Connections

As typical for summer, I am about halfway through a dozen books or articles, with no hope of finding time to finish any. Sadly, all my reading is ministry-related, but it is also all pretty good stuff! Here are some things worth checking out.

Misery, errr, Ministry Loves Company: “Doing More with Less” by Dave Riley in the May/June edition of Catechetical Leader magazine is an excellent (and quick) read for anybody dealing with tight budgets or low staffing. Riley offers several perspectives that diocesan offices must hold in tension as they ponder the best way to serve the church. He also lifts up Appreciative Inquiry, a positive approach to visioning. If you do not receive Catechetical Leader, this article makes it worth your while to steal, errr, borrow you diocesan DRE’s copy!

Confirmation Information: Trying to make sense of Confirmation? Join the club! Some helpful resources include:

• “Confirmation: The Baby in Solomon’s Court” by Fr. Paul Turner ( 2006, Hillenbrand Books) explores that strengths and weaknesses of seven different models of confirmation. No quick and easy solutions, but plenty of fodder for lunchtime debates at the chancery.
• “Confirmation: A Parish Celebration” by Fr. Tim Fitzgerald (1999, LTP) focuses on making the most of the confirmation Mass, treating it as a teachable moment without hyping in hopes of impressing the bishop.
• Also check out online resources from the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s recent Confirmation Summit. Videos of presentations, scripts, and handout can be checked out. See Region 4 report for link, then see Scott Miller compare himself to David Hasselhoff.

Here’s a Loaded Question: “What is the Point of Being a Christian?” is a great question and a fine book by Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, OP ( 2005, Burns & Oates). Radcliffe is a visionary thinker searching for relevance in our church. He calls us to a deeper understanding of the Gospel to lead to true conversion throughout the church.