ADULT FORMATION
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

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North Nashville Charities Uniform Drive sponsored by the
Cathedral Young Adults

The Cathedral Young Adults are teaming up with North Nashville Charities to provide uniforms and Back-to-School items for several needy children in the Nashville area. This Uniform Drive will work in a manner similar to the Angel Tree at Christmas. Those who would like to contribute can sign up to sponsor a child and would be responsible for buying the clothes that have been requested for that particular child. There will also be an opportunity to purchase and contribute stationary items for the children. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, you can sign up in the narthex after every mass this weekend. Please contact Roy at roysilveira@gmail.com with questions.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TENNESSEE PUBLIC POLICY COMMISSION

Gaile Owens' execution has been set for September 28, 2010 by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Only the Governor is able to commute her sentence to life in prison. I am not writing to you suggesting you study Owens' case to find her innocent or rightfully convicted. She herself has not denied her role in her husband's death.

I am writing to ask you to write the Governor of Tennessee and ask that
another life not be taken. We are guided by our belief that every person
has an inalienable right to life, because each human being is made in the image and likeness of God, who alone is the absolute Lord of life from its beginning until its end (cf. The Book of Genesis 1:26-28).

We acknowledge that the subject of capital punishment is controversial and emotional. All murders are violent and shocking. They all stir emotions of revulsion and anger. We grieve for the victims of murder, for the brutalization and loss of life. We affirm that the state has the duty to punish criminals and to prevent the repetition or occurrence of crime. We believe that greater efforts must be made to bring the criminal to repentance and rehabilitation. We believe that our society is sufficiently developed to protect itself and to redress the injustice caused by the criminal without resorting to the use of the death penalty. One alternative is life without possibility of parole. Proponents of capital punishment assert that those who take the life of another should be punished in kind. This "eye for an eye mentality" underestimates the gravity of interminable confinement.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church acknowledges the right of public authorities to impose criminal punishment proportionate to the gravity of the offense, "if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor. If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people's safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity with the dignity of the human person." Pope John Paul II stated that in today's world cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity "are very rare, if not practically nonexistent." (The Gospel of Life, 56) .

We are asking that you will take just a short time and express your belief to Governor Bredesen that the death penalty is not for the greater good and ask that he commute Owens' sentence to one of life without parole. The Gospel mandates that we "love our enemies and pray for those who have harmed us."

Peace be with you,
TN Catholic Public Policy Commission

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NASHVILLE FLOODS:
We hope you have not been seriously affected by the floods. Please let us know if you need assistance.

NASHVILLE MAYOR KARL DEAN URGES WATER CONSERVATION:
"We are asking all Davidson County residents and residents in the city of Brentwood to use water for drinking and food preparation only. . "The important thing for everybody to know right now is our water supply continues to be safe; we just need businesses and residents to curtail all water usage except for drinking and food preparation."

FLOOD RELIEF:
Cathedral staffer, Suzanne Southworth, spent yesterday assisting at St. Luke's Community Center in West Nashville where families have experienced serious flood-related loss. She passes on this information for those seeking a way to help.

GIFT CARDS:
The directors of St. Luke's youth program suggest purchasing gift cards to Target or Wal-Mart and sending them to St. Luke's Community Center. If you have time to lend a hand with clean up, please contact youth directors, David and Suzie Estes.

David and Suzie Estes
YES Center Directors at St. Luke's
1605 56th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37209
Office 615-350-1140
Cell 615-587-6282
www.youthencouragement.org
www.stlukescommunityhouse.org

 

SUNDAY MORNING SERIES
St. Albert Hall - Room #303
9:45-10:45 a.m.
All are welcome!

July 2010

July 11th – August 15th.
Albert Camus, An Allegorical Reading of Camus’ Novel, The Plague, presented by Victor Judge, Registrar and Lecturer, Vanderbilt Divinity School

In 1939, as World War II began, the French novelist Albert Camus wrote in his notebook, “The reign of beasts has begun.” While he was composing The Plague, Camus was living in a homeland occupied by German conquerors; his country was imprisoned as completely as if a plague had sealed off her borders, and the destruction, suffering, and death resulting from the war were as unjust as the cruelty of a plague.

Published in 1947, Camus’ somberly narrated chronicle and allegory on the germination of the plague of war of unfolds as an affirmation of the worth of human beings and of life despite being exiled in the universe and despite being ravaged by disease and tyrants. Participants in this course will engage in a critical examination of the theological questions in Camus’ novel and explore the relevance of the novel’s themes to the contemporary world.

NOTE:  Child care is now available during adult formation classes by reservation. Please make a reservation for the number and ages of children attending, by calling 327-2330 x309 or by contacting jlemaire@cathedralnashville.org.