July 2022
In this email we bring you an article by Vice Rector, Fr. Andy Syberg. We hope you find his writings spiritually uplifting and educational.
Holy Land Painting Provides Inspiration
Mural depicting the hemorrhaging woman touching Jesus’ cloak in a chapel at Magdala, Israel
Fr. Andy in the Holy Land
A little over a month ago, several seminarians, priests, and lay faithful had the pleasure and privilege of taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the trip was not like your standard trip (as if a trip to the king of the universe’s stomping grounds could ever be standard). Covid was still hanging in the air and test, after test, after test had to be taken so that we could travel. And there was that ubiquitous concern of getting Covid while we were traveling that served as a constant companion. And yet, through all the tests, all the concerns, anxieties, and what-if scenarios that played out in our minds and conversations, more constant than all of that, was the grace of God at work in and around us.
One moment that stood out for me was in the town of Magdala. Well-known throughout history because of Mary Magdalene, Magdala, archeologically speaking, is a baby of a site, as it had only been discovered in 2009. It was there that I had a beautiful encounter with the Lord. There is a chapel in the lower section of the church, and on the wall behind the altar, there is a painting, though it is not your typical religious painting. The painting is a depiction of the woman with hemorrhages being healed, but more specifically it is the moment when she touches the hem of Jesus’ cloak, because she had said to herself, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Mark 5:28. The painting fixates on that moment; no faces, just an arm reaching through a bunch of legs. Now, I was fortunate to say mass for our group at this site and during the homily I looked back at the painting and the tears came, and they would not stop. How often do we come up with reasons to stay away from Jesus? There is too much standing in the way; too much keeping me from reaching out so that I may be healed. Friends, Jesus is so desperate to bring mercy and healing into our lives. He wants nothing more than for us to reach out. Reach out for him brothers and sisters, be bold, do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged by what you may find blocking your path to Jesus. Reach out and know the healing power of Christ.
Fr. Andy Syberg is currently the Vice Rector of Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary. He was ordained a priest in 2015 and joined the seminary staff in 2017.
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Archdiocese of Indianapolis Celebrates First Priesthood Ordination in Two Years
Newly ordained priests Michael Clawson and Matthew Perronie with Archbishop Charles Thompson
On June 4th, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis celebrated the ordination of two new priests, Father Michael Clawson and Father Matthew Perronie, both Bruté alumni. This is the first priesthood ordination held in the archdiocese for two years.
Bruté Alum Ordained a Priest in
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Fr. Mark Hellinger at his ordination. Bruté alum Andy Barnes in the background served at the Mass.
Also on June 4th, Brute Alum Mark Hellinger was ordained a priest for the
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
Prayer for Vocations
As we celebrate the joy of priestly ordinations across the dioceses we serve, join us in praying these words of Saint John Paul II for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
Lord Jesus, as you once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound; come, follow me!
Give young men and women the grace of responding quickly to your voice. Support your bishops, priests and consecrated people in their apostolic labor.
Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are carrying out the ideal of a life totally consecrated to your service. Awaken in our community a missionary eagerness.
Lord, send workers to your harvest and do not allow humanity to be lost for the lack of pastors, missionaries and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel.
Mary, mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say “yes” to the Lord who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation.
Amen
Why do Catholics give?
Charitable giving is central to Christian spirituality. We see everything we have, material and spiritual, as unmerited gifts from God. God entrusts us with everything we have because he is generous and wants to bless us.
Some interesting 2019 facts about charitable giving to religious organizations (according to studies by USCCB, U.S. Catholic, Sharefaith and Qgiv):
- Overall charitable giving reached nearly $450 billion in 2019 and approximately 1/3 of all charitable gifts benefited religious organizations.
- About 69% of all charitable donations come from individuals and 10% of these gifts come in the form of a bequest.
- Individuals who attend church regularly tend to donate more money to any cause, giving 81% of their donations to religious organizations with an average donation of $2,224.
- 69% of Catholics who donate money give between 2-5% of their income. On the whole, individuals give less percentage of their income than in the past.
This begs the question, “What does the Catechism say about giving?” The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines “charity” as “the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.” Giving of our God-given materials and talent is not merely an act of “giving back.” At its core, it is an expression of how we love and honor God and our neighbors.
At the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF), our staff seeks to match donors’ stewardship and passions with the needs of the Archdiocese, parishes, schools and agencies. Please contact CCF at ccf@archindy.org or 317-236-1482 to see how we can assist you with your charitable plans.
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A Glimpse of Summer at the Seminary
For more information
- If you wish to contact Bruté Rector Fr. Joe Moriarty, you can reach him at jmoriarty@archindy.org or call 317-924-4100.
- To inquire about donating to Bruté, please contact Ellen Sanders, Catholic Philanthropic Advisor at esanders@archindy.org or call 317-236-1501.