MACC NEWSLETTER JUNE 12, 06.indd

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
October 2005 – April 2006
CHAIRMAN
Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI
Bishop of San Angelo, TX
VICE CHAIR
Barbara Bader Aldave
Professor, Oregon University,
Eugene, OR
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Ruben M. Escobedo, CPA
Ruben Escobedo & Co.,
San Antonio, TX
CHAIR EMERITUS
Most Rev. Patrick F. Flores
Emeritus Archbishop of San Antonio, TX
MEMBERS
Most Rev. José H. Gomez, STD
Archbishop of San Antonio, TX
Rev. Robert H. Blondell
Pastor, St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic
Community, Macomb, MI
Rev. Len J. Brown, CMF
Springfield, MO
Alberto Cárdenas
Special Assistant to the Chancellor and
Director of Federal Relations
Texas Tech University
Washington, DC
María de la Luz Rodríguez Cárdenas
History Professor, Laredo Community College
Laredo, TX
Gilbert Chávez
San Antonio, TX
Rev. Larry Christian
Rector of Assumption Seminary
San Antonio, TX
Helen Coronado
San Antonio, TX
Ronaldo Cruz
Executive Director
Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs
Washington, DC
Rev. Robert Dueweke, OSA
St. Clare of Montefalco
Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Armando González
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Right Rev. Robert B. Hibbs
Bishop Suffragan
Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
San Antonio, TX
Ana Villamil Kelly
Washington, DC
Timothy Matovina, Ph.D.
Director, Cushwa Center,
University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI
Senior Vice President
Mission, Ethics and Spiritual Care
CHRISTUS Health, Irving, TX
Stella Guerra Nelson
San Antonio, TX
Donna C. Normandin
Sr. Vice President of Community Development
Frost National Bank, San Antonio, TX
Most Rev. Raymundo J. Peña, DD
Bishop of Brownsville, TX
Sister Charlene Wedelich, CDP
Vicar for Religious
Archdiocese of San Antonio, TX
Sister María Elena González, RSM
President of MACC
A National Catholic Institute for Pastoral Leadership and Language Studies
Spring 2006
Dear Friends,
With our theme and commitment to “Fostering Peace and Justice” this year, I am pleased to share with you that MACC
has had a successful year.
Over the years, MACC has been a self-publishing and distribution center and it continues today. The Pastoral Team
is currently writing and putting together three different manuals for diocesan and pastoral participants in our courses and
workshops. The manuals will allow our participants to come away with information, activity handouts, bilingual materials and
resources, which will enhance their ministries. The curriculum-based programs are: the Farmworker Leadership Formation
Program, the Culturally Sensitive Home Visitation and Evangelization Program, and the RESPETO Latino Youth Leadership
Development Formation Program.
MACC continues to be a source of hope for many who hunger to develop their faith and culture. In the spirit of the
Catholic Church in the United States, we continue to commit ourselves in helping our brothers and sisters regardless of where
they come from. Cardinal Roger M. Mahony reminds us in his article, “Called by God to Help” that, “Part of the mission of the
Roman Catholic Church is to help people in need...(and) is a Gospel mandate, in which Christ instructs us to clothe the naked,
feed the poor and welcome the stranger.” (New York Times, March 22, 2006)
Archbishop José Gomez, STD, San Antonio Archdiocese, shared words of wisdom which resonated with the thousands
of marchers on April 10 when he said, “As we walk through the streets of San Antonio, a city which has richly benefited from
the many immigrants who have contributed to a rich and varied culture, let our prayer be, ‘Hosanna, save us now from the
cold of indifference and the pain of injustice.’ ” MACC is ready to follow the lead of our Bishops.
In moments of challenges and decision may our hearts be attuned to God’s wisdom and
may the season of Easter bring us the comfort and joy of the resurrection.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Sincerely in Christ,
Sister María Elena González, RSM
President
Estimados Amigos/as:
Con nuestro tema y compromiso para “animar la paz y justicia”, quiero compartir con ustedes que este año nuestra
institución, MACC, ha tenido un año muy exitoso.
Durante los últimos años MACC ha venido siendo un centro editorial de distribución. El equipo pastoral de MACC está
escribiendo tres manuales para uso de nuestros participantes en nuestros cursos y talleres. Los participantes que vienen
a estudiar a MACC se llevaran con ellos estos manuales que contienen un monto de información, folletos de actividades,
materiales bilingües y recursos que les ayudaran en sus diócesis o organizaciones donde ejercen sus apostolado. El
currículo se basa en los programas: “Formación en el Liderazgo para Campesinos,” “Visitas y Evangelización de los Hogares
con Sensibilidad Cultural: Acoger al Extranjero,” y RESPETO: Un programa de estudios para la Formación del Liderazgo
Juvenil Latino.”
MACC continua siendo una fuente de esperanza para aquellos que desean cultivar su fe y cultura.
Nos comprometemos a seguir ayudando a nuestros hermanos y hermanas, sin tener en cuenta de donde vengan, con
el mismo espíritu de nuestra Iglesia Católica aquí en los Estados Unidos.
Como indica su Eminencia Cardenal Roger Mahony en su articulo: “Hemos sido llamados por Dios a ayudar a nuestro
prójimo.” “La misión de la Iglesia Católica Romana es ayudar a la gente necesitada…y el mandato del evangelio, donde
Cristo nos instruye a ’vestir el desnudo, dar de comer al hambriento y la bienvenida al extranjero.’” (Fuente: New York Times,
22 de marzo del 2006).
Las palabras del Arzobispo José Gomez, STD, de la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio, resonaron con los miles de
manifestantes el día 10 de abril, cuando dijo: “Caminando por las calles de San Antonio, una ciudad que se ha beneficiado
mucho con los numerosos inmigrantes que han contribuido con sus ricas y diversas culturas, que nuestra oración sea
‘¡hosana! Salvanos de la fria indiferencia y el dolor de la injusticia.’ ” MACC esta dispuesto a seguir los pasos de nuestros
Obispos.
En aquellos instantes de desafio y decisión, esperemos que nuestros corazones se afinen a la sabiduría de Dios y que
la Pascua de la Resurrección nos traiga consuelo y alegría.
Gracias por sus continuas oraciones.
Sinceramente en Cristo,
Hna. María Elena González, RSM
Presidenta
MACC names Chmielewski Language Coordinator
Ana Patricia Chmielewski has been named the new Language Coordinator at MACC. Patricia is from
the capital city of San Salvador in El Salvador. For the past 25 years she has lived in various parts of
the United States: Florida, North Carolina, Alaska and Texas. Patricia joined the MACC Pastoral Team
in October of 2005.
She earned a BA degree from the University of Texas Permian Basin, and an MA degree (with a
concentration in Spanish Culture) from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She is experienced in
adult education including teaching Spanish at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and as a
curriculum developer.
“I also taught as a bilingual elementary teacher in the public school sector, and enjoyed teaching children,”
said Patricia. “I taught Spanish-speaking children to speak English, but also helped them learn the U.S.
culture. I believe that it is a gift to be bilingual, because you can help people who speak two languages.
Being bilingual is like being a bridge that connects two cultures. Teaching Spanish, English and Pastoral
classes at MACC is like building bridges that are then transported around the world, helping people in
different corners of our globe,” said Patricia.
Ana Patricia Chmielewski
Staff Spotlight
Kathy Danahy Bliquez, Archivist and Volunteer Coordinator, has served MACC for over 13 years.
During this time, Kathy has served as a volunteer gardner, a receptionist, archivist and coordinator of
volunteers. She continues to help keep the gardens on the MACC campus beautiful year round.
When she and her husband, Terry, moved from Alabama to Texas, “Everything fell into place,” said Kathy.
“Terry and I knew that we wanted to work with the poor. Fr. David Garcia, who was then the Rector at
Assumption Seminary, referred us to MACC for Spanish language classes,” said Kathy .
Kathy Danahay Bliquez
Kathy and Terry co-founded Sky Cross, Inc, a nonprofit organization that provides basic food and
medical supplies to the very poor families living on
the Texas-Mexico border. This assistance enables
the children of this area attend school rather than
have to work or beg for food. Sky Cross is able to
fulfill its mission in collaboration with missionaries
working in the “colonias,” orphanages and refugee
houses on either side of the border.
“It was through the staff and participants at MACC that we met our first contacts for our
ministry. Everything just unfolded beautifully. God was absolutely working, planning and
putting the people in our life that needed to be there at that time for it all to work. The
MACC staff and other groups continue to support our efforts in working with the poor,”
Kathy said.
Kathy was most influenced by her late mother, Ellen Mary Lane Danahy. “She was my
example of God by her unconditional love. I’ve always known that there was nothing that I
could do that she wouldn’t forgive me or stop loving me,” said Kathy. “My mother’s values
growing up are MACC’s values. She was the most non-judgmental person I’ve known. She
was also a tiger for peace and justice,” said Kathy.
Kathy would like to leave a legacy behind which reflects her mother’s values. “I’d like to be
able to look back and say, I tried to live the best life I could using the gifts God gave me,
and I treasured life and appreciated it,” said Kathy.
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IN THIS ISSUE...
MACC’s mission is to empower and
educate leaders for service in a culturally
diverse Church and society.
La misión de MACC es capacitar y educar
líderes al servicio de una iglesia y sociedad
culturalmente diversas.
President’s Message.............Cover Page
Language Coordinator…...…...…...….2
Staff Spotlight.…………..……………2
In our own Tongues…………………..3
Matching Grants......………….…..……3
Participant Testimonials….…...............4
MACC Highlights………………...….5
Rev. Casiano Floristan………….....…7
Upcoming Courses……...…Back Cover
MACC hosts conference “In Our Own Tongues/En Nuestras Propias Lenguas”
October 12-14, 2005
A special thanks to all our sponsors – Our Sunday Visitor, USCCB’s
Secretariat Office of Hispanic Affairs and Publishing Office, Sadlier,
Inc., JM Communications, Southwest Airlines and anonymous
sponsors. Your support helped make the “In our own tongues/
En nuestras propias lenguas” conference a successful one.
Projects arose from the many great minds gathering together and
exchanging ideas about bilingual publications.
Archbishop José H. Gomez, STD,
Archbishop of San Antonio, addresses
the over 150 conference participants.
Bill Dinger of William Sadlier, Inc. with Sr.
Mary Lou Barba, MCDP, co-chair of the
steering committee for the conference.
Sr. María Elena González, RSM, MACC
President, with Dr. Jeanette Rodríguez,
Seattle University, the keynote speaker.
Adán Medrano, owner of JM
Communications and member of
steering committee, shown holding his
latest publication, “Belief in Media.”
Paul Henderson of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Publishing
Office, co-sponsors of the conference.
MACC receives $100,000 in matching grants
The Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) received a
generous $50,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor in 2005
to help develop new partnerships. This year, the CHRISTUS Fund met
the challenge by matching it dollar per dollar with a $50,000 grant.
The CHRISTUS Fund is sponsored by the CHRISTUS Health,
which was founded jointly by the congregations of the Sisters of Charity
of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio and in Houston.
According to Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, a member of the
MACC Board of Directors and the Senior Vice President of Mission,
Ethics and Spiritual Care at CHRISTUS Health, “The Mission of MACC
and of CHRISTUS Health calls both organizations to improve the health
of individuals and of local and global communities.”
“Through this grant, CHRISTUS Health is pleased to collaborate
with MACC in fulfilling our mission of extending the healing ministry of
Jesus Christ,” said Sister Theresa.
The CHISTUS Fund will allow MACC to increase its outreach to
the Texas mission dioceses as part of the “Fostering Healthy and Holy
Latino Communities” initiative. Mission dioceses – which are highly
underserved regions with low-income populations – will be invited to
partake in workshops and courses that provide leadership formation
opportunities for serving Hispanic and multicultural communities.
“The partnership between MACC and the CHRISTUS Fund will
open doors for the people who are most in need,” said Sister María
Elena González, RSM, President of MACC.
MACC will recruit individuals to attend key workshops on effective
ways of using a pastoral framework for Hispanic Ministry as delineated
by the Bishops’ documents on youth, family and multicultural ministries.
MACC’s pastoral leadership formation programs include: cultural
awareness, community building, promotion of social justice, and
culturally-based expressions of faith. MACC will provide the necessary
training for leaders to improve faith development, build working
relationships among various cultural groups, and reach out to youth
at-risk and their families.
The Dioceses of Victoria, San Angelo, San Antonio and Beaumont,
Texas so far have benefited from this initiative. Participants will not
only receive the necessary training but will have accessible bilingual
materials and resources to better equip them in their ministry.
“I appreciate the support of Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, and
Sister Rosa María Icaza, CCVI, who have both faithfully served MACC
for over two decades and opened the door for this partnership with the
CHRISTUS Fund,” said Sister María Elena.
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Participants’ Testimonials...
...of the Mini Pastoral Program and
Intensive Pastoral Spanish Studies
“The small group sharing, the class size
as well as the atmosphere of the school all
contributed to making this time in my life,
a cherished memory.” - Rev. J. Harbour
I am a priest of the Diocese of
Providence, RI and have been for
32 years. I was recently appointed
as pastor of a Spanish parish and
received permission from the Bishop
to prepare for this assignment by
going to MACC. I was involved with
both the Mini Pastoral as well as two
sessions of IPS. My expectations
were exceeded many times over
in both the programs. Although I continue to feel inadequate
speaking Spanish, I feel confident that time will make a difference
thanks to the confidence, teaching and overall goodwill of your
staff. It was an experience unsurpassed in my learning history.
Your teachers and presenters are among the very best. Dedicated,
hardworking, and genuinely interested in the participants. I
would return to MACC as soon as possible. The small group
sharing, the class size as well as the atmosphere of the school all
contributed to making this time in my life, a cherished memory.”
Thanks to all. My best to all.”
– Rev. Jerry Harbour,
Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
...of the Heart of Multiculturalism,
Phases I & II
“I am absolutely certain that this
program has changed my life. By
putting cultural diversity into a
spiritual context I have finally been
able to understand something
essential about myself. I am a
child of God, and that is where I
must begin. I may not change
the entire world, but I can choose
to chip away at the iceberg, or
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perhaps I can sink the Titanic. However, I can only do so by being
right with my Creator. God bless you. Thank you for welcoming
me. I can only hope that my life will be a testament to all that you
have taught me.”
- Laura Tuite,
Danbury, CT
“How do I explain or even describe
a week in which my heart has been
moved so deeply? There are no
words. There is no language that
is adequate or useful here. I have
faced my heart and listened to my
heart in ways that were new and
ancient at the same time. And the
people…Oh, the people! We came
together as ‘strangers’ on Monday morning. We leave today as
‘communitas’, having laughed and cried together, having spoken
and listened from our hearts. We now go our separate ways – to
different cities and states and cultures and Churches. Yet we
know we are not separated, but closer than we could have ever
asked or imagined.” – Sister Carla Rutter, HM,
Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Massillon, OH
“My experience in this program
has been both educational
and transforming. Looking
at multiculturalism at a
deeper level beyond food and
traditions has meant looking
at myself and embracing who
I am. This experience has
been liberating in a way that
I feel more capable of serving
and leading a multicultural
community. I think others will want to participate if they want
to grow in skills and abilities in serving and leading faith
communities. This is not about how to be a leader. It is about
one’s own heart and love for Christ and how we allow each heart
to be open and free.”
– Wayne E. Romo,
St. Mary’s University, San Antonio , TX
Please remember MACC in your will. Our legal title is: Mexican American Cultural Center, Inc.,
3115 West Ashby Place, San Antonio, Texas 78228, 210-732-2156.
MACC Highlights
MACC hosts planning
workshop for farmworkers
On March 14-15, MACC hosted a planning team that
provided input on how the Migrant Farmworker Pastoral Leadership
Formation Program can be enhanced.
Shown in the photo above with MACC staff are key leaders
who have participated in MACC’s training and are now offering their
ideas and input on ways the program can better meet the pastoral
needs of migrant farmworkers.
A manual for the migrant farmworker leadership formation
program is being created. Participants in the course will be able
to come away with materials and resources in order to train other
leaders in their own migrant communities.
This program was made possible by an anonymous grant.
Coming soon...
New Bible Study Program
MACC is developing a parish-based Bible Study
Program that is solidly Catholic, bilingual, accessible to the
ordinary lay person, and reflective of the Latino reality in the
U.S.
Archbishop
José
Gomez is the catalyst for this
project. He has asked MACC
to develop this program that he
will pilot in the Archdiocese of
San Antonio when it is ready.
Rev. Virgilio Elizondo, Rev. Juan Alfaro, Sister Rosa
María Icaza, CCVI, and Dr. Arturo Chávez are the scholars who
will oversee the development of this exciting new venture.
MACC Mobile Team presents in Peru
Sr. Rosa María Icaza, CCVI, and Sr. Toby Lardie, HM, presented
to the Mercy Sisters in Peru on January 7-18, 2006.
Participants are shown
exchanging their insights of
the pastoral needs of migrant
farmworkers.
Did you know…
The MACC Ministry Formation Program
(with its three components of the Mini
Pastoral, Hispanic Pastoral Ministry, and
Language Studies) is accredited
through the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Commission on
Certification and Accreditation
3211 South Lake Drive, Suite 317,
St. Francis, WI 53235-3702, (414) 486-0139
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Leave a MACC Legacy as a
planned gift…
Consider making a planned gift in your will
that supports MACC’s Mission to empower
and educate leaders for service
in a culturally diverse Church and Society.
•
MACC Development Office
3115 West Ashby Place San Antonio, Texas 78228
Tel: (210) 732-2156 • Fax: (210) 732-9072
www.maccsa.org
MACC’S WISH LIST
Please consider making a donation to enhance MACC’s
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel.
The wish list for the Chapel includes
Stations of the Cross, chalice and altar vessels.
This gift opportunity may be designated in honor or in
memory of a loved one.
For further information, please contact
the Development Office at (210) 732-2156 ext. 7126
All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
MACC Gift Shop and Bookstore
We feature many unique gifts and MACC publications
For Quinceañeras:
• Quinceañera: A Celebration of Life
• Religious celebration for the
Quinceañera
• Quinceañera certificates
• A remembrance of my quince años
• Quince años: Celebrating a
tradition
Beautifully
handmade and
designed
chasubles, stoles
and albs
MACC features resources/books in the following topics/areas:
• Christology
• Mariology
• Stewardship
• Theology
• Church and Religion
• Mexican-American
History and Latino
Studies
• LatinoLiterature
• Bibles-Spanish &
English
• Liturgical Celebration
• Sacraments
• Cathechesis
• Pastoral Ministry
• Preaching
• Children’s Books
• Youth Ministry
• Prayer
• Stories of the Saints
and Angels
VISIT OUR WEB SITE: www.maccsa.org
Mexican American Cultural Center, 3115 West Ashby Place, San Antonio, Texas 78228
Tel: (210) 732-2156 ext. 7108 Fax: (210) 735-6162 E-mail: [email protected]
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“Que descance en paz”
Father Casiano Floristán
November 4, 1926 – January 1, 2006
In remembrance of Father Floristán, MACC recognizes his theological
contributions for the advancement of Latinos. Father Floristán came to
MACC in 1974 as a visiting professor. Fr. Virgilio Elizondo, co founder of
MACC, said that Father Floristán was instrumental in MACC’s founding
years especially of MACC’s theological influence. He collaborated many
years with MACC. He traveled frequently to help initiate Hispanic Ministry
and Latino Studies all over the world. He will be greatly missed, and we
are grateful that he was a part of our history at MACC. May he rest in
peace.
MACC BRICK CAMPAIGN
ADD YOUR NAME TO THE PATH OF FAITH
As you walk the pathways that surround the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and San Juan Diego, you can read the
names of MACC supporters permanently etched in brick. These bricks memorialize and celebrate the diversity and breadth of
MACC’s family and benefactors. Years from now, as visitors at MACC walk the grounds, they will see the incredible support of
those who believed in Hispanic ministry and paved the way for MACC’s legacy to continue.
Commemorate any special occasion by purchasing a brick in honor or in memory of a loved one:
Birthdays
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
Anniversaries
Guadalupanas/Guadalupanos
In memory or in honor of…
Ord
er y
our
s to
day
!
Two brick sizes available:
8” x 8” brick can accommodate six lines of text with a maximum of sixteen (16) characters of space per line at $250.00
4” x 8” brick can accommodate three lines of text with a maximum of sixteen (16) characters of space per line at $100.00
Make checks payable to MACC. Credit cards accepted.
For more Information call Olga Montellano-Campos at (210) 732-2156 ext. 7126
3115 West Ashby Place, San Antonio, Texas 78228 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.maccsa.org
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UPCOMING MACC PROGRAMS FOR SUMMER & FALL 2006
May 29 – June 16; June 19 – July 7; July 10 – 28; August 27-September 15 (IPE only);
September 18-October 6; October 9-27; November 6-22; November 27-December 15
INTENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSES
Intensive Pastoral Spanish / Intensive Spanish,
Inglés Intensivo Pastoral / Intensive Pastoral English
May 28 - June 16 (in English); July 9 - 28 (en español)
October 2 - 6
August 27 - September 15 (in English)
Phase III: Understanding the Roots of Racism
The Mini Pastoral
October 12 - 15
June 22 - 25
JOVENES: Youth Ministry in a Latino Setting
June 26 - 30
RESPETO: A Curriculum for Latino Youth Leadership Formation
Welcoming Newly Arrived Immigrants
October 16 - 19
Liturgical Celebrations and Popular Expressions of Faith
August 27 - December 15
Hispanic Pastoral Ministry (sabbatical opportunity)
October 27 - 29
Culturally Sensitive Home Visitation and Evangelization:
Welcoming the Stranger
August 27 - September 15
The Mini Pastoral
November 6 - 10
Fostering Latino Leadership for Church and Society
August 28 - September 1
Spanish for Hispanics
November 17-19
Multiculturalism among Hispanics
The Heart of Multiculturalism
September 25 - 29
Phases I & II: Look within our Hearts:
Look at the Many Faces in God’s House
For more information about registration,
fees and partial scholarships for qualifying participants,
contact the Registrar at 210-732-2156, x7102,
e-mail: [email protected] or visit our web site at www.maccsa.org.
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
San Antonio, Texas
PERMIT NO. 2689
Mexican American Cultural Center • 3115 W. Ashby Place • San Antonio, TX 78228-5104
(210) 732-2156 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.maccsa.org
A National Catholic Institute for Pastoral Leadership & Language Studies
Accredited by USCCB