Newsletter
In This Issue
Speak Through the Survey
Speak at a Listening Session
Speak in Love and Sex Book Group
Explore the Contemporary Catholic Church
IEC Early Bird Registration
Quick Links



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Issue: #13February 2015

This issue of the Newsletter is all about love and sex and we hope it compels you to make your voice heard in our archdiocese and in the world. From your survey to the Pope's ears - we have the opportunity to speak to a man who wants to listen and hear. Jump on it!  
Speak Through the Survey

Pope Francis wants input from lay people on issues of family life for the Synod on the Family, slated for October 2015. The Vatican sent its agenda for the Synod, called a Lineamenta, with survey questions attached to the bishops of the world. The questions are hard to understand, but the information the survey is supposed to gather is critical. Please do participate in the survey! The deadline is March 10, 2015. 

Pick a Question. Any Question.
Don't let the way the questions are worded throw you. We suggest you answer one or two questions in the open space provided. It doesn't really matter which question(s) you answer. The survey is the official tool for answering Pope Francis' call for your feedback. We want all Catholics to use it, so he hears what we have to say. We know our archdiocese will gather survey results by scanning for key words. We don't know what those words are, but contraception, cohabitation, divorce, remarriage and same-sex relationships are sure to be among them, so be sure to include some or all to get your input included in the final report to the Vatican.

Because of the tight timing of the survey deadline and the difficult wording of the questions, CCCR/Council of the Baptized will gather information throughout the year to give to Pope Francis, the bishop delegates, and our own Archdiocesan leadership. This information gathering doesn't preclude the importance of your providing input via the survey!

Speak at a Listening Session


Our archdiocese is offering Listening Sessions to help us better understand the survey and survey questions. The next session will be at St. John the Baptist, 835 2nd Ave NW, New Brighton*, MN 55112 on Monday, Feb. 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m. A number of CCCR folks will be at this session and we ask you to attend that session too. We want to be sure all Catholics can speak and be heard. 
 
*Tried and true directions (we've tried them and they're true): 35W to the County Road E2 exit. You are almost there. Turn west to 3nd St. and turn right. Go 2 blocks and you are in the parking lot of St. John's. (If you can't make the Feb. 23 meeting, the last session offered will be at Monsignor Hayden Center, St. Paul - Tuesday, March 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m.) 
Speak in a Love and Sex Book Group

Who could say no to a book group with a book about love and sex that's only 26 pages long? Get your parish into the discussion about the issues of family life to be addressed at the Oct. 2015 Synod. The CCCR/Council of the Baptized position paper, "Toward a Healthy Christian Theology of Sexuality," is a good read and has discussion questions you can use to get your group talking.

St. Frances Cabrini and Holy Name parishes already have book groups using the position paper. Dave Schultz of St. Frances Cabrini Education Committee reports over 100 parishioners are part of 14 groups discussing it. He said, "There is so much enthusiasm to be able to talk about a theology of sexuality. This is Cabrini's Third Annual One Read Book Discussion, but this book has produced by far our most passionate and provocative dialogue.  I would encourage other communities to discuss this topic for the future of our Church and human relationship with God." 
Feb. 24: Explore the Contemporary Roman Catholic Church in the USA with Fr. Mike Joncas

The League of Catholic Women invites you to a presentation by Fr. Mike Joncas titled, "Many Places at the Table:  The Contemporary Roman Catholic Church in the USA." The presentation will touch on several themes including, When we recite the Nicene Creed, we profess our belief in "one catholic church." What does that mean in today's world? Learn more and make your reservation to attend. 
  
Date:  Tues., Feb. 24, 2015 
Place: The Woman's Club, 410 Oak Grove  Street, Mpls.    
Time:  Gather by 6:45 pm. Program begins promptly at 7. 
Cost:  $15 (due Feb. 20; click here for reservation form)
           $20 after Feb. 20 and at the door 
IEC Early Bird Registration Ends Apr. 15

The 2015 gathering of Intentional Eucharistic Communities (IEC) is June 26-28 in St. Paul, MN. CCCR/Council of the Baptized is a conference sponsor and will host a break-out session. IEC will welcome 250-500 people from many places and many backgrounds. Register now for this spectacular opportunity to learn about the emerging church. Check out the featured speakers!

Registration fee ($150 on or before April 15) includes
Think, pray, speak and be heard.