In this new time of required facial masking, I have been doing some thinking about the unfortunate politicization of this thing. I was wearing a mask in indoor public places weeks ago, not because I was being made to, but because of what the best medical evidence suggests are its effects. From all I know, masking is an effective way to keep both me and those around me as safe as possible from the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Why would I or anybody not want to do that?

But recently the discourse has shifted from health benefits to the question of who gets to tell other people what to do. Some are angry and defiant because the governor has now mandated the practice of masking. What difference does it make whether it is he or anybody else who imposes that restriction (or doesn't)?  It's still the safer thing to do. I'm not aware of anyone who disputes that, or of any persuasive reason why they should.

You and I serve a God and a church that issues all sorts of requirements and restrictions on what we are allowed to do, or not do. Behind those laws is the recognition that we all live in a community that is larger than ourselves, and that all of us are responsible for the collective well-being. I don't get to do things just because I want to if it has the effect of endangering the greater whole. Prior to the pandemic, this basic premise of faith was easier to ignore. Now we can't, and that's not an entirely bad thing to realize.

Unlike some modern pseudo-versions of "Christianity," Judeo-Catholicism has never been about "me-and-God." It's about us and God. And the challenge here is that God is not just the God of me; He is the God of every living thing. That means that there is a built-in requirement for a disciple to have regard for the common good, everyone and every creature whom God loves, and not only for my personal preferences.  

Which pretty much rules out the narrative of, "I won't do this because (insert favorite enemy here) told me that I have to." It's not about who is issuing instructions; it's about what is happening to us together. We people of faith have the benefit of a long history of God guiding us in the right ways, for the benefit of the whole community.

Fr. Mike Byron

CLICK HERE to view Fr. Mike's blog.

Pax Christi will offer an eight-week session of Chair Yoga via ZOOM. There is no class on Labor Day. Communication will happen through Flocknote. The Yoga instructor will send out Zoom credentials prior to the class. Archives of the class will be available for a limited time. Registration opens on July 20 and is on a first-come basis. This class is limited to 25 participants.  CLICK HERE to register online.

Opening Virtual Retreat: Saturday, August 29, 9:00am–4:00pm
Wednesdays, September 2–October 21, 1:00–3:30pm OR 6:00–8:30pm
Do you want to address racism in your faith community but you don’t know where to begin? Faith and Racial Equity: Exploring Power and Privilege, is an eight-week module that awakens groups to the economic systems, public policies, cultural norms, and hidden biases that empower some and oppress others. As with all JustFaith programs, participants will explore how their faith should inform their response to their learning, as well as discern action steps for working toward racial equity in their own communities. Please note that Faith and Racial Equity is not for the faint of heart! The module is designed for participants who are willing to wrestle with hard questions and take an honest look at their own attitudes, assumptions, and choices. However, through spiritual grounding and community-building, participants find support and belonging throughout their journey to personal transformation and social action.  CLICK HERE to register online.

A Virtual Experience Using Zoom
Wednesday, September 16, 9:30–11:00am OR 6:30–8:00pm
Centering Prayer is a receptive, deep method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. This introductory session, which will take place online using the Zoom app, will teach participants how to engage in the prayer method, give them an experience of the prayer method, and then allow them to reflect on their experience and ask clarifying questions afterwards. There is no cost to participate. CLICK HERE to register online.

Participation of the Heart: Serving and Building the Community of the Beloved
Guest Speakers Fr. Michael Joncas and Vicki Klima
Saturday, September 19, 9:00am–12:00pm
This online virtual retreat will give participants time to listen, learn, and discern God’s call to be ambassadors of Christ to one another in worship and in the ordinary places of our lives. As the assembly in worship, we welcome as hospitality ministers, we proclaim the word as lectors, we share Holy Eucharist as communion ministers. As liturgical ministers we are present sacramentally. As people of faith we continue our sacramental call as parents, students, spouses, mentors, workers, and citizens. When God calls us to service, God calls us to integrate our spiritual lives with our daily lives. Our goal is to expand and deepen the relationship between Liturgy and Life.

There is no cost to participate in this online virtual retreat. You will receive instructions for how to access links and materials after we have processed your registration. CLICK HERE to register online.

Moms ROCK welcomes all moms, moms to be, and caregivers. Moms ROCK promotes raising healthy children in a supportive, Christian community. It's a great way to make friends, learn more about parenting strategies, and nurture faith and personal growth. Moms ROCK is a ministry of Pax Christi that is open to the community. Due to COVID-19, Moms ROCK will be meeting via ZOOM. Childcare is not offered at this time. There is no fee, but registration is required.
CLICK HERE to register online.

Have you found new ways to support your community or serve those in need during the pandemic? Maybe you've turned your sewing skills toward making masks, or brightened the day of some essential workers with a delivery of baked goods. Perhaps you and your kids have been doing random acts of kindness around your neighborhood. We're creating a gallery of photos and stories from Pax Christi members, and we want to hear from you! Send us a photo by July 31 and you might be featured in the September issue of the Pax Christi News magazine. Fill out the form HERE, and email Jessie Johnson at jjohnson@paxchristi.com with any questions.

Are you experienced in running multi-room Zoom meetings? Do you get excited about the idea of hosting a multi-room Zoom meeting with hundreds of participants? Have you wanted to use your technical talent for the good of your church community? If the answer is ‘yes,’ you may be someone we have been looking for! The Liturgical Ministry Retreat needs you to run Zoom in the morning of September 19, 2020. If interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact retreat committee member, Hideki Yamada, Jacksan1@hotmail.com, or 612-414-2475.