tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52107681222443170332024-02-19T03:26:45.195-05:00Stumbling After FrancisLearning to Live the Capuchin Life as I follow a religious vocation to be a friar with the Capuchin Franciscans.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.comBlogger401125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-18210262912419121852012-01-14T12:39:00.000-05:002012-01-14T12:39:09.255-05:00Graphic Design Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByAbpHudR0-N7NRCI5Qd59PWmENBfounxfhJ1xNz2bL317VaS6ED-PmKmnuUzafd05VmP7XvIVt3ad2S0-FRJot9d9m-e-qWMfU3g5cm_aK8sy-ZZY8CNj5rSYHiu28vAULeIgC96rWs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-13+at+10.57.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByAbpHudR0-N7NRCI5Qd59PWmENBfounxfhJ1xNz2bL317VaS6ED-PmKmnuUzafd05VmP7XvIVt3ad2S0-FRJot9d9m-e-qWMfU3g5cm_aK8sy-ZZY8CNj5rSYHiu28vAULeIgC96rWs/s200/Screen+Shot+2012-01-13+at+10.57.28+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>I'm taking a Graphic Design course this semester to fulfill an Art credit for school. I chose graphic design because I wanted to be able to compliment the web design and development work that I already do. After two classes, I already see how this class is going to be a great experience and an opportunity for me to pretend to be an artist!<br />
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Rather than using paint, clay, or wood for my art medium, this art class has us working exclusively on the computer. Using Adobe Illustrator along with a graphic tablet, my art project involve drawing things onto the computer. For only the first week of this class, I have to say that it is a blast! I've never considered myself much of an artist (I still spend hours trying to decide if I like my web templates!) but this medium is a lot of fun to work with.<br />
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Rather than turning in homework on paper, all work is published to a blog. The blog, for those interested, is listed here:<a href="http://cg-s12-vmartinez.blogspot.com/"> http://cg-s12-vmartinez.blogspot.com</a>.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-41243255396483565352012-01-01T16:34:00.000-05:002012-01-01T16:34:11.588-05:00What's Up for 2012So the champagne's been drunk and the New Year is here. The other obvious question is:<br />
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<blockquote>What's your new year's resolution?</blockquote><br />
I usually never remember mine...it's hard enough to remember the goals I have to complete for the week! However a past Spiritual Director once told me that times of change and renewal are the best times to make new habits. "New wine belongs in new wineskins," was the underlying theme, and there's some truth to that for me. So, hoping to make "changes" rather than just "resolutions," here's a few goals I've set for the new year.<br />
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<ol><li><b>Consistent Blogging - </b>It's the bane of any blogger: over a period of time, it gets hard to write and maintain a blog. Blogging is a habit that is built and sustained...and is maintained when I'm away from the computer. Post-novitiate formation really conflicted with my blogging habit...so I'm hoping that, being settled into school here in Chicago, I can build that blogging skill again.</li>
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<li><b>Template Change - </b>Whether it's the <a href="http://capuchinfranciscans.blogspot.com/">vocation blog for my province</a>, my own<a href="http://www.digitalfriar.com/"> personal website</a>, or even <a href="http://www.digitalfriar.com/midterm">stuff I've done in school</a>, my blog has become outdated when compared to the other work I do. There is a huge need for web developers, graphic designers, and copywriters who are willing to work with religious or non-profit organizations...still building and maintaining websites with Front Page. Redoing my blog here will not only help me sharpen my skills, but it may encourage me to blog even more.</li>
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<li><b>Time Management - </b>With school, ministry, house chores, homework, and everything else that's going on my life, there's a need to make sure I have time to be present to everything. Sometimes that means cutting out the things that waste time. But currently, I'm focused on using my time wiser. Working in front of a computer screen can get a lot of things done, unless I get distracted by cats climbing Christmas trees. Web development and independent learning require a huge amount of discipline and time management when in front of the computer, and it's easy to get distracted. I'm hoping to work on that this year.</li>
</ol><div>Those are my goals for the year, and I'm hoping they will allow me to do more. If you're less disciplined then I am, here's your video of a cat knocking over a Christmas tree.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Happy New Year!!</div><div><br />
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</div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-63416172296483460162011-12-24T12:07:00.000-05:002011-12-24T12:07:45.723-05:00The Genesis One Code<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArXoI4piFSqTzWNrN9nHvJ5asi8fppK4NkYgi1CAvA6uPJ6K3H5OcXyYrledfDKeKM6Le0kqvYTBQa00xiny4HQuZ63sGhQPQysi8_QtQA7eF3nGVN-lYAWMnh48JKW2ZJ2ft-MyHIOU/s1600/GenesisOneCode_Cover_2+200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArXoI4piFSqTzWNrN9nHvJ5asi8fppK4NkYgi1CAvA6uPJ6K3H5OcXyYrledfDKeKM6Le0kqvYTBQa00xiny4HQuZ63sGhQPQysi8_QtQA7eF3nGVN-lYAWMnh48JKW2ZJ2ft-MyHIOU/s200/GenesisOneCode_Cover_2+200x300.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><i>The Genesis One Code.</i> Daniel Friedmann.<br />
New York: Park East, 2011. 231 pp.<br />
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This month I had the opportunity to preview <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Genesis One Code</i> by Daniel Friedmann. As a student of both religion and science, it was a wonderful opportunity for me to read and critique the work of someone who'd found a way to interpret science and faith as disciplines that can point towards a common truth.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><i>The Genesis One Code </i>focuses on cosmology as told by the scientific community as well as through his own faith. This is an initial problem for people of different disciplines: the evidence towards an old universe conflicts with the 6-day creation narrative of the Abrahamic tradition. While these two approaches towards the creation of the universe appear to be incongruent, the focus of Friedmann's book is to show that, indeed, both the scientific evidence and the 1st chapter of Genesis point to a common truth: <b>scientific findings regarding the age of the universe are in agreement with Genesis that the world is 13.75 billion years old (plus/minus .13 billion years).</b><br />
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This is a strong claim, however Friedmann shows that he is familiar with the both approaches. One of the things I enjoyed about the book is that it did not present one side to be more "correct" than the other...an approach that would have easily imbalanced a highly volatile thesis. Rather, the author systematically approaches both disciplines, explains the history and thought behind both, and provides a mechanism of thought that seemingly unifies the fields of science and religion.<br />
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I say "seemingly" because Friedmann's methodology raises some questions. The author does well to illuminate his sources as well as explain their importance to the discussion, especially when discussing the entirety of Jewish Law. However the use of these various sources does not make Friedmann's conclusion necessary. Rather, it can be argued that the presentation of the religious material confirms the scientific approach rather than independently arriving at that same conclusion. For example, if scientific knowledge later showed how the universe was 23 billion years old, it's possible that Friedmann's religious interpretation of Creation could be altered to fit that number as well.<br />
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Whether or not other readers agree or disagree, the value of <i>The Genesis One Code</i> goes beyond validating one's beliefs. I found it rather appropriate that the book's introduction should include a quote by Pope Pius XII:<br />
<blockquote>It would seem that present-day science, with one sweep back across the centuries, has succeeded in bearing witness to the august instant of the primordial <i>Fiat Lux</i>, when along with matter, there burst forth from nothing a sea of light and radiation, and the elements split and churned and formed into millions of galaxies.</blockquote>As Catholic Christians, we are invited to see science as something that compliments our faith, not to see it as something that contradicts it. It is, for some, a hard part of our Catholic faith. This has been especially troubling throughout the Church's history as it dealt with advances in science...a point that Friedmann makes in his book. <br />
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This is where, in my reading, the book has the most value. Daniel Friedmann, when presented with contradictions between science and religion, chose to <b>learn both</b> rather than picking one and dismissing the other. Friedmann presents an understandable description of the cosmology of the universe, including the Big Bang Theory as well as the Theory of Evolution. Both are not fully explained, however I found myself learning more about the structure of these theories as well as the science behind both. Similarly, the author explains the depth of the understanding of Genesis from the Judaic perspective. It is clear from the book that the author has taken time to educate himself in both areas of study. <i>Genesis One</i> is a framework not just to look at our beginnings, but provides an example of incorporating science and faith towards a common goal.<br />
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<i>Genesis One</i> is a unique read in that part of the book reads like a science text while the other reads like a Raymond Brown text...bombarded with references and various interpretations of religious thought. Thankfully, the author provides timelines and visual aids to help readers synthesize the data. If you are looking for a spiritually stimulating book, this might not be your choice. However if you are looking to read something that will increase your knowledge as well as make you think about your own viewpoints, this is the book for you. I also recommend this book for Catholics who, although have no "official" teaching on the Evolution and Big Bang Theories, are encouraged to come to their own positions that compliment faith and science. <i>The Genesis One Code</i> will provide an insight towards thinking of religion and science as complimentary disciplines that can both lead humanity to understanding the truth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxFd01qTmQEVmBbaKu5-NzPijEpL4_7CIug0zR6xgOS6KAH-kBfYIzlm-qp6ignFFvi6XjcuW55T1SE4hSb7nAjFs0IOaHLe4oQwzQFH4Ch1Z9Edg_icynzo0ouu38zyxCU_8duzEtuE/s1600/39006rhq2y09x91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxFd01qTmQEVmBbaKu5-NzPijEpL4_7CIug0zR6xgOS6KAH-kBfYIzlm-qp6ignFFvi6XjcuW55T1SE4hSb7nAjFs0IOaHLe4oQwzQFH4Ch1Z9Edg_icynzo0ouu38zyxCU_8duzEtuE/s320/39006rhq2y09x91.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1708">Image: tungphoto</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-61088581933628283202011-09-30T21:19:00.002-04:002011-09-30T21:21:34.191-04:00Messages on the Digital Ocean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUuaOWUPHahDC6Y2Fq-pJ5i-wvdi81oui2iIwsfdaawiCtQcxO2d24cnuGiOJvB_KaXbyEN-EhedhoEemHE32FLgGhrcn4-UzA7PoUN831_3R0vr-ns9Ofilb6YkC64vVUkxHjobeRLY/s1600/1175522045_c8929daf65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUuaOWUPHahDC6Y2Fq-pJ5i-wvdi81oui2iIwsfdaawiCtQcxO2d24cnuGiOJvB_KaXbyEN-EhedhoEemHE32FLgGhrcn4-UzA7PoUN831_3R0vr-ns9Ofilb6YkC64vVUkxHjobeRLY/s200/1175522045_c8929daf65.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Managing the insights and posts of the friars at the <a href="http://capuchinfranciscans.blogspot.com/">Midwest Capuchins</a> blog gives me the opportunity to reflect on our effect to others through such an immense medium. The Web is a virtual sea (double-meaning intended) of information. It can sustain us, it can be a place of enjoyment and leisure, and it can be trechorous and harmful if someone is not careful. Yet for all of that, we are given the task of crafting our own vessels of insight and reflection to be cast among the vastness of the digital ocean. Like the proverbial message in a bottle, we offer a piece of who we are and hit the "Publish" button, never really knowing who will find our words.<br />
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Perhaps this is why I was struck by this story on <a href="http://allvoices.com/">allvoices.com</a> about a man who's been <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/10449044-man-sends-4800-messages-in-bottles-gets-3100-reponses">sending messages in bottles for the past 15 years.</a> He says that he's heard back from many of the bottles he's sent out...as people have responded with personal stories, DVD's, and other aspects of their life.<br />
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</div><div> I was struck by the desire for people to connect with Harold, the sender of the bottles, and the friendships that he builds with them. Perhaps through serendipity or the Spirit at work, the people who've found these bottles have responded to Harold and created lasting relationships. His simple hobby has allowed him to hear the stories and interact with people from all over the globe.<br />
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So my heart is with all of those who are reaching out through this digital medium. When others are looking at Search Engine Optimization and Return on eInvestment, there's a part of me that likes the romantic idea of blogs as messages...drifting along the digital ocean.</div><div><br />
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</div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-34174282785537774112011-09-05T13:55:00.001-04:002011-09-19T20:21:33.302-04:00Steve Jobs & His Gift to the Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPIJn2dXKzW9pWFHSZNVF6C9LQMAxgenzFo4iMx_ZSp8aTl8a5kG97Kn2pziwePqE6YkyIjd0euZ022s96pYZcTWsogMP8ZxEJfiLRpcp75LXvCseXHmEcc_gcDbPzbG7jyPM5jG3VF4/s1600/jobspublicdomain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPIJn2dXKzW9pWFHSZNVF6C9LQMAxgenzFo4iMx_ZSp8aTl8a5kG97Kn2pziwePqE6YkyIjd0euZ022s96pYZcTWsogMP8ZxEJfiLRpcp75LXvCseXHmEcc_gcDbPzbG7jyPM5jG3VF4/s200/jobspublicdomain.jpg" /></a></div>I saw this article posted by <a href="http://http//theonetruefaith-faith.blogspot.com/">Faith</a>, a fellow Catholic <a href="http://http//theonetruefaith-faith.blogspot.com/">blogger.</a> It's an intriguing <a href="http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=27983#.TmTsWGM3LbM.facebook">article by Jesuit Michael Kelly</a> on the resignation of Steve Jobs from Apple, the impact of Jobs' innovation on global communication, and how that technology has been embraced by the Church. I found the article to be a good read and an opportunity to think about the role of social media in the Church.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Fr. Michael Kelly SJ, writing at <a href="http://eurekastreet.com.au/">eurekastreet.com.au</a>, discusses the influences that Steve Jobs has had on the world and how the even the Church has embraced his technological revolutions. Fr. Michael credits Jobs and Apple for:<br />
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<div><ul><li>The transformation of publishing with the Apple IIe personal computer.</li>
<li>The transformation of photo and video editing with affordable software.</li>
<li>The transformation of the music industry with the iPod.</li>
<li>The transformation of telephony with the iPhone.</li>
<li>The transformation of computing with the iPad.</li>
</ul></div>Perhaps the most important part of Fr. Michael's article focuses on the Church's response to these transformations. Fr. Michael says:<br />
<blockquote>...the creation of a vibrant, participative and interactive community — something in which Steve Jobs and Apple played a key role — is just what Vatican II envisaged for the Church.</blockquote><br />
Was Jobs and Apple a blessing or a curse for the Church? I'll let you decide.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=27983#.TmTsWGM3LbM.facebook">Read the article here.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.apple.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAusjBNj2CPogIBeC8G82B7t5G9qeybgwDtWXPAK0aSZCMe3Hied4HGaTEFzJxrQpPhoKb7RwoKj529DQxe84USgfDJKDD3HAtUP761j8M47_ZKtmUzECuJbRSF3WdrahM2NHjiEOy728/s1600/madeonamac20050720.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Apple, the Apple logo, and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Made on a Mac Badge is a trademark of Apple Inc., used with permission.</i></span></div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-73748985007914898492011-08-16T09:43:00.000-04:002011-08-16T09:43:11.784-04:00I Know What You Did Last Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9VE91I-ANE5J99HMETZuZCba3Wlf_sdfxeZueB4YBBv3olZ8q_8VFTkMXcXiHfEEBbbbpUWjf9f_sVK2mUfXwBZmQrsBLAtp8R-oYzHonLwC-uO8tckjOC2iMJSJZv153RTl5Xddv6o/s1600/1406022_3_50bc_un-jeune-ecolier-leve-le-doigt-pour-prendre-la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9VE91I-ANE5J99HMETZuZCba3Wlf_sdfxeZueB4YBBv3olZ8q_8VFTkMXcXiHfEEBbbbpUWjf9f_sVK2mUfXwBZmQrsBLAtp8R-oYzHonLwC-uO8tckjOC2iMJSJZv153RTl5Xddv6o/s320/1406022_3_50bc_un-jeune-ecolier-leve-le-doigt-pour-prendre-la.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It seems like only yesterday that I finished my last exam and the end of school. But with the next semester of St. Xavier University <i>less than a week away</i>, it's good to look back at my summer placement in Detroit and the blessings I've received from being at those ministries.<br />
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<i><b>...to comfort the afflicted - </b></i> My main ministry in Detroit was working at the Solanus Casey Center. While I was able to use my tech skills to help out with a few tasks, the main job of this ministry was to be open, to listen, and to be present as people came to the center...both with their stories of wonder and their personal struggles. While taking the role of porter has long been considered the lowest "rung on the ladder," as Capuchins we have great respect for the role, as seen in <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Catholic/Saints/C/Conrad-Of-Parzham.aspx">St. Conrad of Parzha</a>m and <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Catholic/Saints/S/Solanus-Casey.aspx">Venerable Solanus Casey</a>. Sometimes people would come in with their worries, only looking for someone listen - to know that another human being <i>cared</i> about their struggle. In those moments, I had to realize that I couldn't help, rather just allow myself to be a vessel through with the Spirit could provide healing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20110731/NEWS01/107310468/Growing-research-validates-healing-power-faith?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p">The Healing Service</a> was another part of this ministry. Each Wednesday at the Solanus Center, people come from all over to experience this blessing of healing and seek the intersession of Fr. Solanus. To be face-to-face with people in their struggles, offering everything up to God, is a powerful experience. By witnessing their faith, I've been able to grow in my own.<br />
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<i><b>...to instruct the uninformed - </b></i><b></b> One of the opportunities I wanted to partake in was to spend time at our retreat house in Washington, MI. The <a href="http://www.capretreat.org/">Capuchin Retreat Center</a> is a beautiful 95-acre area that provides a getaway as well as instruction for people looking to disengage from the bustle of everyday life. I don't think many people think about "retreat work" when they discern their vocation. Most think about direct service, youth ministry, or being pastor of a parish. After getting experience in retreat ministry, I've seen how valueable it is to people's spiritual needs.<br />
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I experienced several retreats, and was always suprised to listen to the presenters. Each had their own different style, their own way of approaching a topic. But whether they were discussing Franciscan Theology or giving a story from their life in the Order, they had a way of enlightening people that was both unassuming and connected. It's one thing to be <i>preached at</i> it's another to be <i>engaged with</i>. I was shown great examples of how we as Capuchins excel in this area.<br />
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<i><b>...to visit the prisoners - </b></i><b></b> A big reason I joined the Capuchins was witnessing how Ray Stadmeyer accompanied 5 ex-convicts though the R.O.P.E. program and started a business off of their baking. So I was excited about the opportunity to visit <a href="http://www.cskdetroit.org/bakery/">On The Rise Bakery</a> run by the Capuchin Soup Kitchen...not just about the pastries, but to reconnect with an experience that drew me into Capuchin life.<br />
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Listening to Edward's story, between cutting cookies and making pineapple upside-down cake, I was reminded of why I chose to be here. Edward's future and health, something he rarely thought of before, were owed to the Capuchins. Each day he looked at the world with joy, positivity, and thanks to God for being where he was. And while he thanked the Capuchins unceasingly for his deliverance from crime, drugs, and violence, the Bro. Ray is quick to remind that it is by <i>following the Gospel</i> that the Capuchins do what we do.<br />
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<i><b>...to bury the dead -</b></i> While living at St. Bonaventure Monestary last summer, brother Malcolm Maloney passes away after medical complications. During my time there, I witnessed how Malcolm's health deteriorated. For many people, it's not something that we would choose to be around consistently.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNVLaIaH-a7vWrOC_gGHjaPnoR4w-dSsmStrWWF7VsP_rULjz6mtMx54vOAkOoHh-sikLxSQ7esQ-jfWn7hIbahyqnOpLVjjCwVmYQy1TwnOhVc9ubPWlcidu1KUl94ueYxMpsoHeJvw/s1600/73849994_131162478800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNVLaIaH-a7vWrOC_gGHjaPnoR4w-dSsmStrWWF7VsP_rULjz6mtMx54vOAkOoHh-sikLxSQ7esQ-jfWn7hIbahyqnOpLVjjCwVmYQy1TwnOhVc9ubPWlcidu1KUl94ueYxMpsoHeJvw/s1600/73849994_131162478800.jpg" /></a></div>However living at St. Bonaventures, with Malcolm's blood-brother Joe also there, it was wonderful to see how friar came together to support Malcolm and Joe, and to be present to the needs as Malcolm's life faded away. And in the end, Malcolm's passing was remembered as a celebration of his gifts and his vibrant personality that stuck in the minds and hearts of those who attended his funeral.<br />
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These days, my prayer is filled with these experience - constantly reflecting on where God was present. I thank God for the wonderful summer, the experiences of these past few months, and I am thankful for each day that I get to be a friar.<br />
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(I wonder what I get to do next summer!)<br />
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Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-58523586119408391832011-07-25T09:54:00.002-04:002011-07-25T09:55:39.043-04:00Feeding the Spirit: Time at On the Rise Bakery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V-7_GChrz381Lpw33tS4z4evsLVb0PLd9ek4W4cbMa8XD00I3UoC__O_jI19L3Drt7e9N2YNA0CKNOrqB15SEYPfP2VXDrdyA1B9k4EHVIZXzeJpUKIjRw87tht5TnWtFmgSOPC4cqJ2/s1600/bakery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V-7_GChrz381Lpw33tS4z4evsLVb0PLd9ek4W4cbMa8XD00I3UoC__O_jI19L3Drt7e9N2YNA0CKNOrqB15SEYPfP2VXDrdyA1B9k4EHVIZXzeJpUKIjRw87tht5TnWtFmgSOPC4cqJ2/s320/bakery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Last Tuesday I had the chance to work at one of our more unique ministries: the bakery. <a href="http://www.cskdetroit.org/bakery/">On the Rise Bakery</a> opened in 2009 as an extension of the R.O.P.E. program - sponsored by the <a href="http://www.cskdetroit.org/">Capuchin Soup Kitchen</a> in Detroit. The program provides a place for men, coming out of prison, to deal with issues of substance abuse, anger management, and the life skills to succeed in the world. <br />
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I first learned about the R.O.P.E. program when I was a candidate visiting Detroit. I found it inspiring to see these men being spiritually fed by the Capuchins and our commitment to the poor. What started as a side-project in one of the soup kitchens has now become a business enterprise that provides employment for these ex-felons who, because of the job market, might never get the work experience to succeed after prison.<br />
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Remembering <a href="http://vocationstory.blogspot.com/search?q=rope+program&x=0&y=0">the inspiration I felt by this program</a>, I was eager to participate in the day-to-day operations of the bakery. The bakery runs 6 days a week - a large part of their business comes from special orders and sales at various parishes in the Detroit area. Because of the demand, the bakery runs 3 shifts...giving the men experience of a 40 hour work week. Initially I thought the work would be simple. I was obviously wrong!<br />
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My first task Tuesday morning was unloading a pallet of 50 lb. bags of flour, sugar, and other various supplies. While the lifting was hard work, Ed (the head baker and graduate of the R.O.P.E. program) reminded me that he usually unloads the pallet by himself.<br />
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The day was filled with hard work and it wasn't always cool (especially with the big oven). However Ed let us know that our presence helped him get more done. He took the time to share part of his journey and his experience of being in the R.O.P.E. program.<br />
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"There are no words that can completely say how much the Capuchins mean to me," he told us. "You are all angels to me."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zcRDEBs4ik0zYvJZLkVsX1w3Sjft5pBcBAHAEQy4MO2OUshl4hyphenhyphenGB9MCSBfRsZfF0iO1OGzHRwgy9A_jJYwIv221AGVsPZRV-yuvkuiOy1xxvja_cpRgsty5PHAqFK0RX3NFCgib27qw/s1600/cap3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zcRDEBs4ik0zYvJZLkVsX1w3Sjft5pBcBAHAEQy4MO2OUshl4hyphenhyphenGB9MCSBfRsZfF0iO1OGzHRwgy9A_jJYwIv221AGVsPZRV-yuvkuiOy1xxvja_cpRgsty5PHAqFK0RX3NFCgib27qw/s1600/cap3.jpg" /></a>Spending time at the bakery Tuesday reminded me that there are powerful experiences that remind me of my vocation. As I continue to discern and be formed as a friar, it's important for me to reconnect with those experiences...thereby continuously renewing my desire to be a Capuchin. And that something as simple as baking bread is a reminder of how we can encounter God and feed the spirit of others.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-3978829888059391302011-07-13T07:07:00.000-04:002011-07-13T07:07:00.336-04:00Wearing the Habit: A Social ExperimentFor my Intro to Communications class at <a href="http://sxu.edu/">SXU</a>, I was asked to team with another classmate and conduct a test of nonverbal reaction to a specific event. The experiment was simple. In a semi-controlled setting, use one or more nonverbal expressions and record the reactions of the sample. The project was an introductory look at doing field research as well as preparing the documentation.<br />
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My partner and I thought about what to do an experiment on. One group did theirs on eating chips in a "quiet area" of the school, another did theirs on body positioning in an elevator. After brainstorming ideas for a bit, we came to the obvious decision: reactions of students when I wear my habit to school.<br />
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What follows is the form, experiment, and findings of one friar's experience of wearing a religious habit to a Catholic university.<br />
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Our experiment was one in which was used the ethnographic method by putting ourselves into the environment, carrying out the function, and recording the reactions of nonverbal cues and gestures made by students. In the following paper we will break down our research question, the setting of the experiment, the behavioral “norms” when addressing our situation, hypothesis, method, sample, data table and records, analysis, and of course the conclusion.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Research Questions</span>: In a Catholic institution, how will people react to seeing a student, normally seen in casual clothing, wearing a religious habit. Will the reaction be positive, negative, or indifferent? Will people visually engage the student or avert their gaze?<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hypothesis</span>: We believe that students will be caught making indecisive eye contact with the student friar, then turn away quickly (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_contact">gaze aversion</a>) when the friar (Vito) returns eye contact. We believe that most reactions nonverbally will be expressed through eyebrow movements and eye motions rather than a sort of actual body placement or head reaction. The reason we believe this will be the case is because some people will not be used to that type of clothing in their everyday life or a classroom, so there nonverbal reactions should consist of uncertainty, shock, and tentativity.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Setting</span>: The experiment was conducted in a classroom setting. The class consisted of about 25 students (13 girls and 12 males) along with a male professor; the class was an undergraduate philosophy at a Catholic Institution in Chicago, Ill. (St. Xavier University). The normal attire for the classroom was "casual," consisting of jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, polos, etc. There is no specific dress code for the class.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Behavioral Norms:</span> There are specific patterns or "norms" that exist in the context of a college classroom, specifically with regards to first entering the classroom. We based these “norms” on someone who is socially confident, outgoing, and would be considered socially amiable.<br />
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1. Make and/or eye contact with others in the classroom.<br />
2. Maintain a sitting posture that is toward the "front" of the classroom (facing the professor and the whiteboard.)<br />
3.Body placement that encourages open communication with the professor and possibly others.<br />
4. Do not ignore classmates by head movements or other nonverbal cues.<br />
5. Do not give negative body movements towards others.<br />
6. Do not judge others negatively by eye movements (rolling of the eyes).<br />
7. Do not stare at someone for a long time with a blank face or check someone’s entire body out.<br />
8. Should not address someone with negative facial expressions.<br />
9. Stay away from negative or rude eyebrow movements.<br />
10. If looking at someone without them knowing, do not turn your entire body to the individual.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method</span>: Two students at St. Xavier University conducted the experiment on 11 other students (6 males and 5 females) along with a professor (male) to record nonverbal reactions of a student wearing a religious habit. While the professor was aware of Vito's status as a friar, the students were not and none had ever seen Vito wearing his habit to class. Since the experiment would take place in the context of class, our ethnographic study entailed one person to serve as an active participant wearing the religious habit (Vito) while another recorded the reactions of students. The method of our experiment was for Vito (who is a friar) to wear his Friar habit into our Philosophy classroom. We entered the classroom 5 minutes before the start time to get a clean sample of the students and professor as they saw Vito. No advance notice was to the class regarding this test. We wanted to record people’s instinctive nonverbal reactions without them knowing we were recording data. We sat in our normal seats in the back of the classroom which allowed for us to get vital reactions because people tended to naturally look into the back of the classroom when walking to their seats. The way we recorded data was simply formulating a chart in a spiral notebook that included each person we tested in the left side of the chart, their gender, and whether they reacted with a gaze aversion, positively, negatively, or indifferent. Vito faced the front of the classroom with welcoming eye contact so students would only react to the nonverbal message of the religious habit...thereby isolating the variable for the experiment. Only an experimental group was used since we had reasonable data to predict how students would react to Vito when not in his habit.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Data</span>:<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">Subjects/People</td> <td valign="top" width="142">M/F (Male/Female)</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Gaze Aversion, Positive, Negative, Indifferent, and Reactions</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P1</td> <td valign="top" width="142">M</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Positive reaction, smiled when making eye contact.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P2</td> <td valign="top" width="142">M</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Gaze aversion, Positive reaction, smiled when making eye contact.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P3</td> <td valign="top" width="142">F</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Indifferent, little to no eye contact with any facial expressions or cues.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P4</td> <td valign="top" width="142">F</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Gaze Aversion, eye contact but looked away quick didn’t want to be caught looking. Physically turned her body around during class and starred. Shocked.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P5</td> <td valign="top" width="142">M</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Positive reaction, smiled when making eye contact.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P6</td> <td valign="top" width="142">F</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Indifferent reaction with a lot of starring, taken back expression of eyebrows.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P7</td> <td valign="top" width="142">F</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Indifferent, not much eye contact.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P8</td> <td valign="top" width="142">F</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Negative stare.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P9</td> <td valign="top" width="142">M</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Gaze aversion, stared. Eye contact when Vito was not looking.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P10 (class sit-in, not a student in the class.)</td> <td valign="top" width="142">M</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Positive, but visibly stared. Shocked.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P11</td> <td valign="top" width="142">F</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Gaze aversion, but would continuously stare occasionally.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="142">P12 (professor)</td> <td valign="top" width="142">M</td> <td valign="top" width="338">Stared way more than normal when coming into the classroom and looking at Vito. Uneasy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Analysis</span>: After conducting our experiment we found that 33% (4 out of 12 people) were caught in gaze aversion, turning away when they made eye contact with Vito. In the gazing we recorded a lot of focused eye contact with uncommitted body involvement - a nonverbal cue of confusion. This was our leading result, followed closely by indifferent nonverbal cues which was 25% (3 out of 12 people). These people did not have any extra eye contact when seeing Vito than normal.<br />
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When eye contact was returned and received positively(3 out of 12 people), people either smiled (female) or nodded their head (male). One person was recorded as a <b>negative reaction</b> which is .08% (1 out of 12 people). Her cues were negative body placement and the arching of her eyebrows.The female student displayed visible apprehensiveness from the eye contact with Vito in his religious habit, but because of the randomness of the sample, it is inconclusive as to actual reason for the reaction.<br />
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The last person recorded (.08%) was the professor. The professor noticeably stared at Vito at the beginning and throughout the class...even showing body movement (leaning back) when seeing Vito. Three times during the class, the professor displayed trouble finishing an audible thought - at each time the professor was caught staring at Vito.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Conclusion</span>: In our conclusion, the experiment proved our hypothesis in which students, when coming across someone in a different style of clothing outside the “norm,”will react in a nonverbal sense of awkwardness and uncertainty. In an attempt to process the clothing, the students averted their eyes whenever they made eye contact with the test subject. Other aspects of the experiment worth noting:<br />
<ul><li>None in the test sample (including the professor) asked about the habit Vito was wearing</li>
<li> Only the professor asked about the habit in subsequent classes</li>
<li>The language and topics of discussion by those sitting around Vito noticeably changed after the experiment. </li>
</ul><br />
<u>Future Questions:</u> How would this test have resulted at a secular institution, or a different religious institution? How would the test have taken place in another part of the country where Catholic religious garb is known more or less? How would the students have reacted if they'd not experienced Vito in "normal" clothing, but first saw Vito only in a religious habit? How powerful is the nonverbal message of religious clothing in the classroom setting to other students and to the professor?<br />
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<i>While this little class experiment is a far cry from a published research article, I think it gives others a unique insight into what it is like wearing the habit. We earned an A on the project.</i>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-6241746270078649222011-07-11T13:26:00.000-04:002011-07-11T13:26:22.892-04:00Mozilla's Mark Up: Changing the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_6bCUAIU7p_hvzwkDUOAfHenAzJKBIdm7svfb-3UjkN3U1LJ2ojnVTm5j0mlYdEglQKHw58BH7RtwYrddMRGYKVsBq_FFQy955vWfojJQWtwyiW7cFEtGKLNxD8JqlEfjpotXsNZiNmP/s1600/Firefox-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_6bCUAIU7p_hvzwkDUOAfHenAzJKBIdm7svfb-3UjkN3U1LJ2ojnVTm5j0mlYdEglQKHw58BH7RtwYrddMRGYKVsBq_FFQy955vWfojJQWtwyiW7cFEtGKLNxD8JqlEfjpotXsNZiNmP/s200/Firefox-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>For years, <a href="http://www.mozilla.org/">Mozilla</a> has worked to provide free and open access on the Web for people around the globe. Even as a non-profit organization, the Mozilla Project (as they call themselves) has provided sound applications without cost to the users - most notably the <a href="http://www.firefox.com/">Firefox</a> web browser.<br />
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In a field where competition and profit-making are so prevalent, how is Mozilla able to operate and compete with other developers? While reading <a href="http://www.mozilla.org/about/manifesto.en.html">The Mozilla Manifesto</a>, it's clear that their focus is not on making money, but allowing open access to the Web for all:<br />
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<blockquote>The Mozilla project is a global community of people who believe that openness, innovation, and opportunity are key to the continued health of the Internet. We have worked together since 1998 to ensure that the Internet is developed in a way that benefits everyone.</blockquote>It's a unique approach to software development and life altogether. Quite often we are worried about what we need as individuals, what will provide<i> us</i> with security, information, and the tools needed to survive in this world. Mozilla's approach is that the Internet is a <i>resource</i> for all people to use. Think of the idea: the sharing of ideas and resources for the improvement of humanity...its a concept that is truly <strike>Gospel</strike> <i>avant garde.</i><br />
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Mozilla's recent project is called <a href="https://markup.mozilla.org/en-US/#/">Mark Up</a>. In their own words, they express the idea behind this unique project:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg215f7a48PDnv8QnAJlG1yCxcZHsxYcpPKqcWUqHFjjb7VNIAiu5Edr41QDnhpme_GxKN6BBWsLsZqhxqJkQ8ExDDrfBibShGsqrSHboA1MgHhjtv1QJ-wsE_4FGMqoLjeSoTxboU4oIwb/s1600/mozillamarkupthumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg215f7a48PDnv8QnAJlG1yCxcZHsxYcpPKqcWUqHFjjb7VNIAiu5Edr41QDnhpme_GxKN6BBWsLsZqhxqJkQ8ExDDrfBibShGsqrSHboA1MgHhjtv1QJ-wsE_4FGMqoLjeSoTxboU4oIwb/s1600/mozillamarkupthumb.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote>The Web is an integral part of modern life.<br />
It is an educator, a communicator, an entertainer, an inspirer, a collaboration of all our creative efforts.<br />
It sparks movements and enables us to share our ideas, our thoughts, our dreams.<br />
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The Web is our creation.<br />
We are all contributors, the ones who use the Web every day.<br />
And all the comments and uploads we make add up to something bigger.<br />
This is why we believe that the Web must remain open and accessible to all.<br />
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Mark Up is a celebration of that freedom.<br />
Each person's mark is an individual expression on a continuous line symbolizing solidarity.<br />
It is a declaration and a chance to show your support for a people's Web.</blockquote>I'm reminded of Einstein's thoughts on the <a href="http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/einstein_religion.html">cosmic religious</a>...the indescribable pursuit for oneness with the universe and all Creation. While Mozilla doesn't claim to be a religious group, the pursuit of unifying ideal, be it for the Web or for the Kingdom, gives me endless opportunity to reflect on the nature of technology and how it impacts our lives.<br />
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So, being filled with the oneness of the Spirit and the pursuit of the Greater Good, I could think of only one word to add to the Mark Up project:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGuvzIswxVnSNwFoUJuz_7PwsjJOv5SPNPMMhIfQB8J_P6aDUdm7jMxjk-kzvtDjq_RX9YUegc73SynEHuRqlDYrTg3IBPKJ8V1Ua53pj5qKstQmIG-OYQAYlQ4iKIH4_EmrKBGBF4Keu/s1600/agape.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGuvzIswxVnSNwFoUJuz_7PwsjJOv5SPNPMMhIfQB8J_P6aDUdm7jMxjk-kzvtDjq_RX9YUegc73SynEHuRqlDYrTg3IBPKJ8V1Ua53pj5qKstQmIG-OYQAYlQ4iKIH4_EmrKBGBF4Keu/s320/agape.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Agape"<a href="http://capuchinfranciscans.blogspot.com/2011/07/mark-up-ideas-that-change-our-world.html"> </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i>originally posted at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_55728863">Midwest Capuchins Blog</a></i>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-79562636593590374552011-05-23T12:17:00.000-04:002011-05-23T12:17:03.660-04:00Midwest Capuchins Blog Site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://capuchinfranciscans.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6wwztCWnG-XFKqdVdNqSNjDRZNvyGV0G-Acu33WllfGy832JrqYewuyat_1qUbQwZEGm8xf9TjS_wiNUKGdU984K738-rDVYxmP-tqxUAxfWq3mJg4t0WCex4zLwIFAJZCD2I6UafZE/s320/midwestcapslogo.png" width="320" /></a></div>This week marks the release of the new blog site for the Capuchin Franciscans of St. Joseph province. For the past few months I've worked with our Vocations Director <a href="http://capuchinfranciscans.blogspot.com/p/midwest-capuchin-vocation-office.html">Fr. Bill Hugo, OFM Cap</a>. on a social media project to help build a web presence for the Province while also providing more information, experiences, and events. The overall goal: to allow everyone to get a better glimpse about our Order, how we live, and how we live out our Franciscan charism.<br />
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</div><div>The site isn't 100% complete, but in true Capuchin fashion, we're learning as we're developing.<br />
<div><a name='more'></a>Since leaving the Novitiate last year, there's been a focus to update our current website. <a href="http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/">The Vocations Office for the Capuchins</a> has a current website, but like many religious orders, relies on outside skill to develop and manage a web presence. This is significant because we, like other religious orders, have seen a dramatic increase in the number of inquirers that find our community via the Web versus traditional methods. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>With some schooling under my belt, along with my own desire to learn HTML, CSS, and a little PHP, I was asked to put together a collaborative blog that allowed friars at different levels to contribute and provide a snapshot of what it is to live as a Capuchin friar.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The vocation blog will have several authors. I will be contributing weekly to our vocation blog on articles surrounding discernment as a 2nd career vocation as well as the synthesis of science and religion in today's technology. Others will write about their experiences, including our own Provincial Minister. I've already talked to other friars who would be willing to occasionally contribute their stories as a parish priest, missionary in South America, or even their ministry in the inner-city. I'm eager to see how this method of combining my computer skills with the stories and wisdom of my Order will give voice to the charism and mission of the Capuchin Franciscans. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So<a href="http://capuchinfranciscans.blogspot.com/"> take a look</a> and please share it with others!</div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-32219442933134523272011-05-08T15:23:00.000-04:002011-05-08T15:23:54.193-04:00Further Exploration for BloggingIn the wake of the Blogmeet that took place on May 2 in Rome, there have been several areas to reflect and pray on when incorporating the blogosphere into the Catholic faith. The meeting touched on some very important points, however there is further encouragement to look at areas of growth for this type of ministry. As a friar in formation with the Capuchins, I have a list of important thoughts when it comes to blogging about the Church.<br />
<a name='more'></a>As I've blogged over the years and have started to incorporate other friars into this special ministry, there are areas of exploration that affect clergy and religious. While this is not a comprehensive list, this is a list of topics that I reflect on with regards to blogging as a faith tool:<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><b>Tapping into the Knowledge and Wisdom of Elders</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>Ever since I started formation I've always been astounded by the wisdom of the older friars. I've listened to story after story--from the missions in Nicaragua to the everyday experiences of running a parish. We have a friar who currently serves at a parish here in Chicago who is a scripture scholar, served as a missionary in South America, and still rides his bike through the rough parts of Gage Park to stay fit. Another friar, who's schooled in Liturgy and Franciscan Spirituality, has a wealth of knowledge as well. Once a month we have <b>Theological Input </b>with him and I'm always engrossed by his preaching.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Both of these friars have expressed interest in the blogosphere, but both admittedly know little about computers, the Web, or blogging. One of my tasks will be to build sites for both of them in such a way that they can manage the content easily while being able to share their wisdom on the Internet. </div><div><br />
</div><div>But these two friars represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wealth of knowledge and experience that could be tapped into. How do we encourage or create pathways to share that wisdom with people on the Web? Is it done through simple CMS manager sites like <a href="http://www.wordpress.com/">Wordpress</a> or <a href="http://www.joomla.org/">Joomla?</a> Is it an intergenerational question that challenges the old way of communicating (face-to-face) with new ways (online)? Do those of us who currently blog have the tools to introduce this form of ministry to older clergy and religious who may be confused about the role and the power of the blogosphere as a ministry tool? The wisdom of the older friars has helped me to focus on different aspects of being a friar; I think that sharing that wisdom could benefit others as well.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Healthy Understanding of Transparency</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>In today's world people have their identify in the real world and their identity that is stored "in the cloud." The digital self <i>should be</i> a reflection of the true self, however the anonymity and vastness of the Internet create new types of relationships and interactions. In severe cases an online identity can be disassociated with the actual persona. The Web becomes an escape or alternate world. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I think the challenge for Catholic bloggers is to strive for transparency in their writings, but to do it in a healthy way. If the Chuch is asking us to be the proclaimers and the missionaries of the Gospel in the blogosphere, then we are challenged to reveal more of who we are and how our faith had developed and formed us. This entire week the readings have come from Acts as Peter testifies to his commission to preach the Gospel.<br />
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The other challenge is to make sure that the digital world reflects an image of the real world. The <a href="http://www.vocationscava.org/">"digital continent"</a> is vast and intriguing, and it's common to see how people can become disconnected from the real world by spending more and more time in front of the computer. Prayer and discernment for Catholic bloggers is an area I'd like to see developed or have a hand in developing.<br />
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<b>Collaboration Between Organizations</b><br />
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Staff and budgets are not available to all organizations: whether its a local church, a small religious community, or a collection of the faithful. Not every group can pay for the upkeep of a website, nor does everyone have the technical skills or a post-novice that just happens to make websites (This isn't just a singular occassion: many religious orders are receiving people who have previous web development skills and are putting them to use to help out their community).<br />
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An example of how collaboration works for the edification of the Church would be how different religious orders have united to promote vocations in the Church. <a href="http://www.nrvc.net/">The National Religious Vocation Conference</a> is a perfect example. If you've ever picked up <i><a href="http://www.vocation-network.org/">VISION Magazine</a> </i>or have ever filled out an online survey regarding religious orders and personal discernment, you've been in touch with what the power of collaboration can do. As a province, the Capuchins have worked with organizations like this and the <a href="http://www.vocationscava.org/">Chicago Area Vocation Association</a> as a way to <i>collectively use the gifts of God for the nourishment and growth of men and women who are called to religious life. </i><br />
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Blogging is being recognized as a relevant way of spreading the Gospel and reaching out to others. However that ministry shouldn't be limited to those who are lucky enough to have the funds or the skillset. Similar to how the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide">digital divide</a> inhibits people because of their lack of technology, that gap also limits poorer parishes, Orders, or groups of people who might be able to teach us something about our faith and relationship to God and creation. I think as the popularity of blogging and social media as a form of evangelization continues to grow, there out to be a mechanism that allows groups to participate. This may be something where speakers or trainers make themselves available. Sites might incorporate participation through several organizations in one site.<br />
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<b>Group Awareness</b><br />
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<b></b>This was a lesson I learned the hard way...<br />
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No matter how long your Disclaimer Page might be or how much you might remind your readers that "my viewpoints do not necessarily reflect the views of everyone in my diocese/province/order/organization/etc" your words will be identified with your group. It happens in every other aspect of life: politics, religion, sports, and marketing are a few examples. In an open forum such as the Web, unique affiliations will make you the "de facto" spokesperson for your organization.<br />
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Bloggers, such as myself, need to ask the question about whether some topic or subject is better left undiscussed...at least on the Web. What areas are better left unsaid...and what areas need to be handled with caution? Another question is whether or not bloggers in community receive feedback from what they do. Bloggers can appear invasive to communities because people fear that private issues or even their image will be put on the Web for all to see.<br />
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Teaching bloggers group awareness is an area of focus for me. How does my blog inadvertantly speak for everyone? Am I being charitable to my brothers by being diligent in what I write about? Am I <i>respectful </i>of people's desires to be kept off of the Web? Am I <i>encouraging </i>of those who want to do more?<br />
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I'm already planning my trip to the CNMC in Kansas City this fall, and hope that as the year progresses, I'll be able to further develop these thoughts and areas, and hopefully provide better questions and reflection on how Catholic bloggers, especially those who are clergy or religious, can use the May 2nd Blogmeet as a springboar for personal reflection on their call to be missionaries in the blogosphere.<br />
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</div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-58213860631377432682011-05-05T12:31:00.001-04:002011-05-05T12:32:17.166-04:00Results of The Vatican Blogger Conference 2011While not able to attend the meeting this year, I've still had the opportunity to look at a lot of the information and discussion that took place during the May 2nd meeting.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.ironiccatholic.com/">Ironic Catholic Blog</a> has a <a href="http://www.ironiccatholic.com/2011/05/reflections-on-vatican-blogmeet.html">beautiful write-up about the events</a> from Monday, and <a href="http://www.romereports.com/palio/index.php?newlang=english">Rome Reports News Agency</a> sent me the piece they put together for the event.<br />
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The Ironic Catholic goes over several important points that were discussed at the meeting. I will badly summerize them for you, so I highly recommend that you <a href="http://www.ironiccatholic.com/2011/05/reflections-on-vatican-blogmeet.html">stop by her site</a> to get the full picture:<br />
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<ul><li>While the conference sought to bring together people from different regions who blog on different parts of the Catholic faith, there are possible cultural differences in how people blog around the world. </li>
<li>Is there a way for bloggers to help evangelize and spread the faith in parts of the world that are hostile to religious thought?</li>
<li>Blogging as a Catholic is not meant to serve ourselves or our own beliefs, but to be a way to reach out to others...even in times of confrontation.</li>
<li>A set of ethical standards or possibly "commandments" to guide bloggers in their communication with the world.</li>
</ul><div>Again, to see a much more in-depth look at these questions, <a href="http://www.ironiccatholic.com/2011/05/reflections-on-vatican-blogmeet.html">go here</a>. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Footage from <a href="http://www.romereports.com/palio/index.php?newlang=english">Rome Reports:</a> </div><div><br />
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</div><div>We're preparing for final evaluations this week, so I'll share my thoughts on the meeting and ideas for future exploration after talking with a few of my brothers and a nice Customer Appreciation Day sub at JimmyJohns.</div><div><br />
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</div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-19702099852967030222011-04-30T22:43:00.000-04:002011-04-30T22:43:08.612-04:00The Obedience of Religious Life: Why I'm Not Currently On A Plane to RomeSometimes the life of a religious friar means that you have to turn down great opportunities, even when they come from Rome. <div><br />
</div><div>I was invited to the Bloggers Conference on May 2, a gathering of 150 bloggers to discuss the Church and evangelization in the blogosphere. And while I was selected to attend this very important meeting, I regretfully had to pass. There's still a sinking feeling in my stomach about missing the opportunity, but I am proud to have been considered. And while I won't be able to attend, it's another lesson in what it means to be a friar.<br />
<a name='more'></a>As a 36-year-old, I was quite accustomed to certain freedoms before I joined religious life. I woke up whenever I wanted to, I got home whenever I wanted, I bought <i>what I wanted when I wanted it</i>, and I lived the way I chose to. Like any other American, I valued my "freedom." And even when I made bad choices in life, they were <b>my </b>bad choices.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Since becoming a friar, that mindset has changed...and for good reasons. To be called to a religious vocation is, at the deepest level, <i>a willingness to follow the path of Another.</i> That Call is exciting and joyous, but can also be confusing, scary, and even frustrating at times. A religious vocation is a <i>call to serve</i>: service to the Faithful, to the needy, and to the Church. That call to service opens many doors, and I've been graced with the chance to do so many things in my role as a post-novice Capuchin Friar.</div><div><br />
</div><div>However a life of service means that one must make choices. As a student friar, many of you have read about my busy classes, the work I'm doing within the Province, and the daily struggle to identify myself as a religious friar. Each of these things are important and require a significant part of my time. And while I would love to attend the Blog Conference, a unique opportunity to take part in the Beatification of Pope John Paul II as well as discuss the sacred nature of digital media and the spreading of the Gospel through new technology, it is something that I must forego.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But I am happy for those who will attend. As Oscar Romero said, some of us will never see the fruit of our work...and that's ok. When I started this blog years ago, as a way to deal with the struggles of discerning and then to deal with the challenges of living a Franciscan life, my only hope was to make sense of what God was telling me to do. The fact that I'd been chosen to represent a segment of the blogosphere is far beyond any idea I had for blogging. However I recognize the Church's desire to seek the input of bloggers from around the world and embrace this aspect of social media.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My prayers are with those who will be attending The Vatican for the Beatification of Pope John Paul II and for those who will convene for the Blogger's Conference. May the Spirit that touched me be present amoung them.</div><div><br />
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</div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-76913127456948310812011-04-20T01:25:00.000-04:002011-04-20T01:25:46.551-04:00Website ProjectsWhile its hard to find time to blog these days, especially with the end of classes coming soon, it's not because I've stopped focusing on web development. In actuality, I've built several websites since January, both for school and others. Here's a look at some of the projects I've worked on, as well as a rumor about an upcoming blog for the St. Joseph province of Capuchin Franciscans.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxpopnNYqyt5WAodusngVRM3i2c_ia0opfWVAdi3LwRmTiEwZCjZ6TVt_FW4ZujyRzMgd_0G5QmheZOBhxP4FMsV1Ii3PaeyUmlxJmpja-MQiA_mZGfXvuk2Vj7SziGcM2xX7V164wOY/s1600/turnitupblog.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxpopnNYqyt5WAodusngVRM3i2c_ia0opfWVAdi3LwRmTiEwZCjZ6TVt_FW4ZujyRzMgd_0G5QmheZOBhxP4FMsV1Ii3PaeyUmlxJmpja-MQiA_mZGfXvuk2Vj7SziGcM2xX7V164wOY/s320/turnitupblog.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Communication blog at 1communicationspot.wordpress.com<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>While I'm not taking a Web Development class this semester, I've had to build some in conjunction with other classes. In my Communications class, one of our projects was to build a site that helped people understand some of the abstract concepts and theories behind communications. It focused on Small Group, Verbal & Non-verbal, and some of the ways that communication is seen as a social science.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's not a masterpiece of web design, but it's an example the creating websites doesn't take a lot of work, and certainly allows room for fun and creativity.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://1communicationspot.wordpress.com/">http://1communicationspot.wordpress.com</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>In my Systems Analysis and Design class, my group was also given the task of creating a website. This site, however, was not for us but for another club on campus at SXU. After spending time trying to decide who to work with, our group settled on <b><i>Tangled Up</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, a knitting club that just started this semester. They have a significant number of members and have been great clients to work with. Our website isn't completely done, however we're almost to the final prototype and we hope to get the club's sign-off soon.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://csmaster.sxu.edu/clubs/knitaway/">http://csmaster.sxu.edu/clubs/knitaway/</a></span></b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>I've also made a few sites for friends and people who needed simple things. I'm happy to be getting more and more comfortable with web design since it's becoming more and more useful to the Church and to the Capuchins. </div><div><br />
</div><div>For several months I've been working with a plan to have friars begin blogging as a way to encounter people on the Web and promote vocations. While there's still some time before this is officially rolled out by our Province, it's another example of how my computer skills are being used for the Capuchins.</div><div><br />
</div><div>No links for the site yet, but stay tuned!</div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-90488056194478374332011-04-09T17:32:00.001-04:002011-04-09T17:45:51.291-04:00Bridge or Barrier: More Reactions to Wearing the Habit to School<i>"Hey, aren't you the friar guy?"</i><br />
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This was the question posed to me while walking the halls at college. I continue to wear my habit to SXU on Fridays and while most students just look and stare, others are beginning to ask questions about it. <br />
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Perhaps what surprised me the most about this encounter was the he approached me on a day when I wasn't wearing my habit.<br />
<a name='more'></a>It was a good opportunity to explain who I was as a Capuchin. "I'm also a student-friar," I told him. I explained the need for me and the other post-novices at the college to understand our identities in the world, in a setting like college, and how that all fits in to our commitment to live Capuchin life. <br />
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<i>"So how come you sometimes wear it and sometimes not?"</i><br />
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<i> </i>The decision to wear my habit at school took a <a href="http://vocationstory.blogspot.com/2010/08/shock-and-awe-wearing-habit-to-school.html">bit of discernment</a>. One of the growing tendencies, much like this student, was the amount of discussion that took place when I <strong><em>wasn't </em></strong>wearing my habit as opposed to when I did. It was clear that the habit was a representation and a witness of who I was as a Capuchin, but it was somehow a barrier for people to approach me.<br />
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"When I'm a student, people talk to me," I answered. "We can talk, share info, and even collaborate on homework or commiserate about a hard test or a tough professor. When I put my habit on, my role here changes because people see me different."<br />
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I told him how people stare, but don't talk. People change their tone of voice and how they speak. People are curious, but are intimidated and don't ask questions until I take the habit off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We had a great conversation and we even acknowledge each other in the hallway. When I look back at this event, I ponder how people react to me when I wear the habit. While I want to be able to witness the decision to live a vowed life, I also want to be able to interact with students, engage in conversation, and even share a laugh or bemoan a bad test with my classmates. Can an article of clothing be a witness and a barrier?<br />
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More and more students are starting to ask about my life as a Capuchin friar. Personally I think it's a great thing. I'm still trying to understand how the habit either encourages or impedes questions from others.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-11308241570727714482011-02-10T14:53:00.000-05:002011-02-10T14:53:33.890-05:00The Trenta and Some other Food Abominations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alternet.org/food/149775/5_ridiculous_fast_food_creations_that_should_never_have_been_invented/?page=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrAFSvgGYpbooubjtnpHIwcUcbXjnbfirMIicLzDlE0wvVdlL2wHgwiRoN-sx1CDN-3m3OJXe7awrLl6mXj5O9YHupletkHF9AgAiaCDxPHIwjOb_MsUZk4sgf-0imFQWETCFCucO9OE/s1600/cinnimonsandwich.png" /></a></div>Most people have already heard that on May 3, Starbucks will offer a Trenta size <b><i>31 ounce</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> cup for coffee. The human stomach only holds 900mL; the Trenta will max it out at 917mL. But what you probably didn't know is that there are other horrible things for your body, too.</span></b><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b>While searching through alternet.org for a homework assignment, I stumbled on to an article: <a href="http://www.alternet.org/food/149775/5_ridiculous_fast_food_creations_that_should_never_have_been_invented/?page=1">5 Ridiculous Fast Food Creations That Should Never Have Been Invented.</a><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b>I don't eat the healthiest...any of my brothers can tell you that. But looking at some of these food choices makes me wonder if we hate our bodies so much that we're willing to buy into some of these outrageous food choices.<br />
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Maybe I'll just eat a banana for lunch.<br />
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Enjoy the article!<br />
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<a href="http://www.alternet.org/food/149775/5_ridiculous_fast_food_creations_that_should_never_have_been_invented/?page=1">www.alternet.org article</a></div></div>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-78693155608107319262011-02-09T00:20:00.000-05:002011-02-09T00:20:16.309-05:00Understanding the Confession App for the iPhone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzW1OoMug8kuUUFxATRCM8_9825hYAak4-6rgo0eoOb7AezLRIIQXUahebw2Bwi0IX0QDsJ213eiZ6Vk-UcfeUk7lQ7hxoDeCaE8ZA736I94JyH2KiEpYlOYHlYany4b2pPINEfDIDII/s1600/iphoneuser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzW1OoMug8kuUUFxATRCM8_9825hYAak4-6rgo0eoOb7AezLRIIQXUahebw2Bwi0IX0QDsJ213eiZ6Vk-UcfeUk7lQ7hxoDeCaE8ZA736I94JyH2KiEpYlOYHlYany4b2pPINEfDIDII/s200/iphoneuser.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>As people continue to explore the sacred nature of technology, a recent iPhone app has made a lot of buzz in the news. The Confession App released last week claims to be the "perfect aid to every penitent." What is the Confession app exactly, and how can it benefit Catholics? <br />
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We'll take a look at exactly what the Confession app is...and more importantly what it isn't.<br />
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First, the iPhone app is <b>not</b> a substitute. Absolution can only be given the way it has been in the past. The app doesn't change that. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/itunes-salvation-roman-catholic-church-approves-confession-app/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYf3r3r0uZGVystd0AeuHiSEG1__SLDgwXOKWVXO_w2CLX2myQ__r6yO3BJsxSpVJPoqK8WCvBuqr6-ZdiEXDuOr-7D6Tsvp4CcuiAymf468jo70H6Dd9av2pKiymh0-9CiP4IQh6Q_G8/s400/confessional-2011-02-08.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from engadget.com</td></tr>
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The application is a guide to help people make a good Examination of Conscience before going to Confession. The application also allows people to write down a list of their sins so they can confess them once they're talking with their confessor. Last (but not least) the application has the entire Rite printed out so that it is easy to follow, all the way down to the Rite of Contrition. <br />
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Many of you who go to confession regularly are probably thinking: "I already do that!" I'm pretty good at sinning, so when I do have to go to confession, I have to write down a long list as well. But the app is geared for people who are unfamiliar or wary of going to confession. The appeal of the app is that it reaches out to people who are estranged or have drifted away from the Church. The hope is that an app like this can make it easier for people to encounter the Sacrament of Reconciliation.<br />
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While endorsements can be helpful, they've also created a slew of headlines that tend to trivialize a time that can be healing and life-giving for people. Bishop Kevin Rhodes, recently installed bishop of Fort Wayne, IN, has given his support to this app. <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/confession-app-roman-catholic-church-sanctions-iphone-app/story?id=12866499&page=2">Fr. Edward Beck CP</a>, a contributor to ABC News, has also given his endorcement of the application, saying: "I think this app may be a boon for the sacrament." Unfortunately I had to wade through many articles entitled: "Forgiveness via iPhone" and other attention-getters. More about the Church's endorcement can be found at the iTunes Store <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/confession-a-roman-catholic/id416019676?mt=8#">here</a>.<br />
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As a friar trying to bridge the gap between technology and faith, I'm still on the fence on this application. I agree with the makers that Pope Benedict has called us to enter into dialogue with technology to spread the Gospel, and making Reconciliation easier for people is definitely one way to do it. I also think that, once all the rhetorical headlines are torn down, the app can be a tool for people to discuss the actual Sacrament to others who might not understand. Technology offers a lot of gifts, and I am always willing to use technology to further the Message of Jesus.<br />
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However, from my experience, introducing new technology into traditional rites is a tricky business. Using a phone in a prayer space, even if only to check your schedule, is still considered to be disrespectful. Clicking away on your iPad while others are waiting in line at the confessional can be seen as rude, annoying, or disturbing. Pastors already deal with parishoners who text during Mass as well. Typing your sins away or scrolling through them in the confessional is not likely to be taken well. <br />
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That doesn't mean that the Confession app doesn't have its place, or that it can't be integrated. I just feel, in my humble opinion, that discretion is the best idea when using this tool. From personal experience I've found that if you go into Confession, sit face-to-face with the confessor, and explain that you haven't confessed in a long time, a good confessor will welcome you back and give you some tips on how to better incorporate the Sacrament into your life.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-68441683490433490192011-02-01T23:54:00.000-05:002011-02-01T23:54:14.932-05:00Blizzard 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/nofo/chicagosnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/nofo/chicagosnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Around noon today, we were informed that the university would be closed until Thursday. 3PM was the expected time for the storm to hit, dropping an expected 24+ inches of snow on the city. Since then, I've steadily watched the snow build outside our friary window.<br />
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We got home from school as the snow began to fall. One of the other friars was already warming up the snowblower, preparing for a long day of clearning the sidewalks and parking lot. It was only a steady flow of snow, but even the news stations said the Stevenson Parkway was running 3 hours late.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZzYUD10OyIZzuFersuitcqPJbOVuCKNIPYvEOHTv989bhMUFrd4r_liI4jMCqFdz0kFrykO8Sgg458KBndseiwexuyvbqQfrumaMHIh2SrMssW19EEmWubqtV4C_B24MRcoNuvHPXYw/s1600/jerrysnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZzYUD10OyIZzuFersuitcqPJbOVuCKNIPYvEOHTv989bhMUFrd4r_liI4jMCqFdz0kFrykO8Sgg458KBndseiwexuyvbqQfrumaMHIh2SrMssW19EEmWubqtV4C_B24MRcoNuvHPXYw/s320/jerrysnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I grabbed a quick picture of Bro. Jerry before he headed out for some necessities. Even around 4:30 the snow wasn't as heavy as it is now. But to prepare, Jerry was heading out in case the power went out. (Currently there is no electricy in St. Agnes Friary, the other student friary across the block.)<br />
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As the night progresses, the storm gets steadily worse. There is lightening with the blizzard, and the snow is up to the bumpers of the cars (as of 9:30 PM). After dinner we heard a car in the alley spinning its wheels. Five of us ran outside to get a minivan unstuck, pushing it all the way back to the street.<br />
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By 6PM people knew what was coming. Just going outside was a chore, and watching the vehicles slowly move by let us know how bad it was getting. This is a video taken from someone downtown. It's interesting to note that Lake Shore Drive is blocked off because the 12-16 foot waves go over the barrier and turn half of LSD into a sheet of ice.<br />
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But I'm still here, the lights are still on, and I'm still arranging the furniture in my new room here at the friary. There's talk of building a snowfort and doing all the things we used to do when we had "snow days" as kids. In the end, we may just spend a lot of time trying to dig ourselves out of the friary and make sure that no one else is trapped or without necessities.<br />
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Stay safe and warm, everyone!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrcalderon/5409661028/" title="Chicago Blizzard 2011 by Mr. Calderon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/5409661028_86ec6e305a.jpg" width="318" height="500" alt="Chicago Blizzard 2011" /></a><br />
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<i>Prayers of safety and thanks to the Chicago photographers braving the weather to capture the amazing images of this event. www.flickr.com</i>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-6255757020184371532011-01-31T23:54:00.000-05:002011-01-31T23:54:56.249-05:00...and So the Storm Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYejEpeIlCrKRYd2rSBPGX-DbPQ80RdRuhEsJMVyw2vLxzNLtRlijk9jy31F5grmfLic6_AScQcgOoigDfRqVKlANC9GQ8ttTcdVOaV4qdoeHOnIiwJJ0AvcHVtUECqgJDFNgdPlCNlXs/s1600/jan31snowpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYejEpeIlCrKRYd2rSBPGX-DbPQ80RdRuhEsJMVyw2vLxzNLtRlijk9jy31F5grmfLic6_AScQcgOoigDfRqVKlANC9GQ8ttTcdVOaV4qdoeHOnIiwJJ0AvcHVtUECqgJDFNgdPlCNlXs/s320/jan31snowpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We've heard about it on the news since Sunday. It's been on every radio station from Milwaukee to Chicago all of Monday. Friars stopped by our friary and told us of how it had already started in the outlying areas such as Benton Harbor, MI. Meetings and schools were already being closed before a single snowflake fell.<br />
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But at 9PM, the impending snowstorm finally arrived. I could hear the wind howling outside my room as I tried to get it clean before the carpet cleaners get here tomorrow.<br />
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This picture is of Damen and Archer Ave. at around 9 PM. The were already getting snowy but the roads were still drivable. It's 11 PM and the snow's still coming.<br />
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Will the storm be as bad as everyone's predicted? Will I be snowed in and not go to school tomorrow? Will my room stay clean after the people come and clean the carpets?<br />
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I'll have more pictures for tomorrow.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-27673614472840860452011-01-28T10:24:00.000-05:002011-01-28T10:24:35.671-05:00Update from SchoolThe first few weeks of the spring semester are under way, and I'm already realizing that my courses aren't as intense as the previous semester. I don't know if I've just gotten accustomed to the whole "college life" again or if the content of my classes is different, but I do notice a difference in the semesters. Only a few weeks in I'm confident I'll be able to do well this semester as well.<br />
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Here's a quick breakdown of my classes:<br />
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<b>Logic and Argument</b>: This is a common class for most people who are working on their Philosophy. I should mention that while I am still pursuing a Computer Science Major, my adult status allows me to forego some of the usual class requirements. Since I am <i>also</i> working on taking Theology at the Catholic Theological Union here in Chicago, I've been approved for a Philosophy major as well.<br />
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<b>Philosophy of Economics</b>: This is a special topics class that fulfills one of the Electives that I need to take in the Philosophy major. The class is very interesting in that it looks at property, money, value, and labor from philosophical perspectives. For a Capuchin Franciscan who's founder was keen on the economic stratification of his time, the class is very appropriate for my life.<br />
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<b>Perspectives on Human Communication</b>: Along with my Computer Science I'm taking several communication classes as well. Whether it's to help my preaching skills or to aid me in working with others in the IT/IS field, there's a lot in the area of communications that will be helpful as I continue my formation as a friar.<br />
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<b>Mass Communication</b> This is a <i>foundational seminar</i> that's offered to adult students. It's only half a semester long, and it's entirely online. That makes the focus of the class evident, as the purpose is to look at the current media market and be able to view critically the messages, technology, and even the institutions that control mass media in our world today.<br />
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<b>System Analysis and Design</b>: This is a computer course, however systems analysts can be found in all areas of project management. The course has less to do with computers and more to do with strategic planning, cost anaylsis and feasibility, and project management. The ability to thoughtfully plan a project is almost as important as being able to code it, so this class has really been insightful to me. I find I'm already using it in my dealings with others already!<br />
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Those are my current courses. They seem easy now, but my hope is that they stay manageable as the semester progresses.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-16269072533596240862011-01-13T00:25:00.000-05:002011-01-13T00:25:05.633-05:00The Pain of Facing Oneself<div>I've had to deal with a lot of pain this week, but nothing hurts like watching oneself after being videotaped.</div><div>As part of my Communications class this semester, we had to give a quick introduction of ourselves. The class, entitled <i>Perspectives on Human Communication</i> is not solely about standing up and giving delivery, however no communication class would be complete without the ability to stand up and talk in front of an audience. The painful part is having to watch my delivery and then compose a brief summary of how I did, and where I can improve.</div><br />
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F8UGeF3bwzOwY4aVurCK0UagJvAHuU6qrhei4oIJZ2gcExRCjDrQ8SfFHHmILnfeRw2u2zMm2Jguv4JROyDDGlDOQWAcoZq1z1tu-oDtmi3O2K4IU1eiTF0I4s2FuC_FJfn5yyyWi_E/s1600/ssvitospeech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F8UGeF3bwzOwY4aVurCK0UagJvAHuU6qrhei4oIJZ2gcExRCjDrQ8SfFHHmILnfeRw2u2zMm2Jguv4JROyDDGlDOQWAcoZq1z1tu-oDtmi3O2K4IU1eiTF0I4s2FuC_FJfn5yyyWi_E/s320/ssvitospeech.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>Thanks to the advent of digital technology, my actual talk was able to be recorded and uploaded to the Web in a matter of minutes. It's intriguing, especially since my focus for participating in Communication classes is to further enhance my understanding of human communication and how they will eventually relate to digital technology and the message of the Church. So part of this project was actually cool: it presented me with the reality of what is capable with modern technology, and that a person's manifesto or simple introduction can be quickly uploaded onto the Web with little difficulty. (I had the ability to RSS this actual talk, however since other classmates were involved with this project, I decided it was best to limit the internet exposure to only me.)<br />
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But there is a pain in watching one's self give an impromptu delivery, even if it's in front of a few classmates. And it's magnified when you have to sit down, watch it, and then reflect on your performance. This is part of my homework that is due on Friday.<br />
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Looking at my strengths, I have no fear of talking in front of a group of people, regardless of the size. It's taken me a while to get to that point, but after giving so many talks and being asked to discuss my vocation with numerous groups and people, I don't get shy about being in front of an audience anymore. I am also able to feed off of the audience. If they laugh at a joke, I know I'm doing well. If no one is looking at me, I know I need to work harder at getting/keeping their attention.<br />
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And of course, there are areas where I could use work: I tend to use "uhh" and "umm" a lot, especially when I'm trying to complete a thought. The number of these sounds increases with the lack of preparation for a given event. For a graded speech, I usually go over the speech numerous times, with the Powerpoint going at the same time, to ensure I'm giving a seemless presentation. For a quick introduction speech, I sorta winged it...and you could tell by the number of "umm's." I'm also very comfortable in front of large groups: I think I was the only one not fiddling with their hands or holding on to something for security. I don't know if that's good or that's bad, but from this picture I look like I'm talking about something non-chalant; I don't look like someone who's being graded on their performance.<br />
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This class will present numerous challenges and opportunities for me, especially since the orations are only part of the class. On the syllabus, part of our grade will involve work on the Web - an area where I feel I have a comfortable head-start.<br />
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So after dislocating a shoulder, I'm pretty sure that having to watch myself give a speech was more painful than having the doctor reset the joint.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-40682458192479300132010-12-16T10:03:00.000-05:002010-12-16T10:03:25.418-05:00The Digital NativityOne of the popular videos circulating the Web this Christmas is The Digital Nativity. It tells the story of the birth of Jesus through the lens of social networking, mobile internet, and the power of Google.<br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkHNNPM7pJA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkHNNPM7pJA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Personally I find the video to be insightful. As we evolve, so does our method of communication. For a digital friar like myself, I'm always interested in how people express their faith through technological means. <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-22278256357067864582010-12-16T03:55:00.000-05:002010-12-16T03:55:34.451-05:00First Semester of School (Take 2)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQx80WQcKPTGDasM3wtzF470ubF__Buc3vWf_Q-jMjJDIIZGGodE-u-qx694oYll3cKIzEeuP0hjudPLcaf2udX4l4cjgdwUkbfW_GXJudM4pg2vFNwCSG8jchurEd2LL1lqhFK9b_Gg/s1600/seal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQx80WQcKPTGDasM3wtzF470ubF__Buc3vWf_Q-jMjJDIIZGGodE-u-qx694oYll3cKIzEeuP0hjudPLcaf2udX4l4cjgdwUkbfW_GXJudM4pg2vFNwCSG8jchurEd2LL1lqhFK9b_Gg/s200/seal.gif" width="197" /></a>Every once in a while, God gives us a mulligan, or a "do over."<br />
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Years after leaving Wabash College, I've felt that I misused the time and funds that were given to me to pursue a higher education. Seventeen years later I finished my first semester of school with straight A's. There's more to this than just bragging about my grades (although I'm sure there's some pride in it!), it's about getting the chance to do things the right way, and see how the Order has allowed me to mature, assess my gifts and strengths, and revisit an important part of my life: being a college student.<br />
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The last time I attended a four-year institution was when I lived in Crawfordsville, IN and attended <a href="http://www.wabash.edu/">Wabash College</a>. Wabash is tough school; any graduate will happily tell you how they "made it through." There was a sense of pride in attending Wabash, because of test scores, grades, and my essays. Not only was I able to go to such a good school, but I earned a full-ride.<br />
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But like most first-year college students, I didn't do well. It wasn't that the classes were too hard; rather I was like most college freshmen - retaking courses I took in high school. My first semester was Music, Spanish, Calculus, and History of Christianity...and the last class was the <i>only</i> class I hadn't experienced already. Rather than seeing my schedule as an opportunity to get a good jump on school, I found it to be a waste of time. I ended up leaving Wabash out of academic probation.<br />
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People often tell me: <i>"Many people have that experience with college." </i>While I might not have had the maturity to properly handle higher education, I've never tried to make excuses for my time at Wabash. I was given an opportunity and people paid for me to have that opportunity. I spent many years wishing to have the time back...knowing I'd do things a lot differently.<br />
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Seventeen years later I've finished my first semester of college at <a href="http://www.sxu.edu/">St. Xavier University</a>, able to do things the way I should have done years ago. And while I would have been a better student had I done this when I was "of the world," by returning to college as a Capuchin friar has prepared me for this moment, as well as for learning at the Master's level.<br />
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The <a href="http://vocationstory.blogspot.com/p/becoming-friar.html">first two years of Religious Formation</a> had plenty of schooling. There are books to read, there are classes on every part of religious life. There are presentations on the life of St. Francis, understanding different Papal Encyclicals, discussing Liturgy and prayer...the list goes on. There's plenty of learning in both Postulancy and Novitiate as well as encouragement towards continuous learning. Being in religious formation also gives me the <i>time </i>to study. Working full time and having a family makes it tough for adults to return to school; it can be almost impossible to be a full-time student. Being part of a religious community gives me the time and space to learn and do my best in school. Being here at the friary is a lot different than the dorms at Wabash!<br />
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So my first semseter at SXU was much like my first semester at Wabash: I found myself taking a lot of classes I'd taken before. This time, I took the opportunity to get good grades while re-integrating myself back into school. There was plenty of homework, lots of papers and plenty of books to read. But I decided to put school first this time around, even when it meant not blogging for about a month or two. And I've been rewarded with my first good grades as a college student.<br />
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I return to school on the 15th of January. While I'm happy to be on break, there's a part of me that wants to hurry up and complete all my school. Maybe it's because I want to somehow erase that feeling of wastefulness from years ago. Maybe it's because I'm 35 and I'm starting ask the dreaded question: "How much time do I have left?" Either way, the opportunity to redo my college experience is a dream come true.Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-23050859566510958422010-12-13T11:26:00.000-05:002010-12-13T11:26:58.492-05:00Getting What you Pay For with Liturgical MusicA new president gets to appoint an entirely new cabinet when he's elected, but a parish priest is "stuck" with the same choir director as before. This is the topic of <a href="http://wdtprs.com/blog/2010/12/the-perennial-parish-pop-combo-problem/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Fr. Z's, blog</a> - a lead I got from @4catholics. <br />
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I can sympathize with some of the things that he brings up, but there are a few points left out that reflect the reality of running a parish-especially when it comes to paid staff and the church's available funds. This is true especially in urban and/or poor parishes. It's unfortunate that musicians can be out of sync with the presider (and the congregation), but from a friar who regularly attends Mass at poor and minority parishes, it is only a "problem" for parishes that can afford another Music Director.<br />
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Most of our priests are in poor parishes in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit. Because of the ethnic focus of our Order, these parishes are mostly Latino or African-American. That often leaves them with less available funds than a suburban parish. An inner-city parish can bring in $2000 a weekend in gifts, while a suburban parish can bring in $22,000. In spite of this disparity, a poor parish still attempts to offer services such as RCIA, retreats, youth groups, CCD, and marriage encounters...but using volunteers instead of paid staff. Many of the Capuchin parishes couldn't offer the services we do without the devoted and gracious assistance of parishioners who volunteer their time. We always attempt to foster and show gratitude for their participation in the church community.<br />
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While I praise the commitment of volunteers, that doesn't mean I'm against paid church staff. I know many men and women who have attended school and gotten degrees to help in the management of parishes. These are highly qualified people, and like anyone else, they should be paid for their skill. Whether they are a youth minister, pastoral associate, secretary, or music director, all these roles require a skill set that most priests would gladly pay for. Even janitors and grounds keeping are needs not often considered. And if a parish cannot afford these services, they must seek volunteers or do the tasks themselves.<br />
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Church singers and musicians are no different. Choir directors and organists have a specific skill set. (Choir directors have a special place in my heart, because they deal with the personalities, egos, and preferences of a group of singers.) Choir directors and musicians can make $35-50k a year, all depending on their skill. In African-American Catholic parishes, the choir director can make more than the priest. Music is an important part of worship and liturgy, and these realities of running a parish influence how I look at the "problem" of religious music today.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu-40F8m5QdmVTef7UNNHAkGmhQzg3iYnhboBoY5PfOAICx-zq5WitRhxyUmqZ_5iK7NtRim2qbFxIrFKAV6XwwmNeritZcgelfqn2UPABkKEWHL04QMIrOkIZ68Fy12uhTlTnAEhMSU/s1600/IMG_5507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu-40F8m5QdmVTef7UNNHAkGmhQzg3iYnhboBoY5PfOAICx-zq5WitRhxyUmqZ_5iK7NtRim2qbFxIrFKAV6XwwmNeritZcgelfqn2UPABkKEWHL04QMIrOkIZ68Fy12uhTlTnAEhMSU/s320/IMG_5507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Mike Bertram OFM Cap. leads the musicians during the<br />
Liturgy of First Vows at St. Francis Parish in Milwaukee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Churches that I attend have musicians that volunteer to participate and share their gifts with the parish...sometimes at all the Masses. Whether they are singers, organists, guitarists (like myself), or violinists, they participate in the Liturgy and fill a role that the parish cannot readily afford. There are great musicians that volunteer, and there are people like me who are just trying to fill a need. Either way, their gifts and their commitment are appreciated and are a blessing to the entire community.<br />
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So when I attend a Mass where the music is a little boring, or the cantor is a little off, or the song choice is not to my liking, I'm inclined to be thankful for the willingness of someone who desires to share their gift. More times than not, these people are just trying to fill a role, and will happily take any assistance that is offered. As someone who sometimes does the "fill in," my focus is to be relevant to the Mass and Liturgical calendar and to use music that is appropriate.<br />
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When you're at Mass next Sunday, and you hear Taste and See and think "Why don't they ever pick other music?" find out more about the music in your parish. Your music director may be working as a volunteer or for a very low salary to fill a need in your church. And if you have the gift of music and are willing to commit, you may be able to be to help change the music.<br />
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<a href="http://wdtprs.com/blog/2010/12/the-perennial-parish-pop-combo-problem/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Trackbacked from here</a>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210768122244317033.post-17671967161104265932010-10-01T13:10:00.000-04:002010-10-04T13:10:36.695-04:00Working for Equilibrium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielpZfU5qIgSHpfubBcAb-gPwfR8oRjsG_sYgqok6iOJuvSUN7Pcg5BwihwXMzglegrS5pu8YZwwf2gWpyV90MGzxuYriiTXHuxAWNqMzMigpnF0E69YY0DMCkaTQ9e7ihpG1uiK2KLL8/s1600/ChemicalEquilibrium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielpZfU5qIgSHpfubBcAb-gPwfR8oRjsG_sYgqok6iOJuvSUN7Pcg5BwihwXMzglegrS5pu8YZwwf2gWpyV90MGzxuYriiTXHuxAWNqMzMigpnF0E69YY0DMCkaTQ9e7ihpG1uiK2KLL8/s200/ChemicalEquilibrium.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been in chicago for a few months now, and a student at St. Xavier for over a month. I've cooked a few times already, lead prayer a few times, and had the chance to visit my ministry at St. Lawrence Seminary in Mt. Calvary, WI. Living with all these responsibilities has caused me to do a lot of juggling. As I continue to work towards a balance or equilibrium in my life, I recognize that sometimes when you learn to juggle, sometimes you drop the ball.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, for example, I didn't write my Christology paper for the readings. I read the 3 chapters that were assigned, but when comparing the writing aspect with the Discrete Math & Rhetoric homework <strong>and </strong>the Computer Science exam I'm preparing for, the Christology paper was the lowest priority. We're given 5 "freebie's" throughout the semester, so there was no penalty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The paper is an example of the concessions I now make with my life, both in education as well as in my personal life. Usually Thursdays are reserved for watching "Battlestar Galactica" with a few of the guys. (I know it's an older show, we rarely have time to watch TV programming when it's aired) Yesterday I had to pass on BG so I could attend a study group for my CS exam. Last week I skipped my Math homework to study for a different exam. Last weekend I was only able to study for one class as I was in St. Lawrence working at my ministry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The need to find a sense of balance is huge; juggling so many things requires a firm stability and an awareness of everything that's going on. I've already talked with my advisor, and have been faced with the reality that I won't be able to give 100% to everything I want to do. I have to make choices, sacrifices, and focus on what's important. (something I've already had to do.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As the year continues, I hope to find a better grasp of this balance.</span>Br. Vito Martinezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00704307494372568352noreply@blogger.com0