Formation 2003-2004 - Holiness and Mission

 

 

Pro Sanctity Mission Statement

The Pro Sanctity Movement is a Catholic-based organization dedicated to promoting the universal call to holiness.  It seeks to address the mind with theology, the heart with spirituality, and the hands with ministry.  It is open to all; especially those who wish to deepen their commitment to God and share with others the message of holiness.

 

 

 

Objective of Issue 10:  To prompt us to consider a Pro Sanctity a Pro Sanctity formation discussion on values expressed in popular TV shows, movies, magazines, music and other forms of media and entertainment.

 

 

You Are the Light of the World

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all the house.”

Matthew 6: 14, 16

 

Social Duties

“We should be, as much as possible, the good angel of our environment whom everyone may approach with joy and trust.  If many of these souls were found, the problems of many environments would be more easily solved.  It is, however, certain that today, unfortunately, the social structures in which we perform our work do not foster the progress of our spiritual life.  As others move and agitate for spiritual reforms, is it not our duty to contribute positively (by words, and if possible, by organized actions), by transforming such structures into authentic forces, or an environment, of perfection?”

Bishop Giaquinta – Essential Lines for a Program of Spiritual Life –  p 16

 

Critical Use of Mass Media

“The means of social communication (especially the mass media) can give rise to a certain passivity among users, making them less than vigilant consumers of what is said or shown. Users should practice moderation and discipline in their approach to the mass media.  They will want to form enlightened and correct consciences the more easily to resist unwholesome influences.”

 Catechism of the Catholic Church - #  2496

 

Questions Arising from Technological Advances

“The advances made in communications technologies pose questions about the meaning of life that the Church must answer by presenting the person of Jesus Christ and his humanizing message.”

Pope John Paul II (Quote taken from the Internet)

 

St. Francis de Sales – Patron of Journalists

St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of journalists because of his books (Introduction to the Divine Life, Treatise on the Love of God) and tracts (he wrote out his sermons, copied them by hand and slipped them under people’s doors).  This is the first record of tracts being used to communicate with people.

www.catholic.org

 

Use of the Media to Give The Good News

• By means of the media, the Christian Community is bound more closely together; members can share in liturgical and celebratory rituals that are conducted far away.
• The Good News can be delivered in original and innovative ways.
• Additional opportunities are provided for Christian education.
• After learning about today’s world through the media, the Christian can compare/contrast his views with those that have been presented to him and develop the foundations for his beliefs.

Documents of Vatican II

Adapted from Communio et Progressio – Part III – Chapter II - # 126

 

 

Love Expands the Boundaries of Communication

When we love, the means of communication become limitless.  Love is fire.  We want to be aflame and bring this fire to others so that they, too, may burn with love.

I will not remain at your feet, O Lord, to bask in the sweetness of your presence; rather will I go into the desert of the world searching for people in thirst of you. 

Bishop Giaquinta

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For Reflection:

 

1.      Bishop Giaquinta often wrote of a ‘utopia’ and in Essential Lines for a Program of Spiritual Life specifically referred to our duty to transform social structures into environments of perfection. Do I think it is realistic to attempt such a task or too utopian to even consider?  If realistic, why?  How would I go about it?  If utopian, what is it that discourages me?

 

2.      In making decisions, how much weight do I give to Gospel values and the teachings of the Church compared to popular values I learn about through mass media?

 

3.      In what original and innovative ways can The Good News be delivered through various forms of media?

 

4.      Do I know and use the many means of communicating the message of holiness that the Pro Sanctity Movement provides for me? See www.prosanctity.org for everyday helps to holiness.  New items are posted every day.