Pax Christi Baltimore

Pax Christi/Baltimore, the local Chapter of Pax Christi USA, began activity in Baltimore in November, 1985. Since that time, the Chapter consistently has presented events, programs, and observances focusing on the spiritual dimensions of taking action for a better world, in the context of the broad scope of Catholic Church social teaching.

IMMEDIATE ACTIVITIES:

WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION FOR PAX CHRISTI BALTIMORE
ON JUNE 2, 2012

Pax Christi Baltimore will hold a wine and cheese reception for our members and friends on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Chuck and Pat Frascati's house, 9110 Topwood Court (in Satyr Hill) Baltimore, MD 21234.

Socialize, meet other members of Pax Christi -Baltimore, get involved in planning events for the Fall, and give us your ideas for future activities. Drink some wine or juice, eat some cheese and crackers--no formal agenda. Just a nice afternoon of socializing.

ANNOUNCING THE
BISHOP P. FRANCIS MURPHY PEACEMAKING AWARD
FOR BALTIMORE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

In January and February, 2011, Pax Christi-Baltimore and the Murphy Initiative collaborated on an idea, a high school senior award for peacemaking. Developed originally by Pax Christi-Baltimore, the idea was suited to the Murphy Initiative as well.

Now, a year later, several Baltimore Catholic high schools have signed on to give out this award to a deserving senior in each high school. The award, the Bishop P. Francis Murphy Peacemaking Award, will consist of a certificate or plaque, a copy of All Saints by Robert Ellsberg, and a copy of Peacemaking: Day by Day (a Pax Christi USA publication).

Baltimore Catholic high schools giving the Award this year are: Mercy, Calvert Hall, Loyola Blakefield, Seton-Keough, Catholic, Mt. Saint Joseph, and Christo Rey.

Thanks to Rosemary Thompson, Executive Director of the Murphy Initiative (and in the initial stages, Dick Ullrich, the founding Executive Director). With the assistance of Chuck Michaels of Pax Christi Baltimore--and of course, the principals, administrators and teachers of each Catholic high school giving out the award.

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OF WOMEN RELIGIOUS (LCWR)
AND THE VATICAN/
CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH (CDF)

Friends,

Pax Christi, on both the national and regional levels, has been closely following developments relating to the Doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) last month. We are very concerned about the Doctrinal Assessment and its implementation mandate, for two main reasons. First, they raise serious issues of how our Church deals with conflict, issues that are important to us as an organization within the Church committed to peace, justice, and reconciliation. Second, Pax Christi has a long and treasured relationship with LCWR, and we are saddened to see women religious who have dedicated their whole lives to the Church accused by the CDF of doctrinal errors.

LCWR and its member religious orders have been strong supporters of Pax Christi over the decades, both financially and through the active involvement of countless sisters. Pax Christi USA, at its national conference in July 2010, bestowed its Eileen Egan Peacemaker Award on LCWR, noting that women religious are the backbone of the Catholic peace and justice movement.

These strong, prophetic, and compassionate women are always on the frontlines where the weak and most vulnerable suffer at the hands of violent and unjust power. They have been our teachers, our guides, our mentors, and our conscience. They have called us to be a people committed to living lives fashioned by the heart of the gospel which Jesus proclaimed. For the dedication to peace and justice which they have shown in our church and to the world, Pax Christi USA recognizes and honors them with this award.

Pax Christi is waiting for LCWR to decide how it will respond to the Vatican’s action before issuing any formal statement. According to an April 25 posting on the LCWR website, LCWR’s national board will meet May 29 - June 1

to begin its discussion of the conclusions of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s doctrinal assessment and the implementation plan put forth by that Vatican office. The board will conduct its meeting in an atmosphere of prayer, contemplation and dialogue and will develop a plan to involve LCWR membership in similar processes. The conference plans to move slowly, not rushing to judgment. We will engage in dialogue where possible and be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit. We ask your prayer for us and for the Church in this critical time.

In the meantime, this situation presents a perfect opportunity for us as individuals to apply our prayer-study-action model of dealing with issues of our day. Many of you have undoubtedly begun this process already.

First, please pray for and with LCWR’s leadership as they discern where the Spirit is leading them. Pray too for the three bishops charged with implementing the CDF’s doctrinal assessment. And pray for greater wisdom in our Church in dealing with issues of authority, conflict, and conscience.

Second, study the underlying issues, as discussed in the doctrinal assessment (linked here) and in various commentaries on the Vatican’s action. The National Catholic Reporter has collected articles and commentaries on its “Sisters under Scrutiny” site (http://ncronline.org/SistersUnderScrutiny). Commonweal’s recent editorial is linked here. You can find other points of view on the Internet.

Third, consider taking one or more of the following actions:

Send a short letter or e-mail to LCWR expressing your support, including support for their discernment process (see https://lcwr.org/contact-us), and possibly make a donation to their work (see https://lcwr.org/ and click on “Donate”);
Send a letter to your bishop expressing your views of the Vatican’s action and asking him to recognize the great works the sisters have done and are doing on behalf of the Church;
Send a copy of your letter or a separate one to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington DC 20017;
Sign a petition in support of the sisters, if it expresses your views (two current examples are linked here and here, but Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore does not endorse any specific petition);
Attend a vigil—see details below—or organize one of your own, to support the sisters;
Support one of the related organizations specifically mentioned in the CDF’s doctrinal assessment, e.g., NETWORK, with whom Pax Christi collaborates on various projects (like the current Catholics Vote for the Common Good initiative); and
Pass the word along to fellow parishioners, neighbors, friends, or relatives, letting them of actions they may want to consider taking as a sign of their personal support for the sisters.

Vigils in DC have been scheduled for each Tuesday in May (starting on May 8). The remaining ones are on May 22 and 29.

The vigil on May 22 will be held in front of the USCCB headquarters on 3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20017, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., just down the street from Catholic University of America.
The vigil on May 29 will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Khalil Gibran Memorial Garden, 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008. At about 1 p.m., after testimonials, speakers, and songs, participants will process to the Vatican Embassy, 3339 Massachusetts Ave. NW, to deliver a letter to the Papal Nuncio expressing deep disappointment and sadness at the Vatican action regarding LCWR and conveying complete support for the Catholic sisters.

Those planning to participate in the vigils are encouraged to bring signs with messages of support for the sisters and/or the names of particular sisters who have made a difference in their lives.

Bob More
Chairperson, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore

FUNDRAISER FOR BALTIMORE COLLEGE
PEACE NETWORK
AND OTHERS: "THE NIGHT OF 1000 DYLANS"
MAY 18, 2012 AT THE CREATIVE ALLIANCE AT THE PATTERSON

On Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. the Creative Alliance at the Patterson will host "The Night of 1000 Dylans." The Creative Alliance is at 3134 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore (410-276-1651). Tickets are $16 ($11 members). All proceeds will go to the Baltimore College Peace Network, the Roots Café, and the Creative Alliance.

The event will feature The Stone Hill All-Stars (featuring alumni of the Polkats and Two Legs); Bruce Sprinstone's Tom Chalkley & Craig Hankin; the Junkyard Saints' Brian Simms, Howard Markman and Sandy Asirvatham. The benefit concert will be hosted by Geoffrey Himes.

Almost every American songwriter of any ambition cites Bob Dylan as an inspiration, and the best songwriters in the Baltimore-Washington area are no exception. During this special show to raise money for three of Baltimore's best community organizations, eight of those singer-songwriters will play the Dylan songs that mean the most to them. More info at: www.creativealliance.org and www.rootscafe.org.

UNITED WORKERS MARCH TO "OCCUPY"
GENERAL GROWTH PROPERTIES (GGP)

United Workers of Baltimore will march to "occupy" General Growth Properties (GGP), the giant mall developer and owner on Saturday, May 19 beginning at 11 a.m. Low wage workers at the Inner Harbor are leading a growing call for one of the largest mall owners in the country, GPP to ensure economic human rights in all the Baltimore area malls owned by GPP. These include Mondawmin Mall and HarborPlace (as well as the Towson Centre Mall).

By targeting the top of the profit chain, the developers that control the Inner Harbor are demanding a new vision of development that is about public benefit, not private profit. The march to occupy GGP will start with a gathering at (Mondawmin Mall) Gwynns Falls Elementary (2700 Gwynns Falls Parkway) at 11 a.m. and march approximately 4 miles to the Inner Harbor arriving at 3 p.m. with a rally at HarborPlace beginning at 3 to 3:30 p.m. The rally will conclude with a prayer and closing at 3:30 p.m.

Joining us all the way from Florida is the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and in an exciting encore to the March to Occupy GGP, the CIW will be protesting and delivering a manager letter at the Inner Harbor's Chipotle as part of weekend of action. The CIW is calling on Chipotle to end the hypocrisy and ensure real rights and fair wages for farmworkers in its supply chain.

March to Occupy GGP

Gather at 11 am at Gwynns Falls Elementary (2700 Gwynns Falls Parkway)
Go to website to see march route
For parking and mobility details, go here

Demand Fair Food from Chipotle!

Saturday, May 19th
Gather at 6 pm at Chipotle at Baltimore's Inner Harbor; 621 East Pratt Street,
next to the Blue Bambu

CENTRAL MARYLAND ECUMENICAL COUNCIL (CMEC)
HOLD ITS SPRING AWARDS GALA, MAY 20
The Central Maryland Ecumenical Council (CMEC) will have its Spring Awards Gala, on Sunday, May 20, 2012, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Douglass Memorial Church, 1325 Madison Ave, Baltimore 21217. Tickets are $40, to get your ticket just uses the PayPal button on the CMEC website--www.cmecouncil.org--or send a check to the office: CMEC, 5400 Loch Raven Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21239.

There will be a buffet dinner, music, and awards. Rev. Dr. Marion Bascom will receive the Ecumenical Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Michael Gorman will receive the Bryce W. Shoemaker Ecumenical Leadership Award, and Ms. Rosanna Miles will receive the Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Handy Ecumenical Award.

PALESTINIAN SPEAKER IN BALTIMORE
MAY 21 AT PLEASANT HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

Come for an evening with Dr. Abdel Fattah Abu Srour, the director of the Palestinian Al Rowwad Cultural and Theater Center (http://www.alrowwad-acts.ps/) and the President of the Palestinian Theater league. You will hear him speak about “beautiful resistance”: a fusion of the arts, human rights, justice and active non-violence, all embedded, of course, in the current political reality of the Palestinian Israeli conflict. The event will be held Monday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, 430 East Belvedere Ave (just west of York Road).

Dr. Abusrour is an impressive person, an eloquent speaker, a social entrepreneur, a peacemaker, an artist, a poet, and a playwright. His center, Al Rowwad builds community, grows hope and cultivates peace through the arts with youth from Aida Refugee camp ( Bethlehem ) and other camps in the Palestinian territories. Dr. Abusrour’s community organizing efforts have spread throughout the West Bank , and recently internationally in his role as one of the organizers of the recent Flotilla campaign. If you feel led, we will be accepting donations for Al Rowwad Center.

PRAY FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE
AT THE CATHEDRAL OF THE INCARNATION

This month's prayer for Middle East peace will take place at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation on Charles Street and University Parkway, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22. Come to offer your prayers for peace in the Middle East.

YOU CAN HELP MAKE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Since a civil war in 1974 the island of Cyprus has been divided in two with a United Nations patrolled border. Turkish/Muslim Cypriots are in the north. Greek/ Christian Cypriots are in the south. Animosities and prejudices run deep. Experts believe that Cyprus is at a crossroads between renewed conflict or becoming as example in the Middle East of how two such cultures can live in peace.

The Cyprus Friendship Program, based on the successful model that helped build peace in Northern Ireland, brings over a Muslim and Christian teen to stay with an American host family for the month of July (or ½ month if paired with another host family). This bonding experience in a neutral environment almost always results in a strong friendship. Programming here and after their return to Cyprus turns them into peace builders who are trained in how to influence their peers. The teens are chosen for their maturity, leadership potential, and English speaking ability. You choose the gender and age (from 15 to 17). To learn more contact Tom McCarthy at 301-774-7069 or Thomas.McCarthy@RaymondJames.com.

DC MARCH AGAINST TORTURE, GUANTANAMO AND NDAA
SUNDAY, JUNE 24--1-2:30 P.M.

A march against Guantanamo (Camp Justice, Camp Delta) and the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, especially §1012-§1024 of that Act--which purports to place US citizens committing or attempting to commit specified acts, in military custody without trial "until the end of the hostilities authorized by the Authorization for the Use of Military Force." (The AUMF was passed by Congress in 2001).

The march is sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and is endorsed by several organizations including: Witness Against Torture, Amnesty International, Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, and Pax Christi USA. The gathering will take place on June 24 at 1 p.m. at the Capital Reflecting Pool followed by a march to the White House. More information can be found at: www.nrcat.org/june24.

CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM NEWS

WE HAVE A NEW PAX CHRISTI USA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our longtime Pax Christi USA Executive Director Dave Robinson left earlier in the year to pursue other interests, and we can't say enough about the time he has given to our organization and the commitment he has shown in so many ways. Since his departure the National Council has been on a search for a new Executive Director.

Last month the National Council completed its search, so we have a new director beginning on November 1. She's Sr. Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN. If you would like to send notes of welcome, you can direct them to pchappell.pcusa @ gmail.com, or to the National Office which is now in Washington, DC: Pax Christi USA, 1225 Otis St. NE, Washington, DC 20017.

Sr. Chappell is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Connecticut unit, and served on the Provincial Leadership Team. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Catholic U. She serves as the national co-chair on her community's anti-racism team. She was the full-time president of the National Black Sisters' Conference (1996-2001) and is on the Board of Trustees for Trinity College University. Welcome, Sr. Particia!