This paper reviews an article by Fr Robert Mattingly SJ entitled 'Gay Adolescents in Catholic Schools - Avoiding the Topic Won't Make It Go Away' printed in "Momentum".
Abstract This paper explains that Fr. R. Mattingly, in his 2004 article in "Momentum", stresses that sex scandals within the RomanCatholic Church have forced attention on matters of sexuality that the Church has rarely wished to discuss beyond firm moralizing positions. The author points out that, although the Church still discusses homosexual acts as sinful, Mattingly reminds the reader of the stronger discussion of how all human beings are created in the image of God. The paper relates that, rather than criticizing homosexuality or failing to discuss it, the Church school community should ensure that gay students receive the inclusion and support they need. The author stresses that Mattingly also feels strongly that RomanCatholic schools should be sure that students can discuss matters of sexuality, homosexuality and heterosexuality.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Hazards of Ignoring Homosexuality Whose Child is it Anyway?
A Positive Environment and Acceptance
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "Accordingly to Mattingly, teachers and other adults must understand what happens when a homosexual youth is not included, not understood or denounced in different ways. When gay students are not given proper support they will experience self-destructive emotions and engage in self-destructive behaviors as what seems a usual set of results. He refers to social scientific research to explain that 40 percent or more of homeless youths in the United States are homosexuals, many of them engaged in substance abuse or confirmed addicts, and that many become HIV positive."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the RomanCatholic Church from the author's personal perspective. The paper discusses the author's opinion that fear does not create lasting belief. According to the paper, fear is a tool used by the RomanCatholic Church to instill beliefs and values.
From the Paper "Tradition is central to all religions in the world. In many cases, religion and their traditions cannot be separated. Tradition informs ritual and practice, and ritual and practice are reinforced through tradition. Tradition gives meaning to rituals, which would otherwise appear meaningless. Tradition is a way for people to connect with their ancestors and relatives and others around the world who believe in the same thing. Although religions inevitably change over time, they retain an essence and that essence is tradition. Traditions are what bring families together for religious holiday celebrations or inspire people to undertake religious pilgrimages. Tradition is also linked to culture, and many religions are practiced differently in different cultures. The religious beliefs are similar, but the traditions, such as the way a holiday is celebrated, might be different from one country to the next."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that if one has experience of both secular and parochial schools and universities, one comes to appreciate the extra dimension that parochial schools do offer to children. Also, the RomanCatholic vision of the family of whatever description, as the basic unit of society, is tremendously helpful to young people as a way in which to examine their own lives and those of people they encounter, and what might prove helpful to the communities they will know over their life course. The writer maintains that serving in a RomanCatholic school board, in this light, offers the opportunity to encourage thoughtfulness on social issues that are now most important to the greater family that is the society, as in exploring the roots of addiction, homelessness, and extreme materialism and individualism. Further, the writer points out that students are undoubtedly given a rounder education that does not exclude secular views but insists that moral questions are explored and debated.
From the Paper "As a second strong source of interest in a Roman Catholic teaching career is awareness of central Canada as a diverse and immigrant-receiving region. As may not be realized by many Roman Catholics, for many new arrivals there is the expectation of the school as helping considerably to acculturate their children, if members of the Roman Catholic Communion. For arrivals from other religious addresses there is also an expectation of some access to parochial education that may be sadly lacking in the schools there children eventually join. It is not unusual to find new Canadians of diverse origins, many of them non-Christians, preferring to expose their children to what may be offered by a local parish, community centre or other Roman Catholic facility. For arriving Roman Catholics, there can be relief to know they live near the Catholic school as a kind of lifeline for their children given the strong risks of raising children in urban areas on low financial resources. For such families whether from Sri Lanka, India, Congo or Eritrea, Guatemala or Peru, there can be confidence in Roman Catholic teachers and schools as those who will care about the development of their children in years when some immigrant parents cannot perform ideally due to circumstances."
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Protestant and RomanCatholic Ethics," by James Gustafson. The writer explains the purpose of Gustafson's book, and examines to what extent its purpose is fulfilled. The writer also provides a synopsis of each chapter of the book, and explains how Gustafson, by providing the viewpoints of many different ethicists and moral theologians, enables the reader to understand the divergences and convergences between RomanCatholic and Protestant ethics. The paper concludes with the writer's assessment of Gustafson's book.
From the Paper "James Gustafson provides a coherent outlook of Christian ethics including a well documented presentation of important advances made through the convergences of both Protestant and Roman Catholic scholastic traditions. The book is comprised of five chapters. One deals with divergences, three on convergences and the final chapter focuses on prospects. The author employs a particular style where each of the chapters contains its own thesis/argument which plays a role in addressing the overall purpose/question of the book. It will be important to treat each chapter individually to understand their relationships to one another and the overall purpose of the book."
Abstract This paper gives an overview of the RomanCatholic Church from its belief that Jesus is God to the opinion that only men have the God-given authority to be a priest. It discusses the two main functions of the church, gathering and witnessing or preaching and the role of missionaries. All opinions and facts are backed up with biblical references.
From the Paper "The pope has kissed the Koran, has allowed himself to receive a mark from a Shiva priest, has sat in a chair with a satanic cross, and has held a bent cross with a dead Jesus hanging on it (Virgin Mary). Catholics have bowed to a Eucharist wafer, have made it mandatory for priests to practice celibacy, have allowed homosexuals and child molesters to enter priesthood, and have bowed to idols of the Virgin Mary. Recently, the Church has been in the news often due to the many reported cases of priests molesting young boys. Besides the problems of homosexuality, the bible makes it clear that celibacy is not required of priests. "
Tags: gospel, god, jesus, virgin, mary, missionaries, christianity, paul
Abstract Supporting the activities and operations of churches and religious organizations is a complicated and serious financial challenge. The activities of these organizations, combined with their limited financial resources, result in a need for careful attention to financial management. Further, as a result of occasional media reports of financial irregularities in some religious organizations, there is an increasing call for financial accountability in almost all organizations today. This paper shows that diocese members want to know, and have a right to know, how and where church funds are spent. Beyond accountability and financial reporting, there is a need for assistance in all aspects of financial management. The diocese, therefore, provides a unique environment in which to contextualize the study of accounting and budgeting. The paper shows that many dioceses are supported by professional accountants and bookkeepers, some as paid employees, others as volunteers. Because the number of clergy is decreasing, financial management functions are being spread thin, and there is less control; therefore, there will likely be increasing pressure from parishes for improved budgeting functions. The base of this research project is extended to all RomanCatholic Church dioceses in the United Kingdom, but concentrates on the budgeting process as it exists within a representative sampling of these religious organizations. Finally, this research project identifies who is involved in the budgeting process and whether structures interfere with budgetary process. An examination of how budgeting is done is followed by an assessment of its contribution in terms of population.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Review of the Relevant Literature
Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "The first major component of internal accounting systems for management's use is the company's system for establishing budgetary plans and setting performance standards. The establishment of these performance standards also requires a company to develop a system for measuring actual results and reporting the differences between actual performance and the established standards. This budgeting process leads to the establishment of specific organizational plans which are then translated into action with varying degrees of efficiency. Statistical analysis, quality controls, and trended data are typically provided to management for assessment and determination of need for corrective action, or by preparing revised plans. While these plans can be either broad, strategic outlines of the company's future or specific and detailed schedules of the inputs and outputs associated with specific independent programs, most business plans are periodic plans; in other words, these plans refer to company operations for a specified period of time. It is these periodic plans which are summarized in a series of projected financial statements, or budgets (Shillinglaw 2004)."
Abstract This paper looks at two Connecticut RomanCatholic churches (St. Joseph's Church and Holy Rosary Parish), and how their design reflects the faith of the religion. The paper examines how the form of the architecture follows the function of the religion.
From the Paper "It is often thought that perhaps even the earliest forms of art are a direct expression of divine faith. Certainly some of the most beautiful masterpieces in the world were religious devotions rather than simply beautiful images. When we think of art as an expression of faith, we are immediately reminded of the beautiful statues of the Greek and Roman gods, numerous representations of the Madonna and of course Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. A more common expression of faith through art however is..."
Abstract In this article, the writer presents an analysis of the reforms approved by the RomanCatholic Church as a result of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). The writer discusses their impact on theology and the laity.
Tags: Pope John Paul, religion, theology, scripture, ecumenism, natural rights of man, mass, divine revelation, God, Christ, doctrine, RomanCatholic Church
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that a commitment to equity in education means a commitment to social justice, which has been an important slogan of the Ontario Ministry of Education for more than 10 years. While one is accustomed to such references applied to the advancement of women or visible minorities, the same general ideal is to apply to persons who are gays or lesbians during their experiences of education. The writer notes that this may be difficult for various schools and educators to assimilate with regard to students who are not heterosexual or espouse support for gay and lesbian fellow students, and notably in RomanCatholic settings that have not been influenced pervasively by contemporary RomanCatholic views on homosexuality, at large. However, the writer maintains that more Ontario Ministry statements on equity and social justice can be expected to refer to matters of gender and sexual orientation in the next years, part of a general social adjustment meant to fully include gay or lesbian persons. The writer concludes that with regard to RomanCatholic education in Ontario one recognizes the need to see equity as social justice realized in more schools' approaches to the gay student.
Outline:
Introduction
Promoting Gay-Accepting School Cultures
Cultural and Pedagogical Lag
Equity, Social Justice and the Gay-Lesbian Student
Skeletons in the Closet
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "The presence of a few gay or lesbian students should be accepted by those who work in Roman Catholic high schools, at the very least, and with teachers and guidance counselors prepared to counsel occasional students to report questions concerning homosexuality including those to state that they realize they are gay. A pastoral message of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops addressed the needs of the parents of gay or lesbian children in a manner demonstrating the hierarchy's acceptance of this phenomenon and the first reactions adults may have to the news that a child is not heterosexual. The general approach is one instructing adults to accept the person who is different, seeing that the person feels supported and does not succumb to depression, alienation or the dangers of these results, directing counseling so that the person does not feel rejected. The general suggestion is that homosexuality is not condemned as much as its lifestyle that may indeed take form if a child is ostracized. In the last years, the Roman Catholic Church has supported research into homosexuality as a human condition and in awareness of gay and lesbian persons who may become vagrant, addicted to drugs or an uncaring promiscuity, if they are rejected by their families and friends."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of homosexuality within the context of mainstream religious organizations and churches. It explains that generally speaking, homosexuality and consequently homosexual acts are not reconcilable with fundamental religious doctrine no matter the religion. It claims that while some religions have developed an uneasy relationship with homosexuality , no full acceptance of homosexuality in any form within the confines of traditional Christian based religious faiths.
From the Paper "The issue of homosexuality within the context of mainstream religious organizations and churches is certainly a hot topic and one that has a long path of debate and contention before being solved. Generally speaking, homosexuality, and consequently, homosexual acts, are not reconcilable with fundamental religious doctrine no matter the religion. While some religions have developed an uneasy relationship with homosexuality, somewhat akin to the U.S. military's don't ask don't tell policy, there truly exists no full acceptance of homosexuality in any form within the confines of traditional Christian based religious faiths (Gallagher). The argument made here is that homosexuality and traditional Christian based religions cannot coexist in any fashion based on the current religious doctrine that all Christian faiths are based upon; i.e. biblical literature. The contention is that homosexuality within the confines of the individual should be considered a non-issue and thus simply a different aspect of ..."
Abstract The writer of this paper analyzes the decline of the Roman Empire which resulted in an influx of Germanic peoples into the RomanCatholic church which greatly affected all aspects of religious life. Until the division from the Eastern church in 1054 and the break with the Protestant churches in the 16th century, one cannot separate the history of the RomanCatholic church from Christianity's history in general. This paper contains numerous historical facts dating back to the 11th century relating to the division of the church as well as Christian theology. This paper also discusses the tremendous impact of St. Thomas Aquinas in the church and as the founder of scholasticism.
Table of Contents:
The Modern Period
The Church in The U.S.
From the Paper "St. Thomas Aquinas, the Doctor of the Church, died in 1274. He was a great influence in the Church, and helped to usher in scholasticism. This particular approach to Christian theology, associated with this time period, emphasizes rational justification and systematic presentation of Christian theology. Drawing upon the works of Aristotle, Aquinas developed a vast and complex, though unified system of Christian thought, most fully expressed in his "Summa." He arranged Christian beliefs in a systematic presentation, beginning with sources of knowledge, God's existence, and embracing nearly everything that was part of the knowledge of Medieval Europe."
Abstract The author of this paper examines the RomanCatholic Church as a bureaucracy based on Max Weber's theory that modern bureaucracies evolved as a result of the Protestant revolution. The author examines the RomanCatholic church in the light of his own experiences as a RomanCatholic and attempts to show that the church, even though existing long before the Protestant revolution, has all the characteristics of modern bureaucracies.
From the Paper "But informally, doing volunteer work, people often do multiple jobs, based not in descriptions but in availability and simply as to what needs to be done at any point in time. Promotion may be based on who seems most committed or has had a family member affected by the illness rather than upon experience or passing a test, and people volunteering for a walk-a-thon are not 'professionals.' This twofold structure of professionalism and voluntary association for enrichment or pleasure is also true of the International Association of Administrative Professionals and American Bowling Congress. I joined the first organization to make professional and personal contacts in my field, and the second for leisure, and while my membership and role may not be functional, rule-governed, or defined, the leadership of these organizations is bureaucratic."
This research study specifically examines the sexual abuse of Latino children in the United States perpetrated by priests and clergy members of the RomanCatholic Church.
Abstract This paper reveals that the RomanCatholic Church intentionally and negligently covered up the sexual abuse of children by members of the clergy between the years of 1945 and 2003. The author stresses that, because the majority of the Latino population in the United States are members of the Catholic Church, this problem is exacerbated in Latino children. The American Psychological Association and other supporting agencies are faced with a crisis in providing effective mental health treatment for the Latino American population. The paper reviews effective methods for assessment, diagnoses and treatment of this unique population and reviews the recent literature accessing information of the experts in this field and the agencies that provide mental health services to the Latino population. Includes figures.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Healthcare Factors Impacting Latino Immigrant Children
Overview of the Catholic Church Legal System
Response of the Church to Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse
Secrecy in the RomanCatholic Church Surrounding Child Sexual Abuse
Legal Issues Arising to Debate
The Latino Victim of Child Sexual Abuse by Clergy
Mental Health Care Service Delivery to Latinos
Summary of Literature Reviewed
Development of Plan: Provision of Effective Mental Health Care
Services to Latino Population in the United States
From the Paper "This research study has related that it is not practical, nor is it advisable, to attempt to have a family member interpret due to limitations that exist in the effectiveness of this use of an interpreter, specifically due to role reversal when the child is interpreting for the parent and due to cultural issues that may limit or null the interpretations provided by a family member interpreting between the clinician and client. It is important that the client feel warmly welcomed to the service providers clinic and that staff members are attentive to the needs of the Latino client and their family."
Tags: exploitation training law, latino-specific syndrome, culturally-based
Abstract This paper traces the history of the RomanCatholic Church, the largest Christian Church, through its formation by the apostles of Jesus Christ, the Council of Trent and Vatican I. The author continues a discussion of the beliefs of the RomanCatholic Church. Next, the paper focuses on the Church of the Nazarene by presenting its founding by Phineas Bresee in Texas in 1908. The author states that the Church of the Nazarene is Protestant (Methodist), part of the Holiness Movement, based on the teachings of John Wesley and broke off from the Pentecostal Church. The paper concludes by comparing the two religions.
From the Paper "In 313, the Roman Catholic Church was legally recognized by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 313, and it became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380. (Religious Movements Home Page) In 1054, there was a major schism involving the Pope's claim of primacy over the church, and the Eastern Orthodox Church split off from what thereafter was know as the western Church. (The Religious Movements Home Page)"
Abstract This paper briefly explores the history of the RomanCatholic schools in respect to the recently proposed 'Bill 30', which provides full state funding to select RomanCatholic schools.
