to ask and talk about abound in America. For instance: Why has more corporate money been contributed in this crucial election than ever before? Why are industries so involved in soft money contributions? Are they contributing in the altruistic interest of good government or because they expect something in return? Why have right--wing politicians and fundamentalist groups joined forces in spite of the immoral revelations of their political front men? Could it be that these groups see the possibility of weakening the constitutional division between church and state? The list of questions to be considered and discussed goes on and on. Yet although news pundits constantly pontificate with their views, people avoid political talk, and yes, interrelated moral and religious issues. Why? Is it more comfortable to bury our heads in the sand? Granted, corruption has become a pervasive intrusion in both parties and voters are almost forced to choose the lesser of two evils, but we must and the need to dialog can't be avoided without peril. How can we ignore issues of tolerance, state executions, state religion, care for the poor and homeless, health and pollution, and violence and drugs? In the interest of better government (not necessarily good government) I urge everyone to loosen whatever cultural bias you may have, pull your head out of the sand, and talk about politics and religion. Don't worry if you generate aggravation because that's just what a local Hispanic parish has done. The parish was reminded that Jesus raised issues that upset a lot of people, but that didn't stop him from talking about them. The end result was that the parish facilitated the discussion of issues of importance, and the importance of voting in their own best interest. How come St. Malachi hasn't facilitated this kind of dialog? Is it more comfortable to keep our head in the sand? Do you really want to be like an ostrich? - Frank Schiros The Media: Is The Frog Boiling Yet? If you put a frog into a pot of cold water, and heat the water very gradually, the frog won't realize that it's slowly being killed. This seems to be an appropriate analogy to the media's effect on us. Over the last 30 years, the media have gradually changed, with more and more violent and sexual content. Today, I assert that the water has reached a vigorous boil. Last week I was shocked to see an episode of an HBO show, G-String Divas, a 13-part "docu-soap" which graphically portrays the intimate personal and professional lives of strippers. I would understand this kind of programming on an X-rated pay-per-view channel. But HBO is a mainstream cable TV offering, which reaches over 24 million homes. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, HBO is enjoying tremendous growth and profitability, partly because of its ability to "push the envelope with controversial drama, sex, and violence on TV." HBO's 1999 earnings (before interest and tax) of $527 million are more than the profits of ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox combined. As a result of this success, "competitors are rushing in with racy original movies and series of their own.". Also in the news are details of the media's targeting of youth for sexual and violent content. Pre--teens and teenagers were used in focus groups to develop violent programming, and R-rated movies are advertised on children's TV shows. In fact, last year, most movies created by Hollywood were rated R. Finally, the Internet has become a high-speed delivery vehicle for an extensive array of pornographic material and other objectionable material. What is especially challenging about this conduit is that we parents do not understand the technology well enough to control it in our homes. Also, we are frequently naïve about how our children are using it. I recently [asked a psychologist] whether our media, and other influences like violent computer games, contributed to the increase in violence in schools. His one word answer: "Absolutely." I recently met with a psychologist who consults with schools regarding violence control strategies. I inquired whether our media, and other influences like violent computer games, contributed to the increase in violence in schools. His one word answer: "Absolutely." As Fr. Jim O'Donnell said recently in a homily, we are called to evangelize our culture. Unfortunately, our culture appears to be evangelizing us. We must change this. What can we do? For those of us with children or grandchildren, here are a few ideas:
None of these are easy. That's why the last item , to pray, may be the most important. - Gary Pritts (Gary is serving as Council President this year.) A Poem Written When I Was Called Back For a "Suspicious Mammogram"
(This was given to Luis Gutierrez by Kim Langley. The author was a participant in a workshop facilitated by Kim. Thanks to Kim for bringing it to our attention, and a big thank you to Janice for letting us share the poem with you.) Keep Your Fork (This net catch came to us from several people.) There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal
illness. As she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and
had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She
told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would
like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. The woman also requested
to be buried with her favorite Bible. - Author Unknown Padre Franco The Bell Ringer (Frank Schiros derives the title for this column from the movie, "Cinema Paradiso," where the village priest was the local censor. Whenever he found objectionable parts in a film, he would ring the bell and the projectionist would cut the scene out. While Frank is a little like the priest in the movie, ringing a bell with his words, he takes some license with the concept in rating the films, using a scale of one to five bells - the more bells, the better he liked the picture.) I recently found a possible opinion East Siders might have of West Siders. I had just finished viewing a movie at the Cedar-Lee and I asked a college student working at the theater, "Why aren't pictures shown by Cedar-Lee also shown on the West Side?" His answer: "It's not a good market for intelligent movies. But it's a good viewer market for movies like 'Godzilla' or 'Star Wars' or 'Men in Black.'" So much for the unwashed, uncultivated West Sider. The Tao Of Steve % % %When I finished viewing this movie, I found I had really enjoyed the clever mixture of dialogue and character interplay of this amiable comedy. I was ready to give it four bells, but my intuition warned me that I should reflect a bit more on the rating. One critic claimed this movie was a great date film, but don't encourage your son or daughter to see it because it expresses everything that's wrong about contemporary heterosexual relationships, and realistically. "The Tao of Steve" describes a Machiavellian theory for successful dating and bedding and is a mish mash of Heidegger and Lao Tzu, i. e. a blend of ancient Chinese philosophers, with western thinkers and macho movie characters like Steve McQueen, Steve McGarret, and Steve Austin mixed in. The opposite of a Steve is a Stu, a loser. The main character, Dex (Donal Logue), after a passionate interlude in the college library with his friend's wife, goes off to attend a reunion. He has a legendary reputation for intellect, wit and for being the big man on the campus for scoring with women. Ten years and a hundred pounds later, he still has phenomenal success with the "Tao." Dex remains laid back, brilliant, lazy and superficial and all he asks for is a bong hit for breakfast, plenty of beer in the refrigerator and a steady stream of undemanding women. His answer to the question "What kind of woman are you looking for?" receives a reply, "One with low standards." At the reunion, he meets a beautiful woman, Syd (Greer Goodman), and immediately sets his Tao in motion. His Tao has three simple rules: 1. Eliminate your desire, or at least make women believe you don't desire them. 2. Demonstrate excellence in their presence and make sure they witness your coolness.
However, the Tao of Steve doesn't work with Syd because she has his number. She's aware of his reputation (the result of a past unfortunate experience) and thinks he's a colossal jerk. Syd reverses the Tao of Steve and the ensuing drama makes for an engaging interplay between Dex, who is a kindergarten teacher, and Syd, a set designer. She tells him that the opera set she's designing is for "Don Giovanni," who once proclaimed his conquest of a thousand women, but was afraid he wouldn't be loved by one. Dex recognizes the similarity and undergoes a moral transformation. The story has wit and charm despite Dex's loathsome character. An interesting piece of trivia: the screenplay was worked out by Duncan North who, as a teenager and with his brother, developed a similar philosophy and turned it into a movie. Let's hope that the brothers are not the prototypical American males. The New Mexico scenery and Dex's card and Frisbee Golf playing buddies make a perfect background for the story. Nurse Betty % % % %1/2In the past year that the good Padre has reviewed movies, the critics' commentaries on the Internet usually amount to a half page or at most a full page. But for the first time, with the film "Nurse Betty," I found these reviews to be 2 to 4 pages in length. I suspect that they don't quite know whether to categorize it as a fantasy like the "Wizard of Oz," or a comedy like "Dumb and Dumber," or dramas like "Titanic." Actually it's a little of all of them and I think it should earn a nomination for an Oscar. Sometimes the Padre is surprised that imaginative movies can still be made in Hollywood, like "Nurse Betty" and "The Tao of Steve." It doesn't necessarily mean that they're classics in the old tradition, but at least they're provocative, original, interesting and low budget. Sometimes the Padre is surprised that imaginative movies can still be made in Hollywood, like "Nurse Betty" and "The Tao of Steve." Dorothy (Renee Zellweger) is a waitress caught in an oppressive marriage with a genuinely low--down husband (Aaron Eckhart). In spite of it all, she remains upbeat in her outlook. Even with a relatively empty life and being taken advantage of often, she maintains a sweet innocence and demeanor. She immerses herself fervently in a soap opera called "Reason to Love." Witnessing a murder and taking to heart the soap opera utterance, "I know there's someone special out there for me," is enough reason to fall into the make believe world of Dr. David Ravell (Greg Kinnear), a character in the soap. She believes that the characters in "Reason to Love" are real. Believe me, it can happen. A neighbor once believed that the actors in "General Hospital" spoke to her. The murder forces two professional hit men played by Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock, to pursue her after she improbably decides to travel a thousand miles from Kansas to Los Angeles to find her true love, Dr. Ravell. Freeman is believable as a ruthless and intellectual killer but Rock's foul mouth and black hostility may be all right for stand--up comedy, but it gets old in the movies. There are many loose ends in this story, but if you're willing to suspend your disbelief, they're neatly tied up at the end. Dorothy changes her name to Nurse Betty and meets Dr. Ravell and incredibly makes the show's stars believe that she's a would--be starlet rather than a mentally disturbed woman. The best part of the movie is at the end because by now you're wondering how is this unpredictable movie going to turn out - will it be a happy ending or a tragedy? It's also a subtle tongue--in--cheek jibe about the public's passionate involvement with mindless TV programming and popular culture, such as "Survivor" and "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." I just hope that if ever I'm in the hospital, Nurse Betty will come and hold my hand. - Frank Schiros Online Primer: Safe Internet Use Tips (From "Your Family and Cyberspace," a statement developed by the United States Catholic Conference's Committee on Communications for use by families. It was approved for publication by the full body of bishops at their June 2000 General Meeting and has been authorized for publication by the undersigned: Msgr. Dennis M. Schnurr, General Secretary, NCCB/USCC.) (Your Family and Cyberspace is available in a print edition and may be ordered by telephoning (800) 235-8722. Ask for publication number 5-381; the cost is $0.75 for a single copy, plus shipping and handling.) Surfing Lessons There are a lot of people out there who have yet to throw their arms around the Internet and give it a big hug. In fact there are people out there who are quite intimidated by everything having to do with the World Wide Web. I was once one of them. I'm here to tell you that you need not be afraid. The technology is such that these days anyone - anyone - can quickly learn how to find his or her way around the Internet. As I discovered three3 years ago, all it really takes is access to a computer that's connected. You sit down, you start pointing and clicking, and before you know it you are surfing on the Internet! Lakewood Public Library (LPL) will not only give you access to computers that are connected to the World Wide Web, they will also provide you with surfing instructors! If you would like to learn how to use the Internet to look for a job, send an e--mail, build a career, find a recipe, or help you with your homework, LPL is offering classes. They are free and they are open to anyone who's interested. Do you need an LPL card? No - although if you want one you can get one provided you are a resident of Ohio and you can show them something with your current address on it. All you need to do is call (216) 226-8275, Ext. 127 and make a reservation (reservations for each class are taken after the first of the month). Here's some of what's being offered:
The Technology Center Learning Lab, which is where these classes are being given, is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at 15425 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. If you're a senior citizen and are curious about the Internet both Main Library and Madison Branch, which is located at 13229 Madison Ave., have times set up just for you. They are 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at Main and 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Madison Branch, Monday through Friday. At both sites there will be people there to help you. You are never too old to learn to surf! When you visit Lakewood Public Library, be sure to pick up their Fall/Winter mailer - there's lots more you, your parents and/or your kids can take advantage of. - Luis Gutierrez (Luis assists Dan Alaimo in editing Communio.)
(Thanks to Community member Eva Sierzputowski for sending this in to Communio.)
On Humility When we live in community, let us choose obedience over discipline; for the latter teaches arrogance, while the former calls for humility. - Syncletica [Humility is] a proper sense of self in a universe of wonders. - Sr. Joan Chittister (Both quotes were included in Hugh Fleiss' book, "Essential Monastic Wisdom: Writings on the Contemplative Life.") Community News Rejoice And Renew: Voices From The Meetings (Following are selected quotes from the St. Malachi Looks to the Future: Rejoice and Renew town hall meeting on Sept. 10, as compiled by participants interviewing others. Thanks to Rebecca Rocco for sending them in. The last meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14, in the school hall from 9 to 11: 30 a.m.)
Why did you come to St. Malachi? Best moment at St. Malachi's: On Hospitality A brother came to visit a hermit. As he was taking his leave, he said: "Pardon me, father, for I have caused you to violate your rule." But the hermit answered: "My rule is to refresh you and send you back in peace." - Author Unknown (Translated by Hugh Fleiss from "Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers" and included in his book "Essential Monastic Wisdom: Writings on the Contemplative Life.") Anniversary Committee Seeks Your Reactions The Community's 25th Anniversary Steering Committee planned the year's events to spread the celebration across the entire year, with different types of events - inside and outside, more and less expensive (and free!) - for members with different interests. For their year-end report, they'd like to hear from Community members about their experiences, so that future planning could be improved. To be included, the Committee needs your suggestions by Sunday, Nov. 12. You may identify yourself or not. Please return your thoughts by mail or in the collection basket marked, "Anniversary Committee." You can also e--mail me at PToomey@compuserve.com. - Peter Toomey (Peter helped out the Steering Committee with communications, and as emcee of the April Dinner. He also co--chairs the Communications Committee.) Please respond to the following questions: What did you most enjoy? Least enjoy?
How could the schedule have been better for people like you?
What would you have liked to see more of? Less of?
Were the events appropriate? If not, why not?
Any other suggestions?
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