August 2006
CPC’s Mission Statement: CPC shall be a worldwide apostolate with a
mission of propagating the Roman Catholic faith as the principal
means for humankind to achieve Salvation. To achieve its mission CPC shall
advocate and support education in the Catholic faith in parish, school, college
and university communities; advance the educational and catechetical mission of
the Church; help individuals achieve a deeper more meaningful prayer life
engendering a closer, more intimate relationship with God and; acknowledge that
our Salvation, as well as that of our neighbors, is paramount, and thus go
forth to evangelize the teachings of the Catholic faith among all humankind.
If you are not already a member of CPC we hope you will join today and that
you tell your friends and family about CPC as well. It’s free and easy to join,
just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catholicprayerclub
and press the Join Now key.
CPC’s new website is almost finished and we hope to launch
by the end of August. It will include all of the features of the current site
plus a number of new feature pages centered on prayer, meditation and
spirituality. You will be able to visit the CPC website at www.catholicprayerclub.org
CPC is also refining our logo and graphics to promote that we are an international organization. Our new “handle” is …..
The Catholic Prayer Club… a
worldwide apostolate
We have also reorganized to position ourselves for international expansion. On July 27 CPC was reconstituted as a religious Not-for-Profit Corporation in the State of New York in accordance with Section 501 (c) (3) of the U. S. Internal Revenue Code.
Our
Feature Article for This Month
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The Privilege of Doing
Service
Recently while reading Cardinal
Egan’s weekly column in the Catholic New
York newspaper, I was struck by His Eminences’ sincerity and humility as he
reminded the faithful that service, particularly good works among those in
need, is a privilege and not just an obligation on our search for Salvation. He
went on to recognize just a few of the hundreds of individuals that devote some
of their free time to volunteer work in the Archdiocese of New York.
As I reflected further on the
Cardinal’s remarks I thought about Jesus and how he served others when he knelt
and washed the feet of his disciples at the first Holy Eucharist. John 13: 4-5
tells us; he rose from supper and took
off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he
poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them
with the towel around his waist. I cannot think of a more profound example
of humble service.
I am fortunate to live in New
York City, which, I think is one of the five, most exciting and interesting
places one can live on the planet. However, even after living here for thirty
some years, I continue to be a little amazed at the lengths we will go to amuse
and entertain ourselves, not to mention the amount of money that is spent to
satisfy the insatiable craving for material goods that is so common among the
“me generation.” It’s very sad that so many people, particularly those of us in
the western cultures, go about daily life seemingly unaware of the suffering
occurring among the poor, the sick and addicted and those lacking sufficient
food, clean water and healthcare.
The Beatitudes in chapter 5 of
Matthew are a reminder to us whom are blessed with so much; Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied and; Blessed are the merciful, for they will be
shown mercy.
How We Can Take Action
No matter where one lives, there
are plenty of opportunities to get involved in service and good works. Most
parishes have one or more community projects that they support which rely on
volunteers. One can also contact the Catholic Charities office in your Diocese
who will be able to match your time and talents to an organization. In addition
most of the religious orders have programs whereby the laity can assist in
their various ministries.
For example during the past
couple of years I was privileged to work with the Missionaries of Charity as a
volunteer at their New York facility that is a residence for men diagnosed
HIV-Positive. I found the work extremely rewarding and I am very respectful of
the MC Sisters whom dedicate their lives to working among the poorest of the
poor, in the spirit of their foundress, Blessed Mother Teresa. The Jesuits and
the Franciscans and many others also undertake many programs that depend on
volunteers. So if there is a convent or religious order based nearby, just give
them a call and ask how you can be of service.
The Internet is also helpful for
finding a project that picks your interest. If you are really adventurous you
can go on mission for periods ranging from a couple of weeks to a year or more
in Latin America, Africa, the Near East or almost anywhere else in the world.
Be warned, however, that missions of this type are far more demanding, both
physically and emotionally, then a Saturday afternoon in the local soup
kitchen. There are also many worthwhile programs that are not Catholic
affiliated that have joined the cause and need help. I have worked at soup
kitchens sponsored by various denominations and enjoyed immensely working
alongside our sisters and brothers that are Jewish, Muslim, and all manner of
different Christian beliefs.
There’s Never A Better Time Then Now
If you are shy about going
alone, invite a friend or family member to join you or better yet organize a
group and do it together. It can be fun and it is a great way to meet new
friends. Most important of all is that service among those in need is a
wonderful way to engender a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Lord
and I can’t think of a better way to thank Him for the blessing that my
personal cup is so full.
Steven Macy
New York, NY USA
Steven Macy is
the founder and Co-Steward of The Catholic Prayer Club a New York not-for-
profit 501 (c) (3) Corporation, a worldwide apostolate with a mission of
propagating the Roman Catholic Faith as the principle means for humankind to
achieve Salvation. Steve is also active in Christian Life Community in lay
association with the Society of Jesus. He resides in New York City and is
active in numerous community outreach ministries within the Archdiocese of New
York.
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The CPC Prayer Intention for
August
For peace
throughout the world and in particular for an end to the hostilities in
Lebanon, Iraq and other areas in the Middle East.
Lord hear our prayer