A Lenten Learning Experience: Making Social Justice Issues a Part of Our Lives

AKRON, OHIO -- While many churchgoers view Lent as a time for prayerful self-denial, one ministry at St. Hilary Catholic Church works to further understanding of social justice teachings. Again this year Journey Together for Justice is hosting its Lenten lecture series, which will begin Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, continuing on three consecutive Wednesdays.

This year’s discussions will offer insight into Catholic social teaching, the critical role charity plays in our lives, what we can learn from the political upheaval in Rwanda, and -- closer to home -- how we can assure civility remains a part of religious discussion. Programs details are as follows:

Feb. 17 -- The Ways of Charity will be presented by Sister Mary McCormick, OSU. Considered the heart of the Church’s social doctrine, charity also is the subject of Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Charity in Truth. The document will be central to this talk. A member of the Ursuline order, Sister McCormick holds a Ph.D. from Fordham University and is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, Diocese of Cleveland.

Feb. 24 -- The Principles of Catholic Teaching in Action by Tom Allio. For over 30 years, Allio has served as executive director of the Catholic Commission of Summit County. In that role he has spearheaded the establishment of 30 organizations, including the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, ACCESS, Good Samaritan Hunger Center, Nazareth Housing Development Corp., and First Friday Club of Greater Akron. He serves in an additional capacity with the Diocese of Cleveland as the Diocesan Social Action Director.

March 3 -- Lessons from Rwanda by the Rev. Michael J. Denk. In addition to covering the horrors of genocide in this African country, Father Denk will discuss the relationship of scapegoating, often a result of economic crises that leads one segment of the population to blame others for their misfortunes and, ultimately, to unspeakable violence. He’ll also draw parallels between the victimization of the most vulnerable in that country and abortion in the United States.

An associate at St. Barnabas Parish, Northfield, Father Denk works with the youth in his parish, as well as young married couples. He is part of the Global Fellows Program of Catholic Relief Services and has traveled to Madagascar and Rwanda with that organization. His devotion to the poor draws him to the people of El Salvador and Africa.

March 10 -- Civility in Catholic Discourse by the Rev. Donald Cozzens, Ph.D. Father Cozzens will tell us how we can address hot-button issues without anger or, worse, rage. He will address the polarization that has crept into many facets of American life, especially religion.

Father Cozzens is Writer in Residence and Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies at John Carroll University, Cleveland. He has served as the vicar for the clergy and as President-Rector of Cleveland’s St. Mary Seminary. An award-winning author, Father Cozzens’ books include Faith That Dares To Speak and The Changing Face of the Priesthood.

The series will take place in the Gathering Area of the church, 2750 W. Market St. Ash Wednesday’s events will begin with Mass at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation from 7:30 to 9 o’clock. On the following weeks, a soup supper will be served at 6:15 p.m., with evening prayer at 7:00 pm, and presentation at 7:30. All are welcome to attend part or all of each evening’s activities. Babysitting will be provided. The event including the soup supper is free. RSVP required for the soup supper and babysitting. To RSVP call the parish office at 330-867-1055 or church@sthilarychurch.org.