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PRIESTS IN THE NEWS:
 Cardinal Francis George, OMI named Father George Rassas as the new vicar general for the Archdiocese of Chicago effective Nov. 30. Father Rassas is the province of Chicago representative to the NFPC National Board. In addition he is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Lake Forest, IL. In a press release (Nov. 5. 2004), Cardinal George stated, “Fr. Rassas is a dedicated, committed priest of the archdiocese and has had an extraordinary range of experience both within the Pastoral Center, and as a pastor and associate pastor since his ordination in 1968. In addition to his experience, his education and training have prepared him well for this next assignment. I am grateful to him for accepting this new ministry in the Church he has served so well.” In his new post Father Rassas will assist the archbishop as chief executive officer and will function in the archbishop’s name during his absence. As vicar general Father Rassas succeeds retired Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Goedert, who had been serving as interim vicar general since the death of Bishop Edwin Conway in August.
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 NFPC Notes
The Laborer is Worthy of His Hire Survey Deadline!!
The compensation of priests continues to be a topic of concern for priests and presbyteral councils. This fall surveys were sent to every diocese in the country seeking information on priest compensation and benefits. The data from these surveys will be compiled and analyzed in the upcoming 8th edition of the NFPC publication, The Laborer is Worthy of Hire. This practical publication serves the spirit and intent of Luke 10:7, where Jesus reminds his disciples that laborers for the Lord deserve their wages. The Laborer is Worthy of His Hire is published every three years in collaboration with the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators (NACPA). The survey deadline is November 19 and our goal again is have 100% diocesan participation. So please check with your diocesan Director of Human Resources or Director of Finance and remind them to complete the survey as soon as possible. Completed surveys can be mailed to:
NACPA
100 East 8th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Or fax at: (513) 421-3085
The release date for the latest edition of The Laborer is Worthy of Hire will be May 1, 2005. Thanks for your help!
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 PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY WRAP-UP:
A review of e-mail and web sites noted that Priesthood Sunday on October 31 was celebrated in a variety of ways. For instance, The Catholic Sun, the newspaper of the Diocese of Phoenix ran Priesthood Sunday stories which readers sent in. In the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, Bishop Joseph Gossman, composed a reflection that was to be read at all masses on Oct. 31. In it he stated in part, “A priest is a humble creature, a worker in all professions. His hours are the longest; his salary the smallest; his Boss the best! (That’s Jesus, not his Bishop). He likes the smiles of children, to hear he delivered a good homily, the approval of his parishioners, the companionship of his brother priests, a good Sunday collection, a home-cooked meal, a vacation, and the name ‘Father.’”
In the Diocese of Youngstown, Monsignor John Zuraw, executive director of the Dept. of Clergy and Religious Services, stated in an article in The Catholic Exponent (Oct. 22, 2004), the diocesan newspaper, “I believe there is always to be found one special quality in a priest who loves his parish. It is the quality that is described in one of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall see God.” The pure of heart are the completely direct, single-minded, straightforward people. The priests serving in this diocese have a fierce loyalty towards the people they serve. Whatever failings we may have, however imperfect we may be, our first concern is for you, the people we shepherd.”
Finally, the NFPC received an e-mail from parishioner Dottie Dargis of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Whitehouse Station, NJ, Diocese of Metuchen, which stated, in part, “Priesthood Sunday was a resounding success in our parish this year. It was a bit difficult ‘surprising’ our pastor (Father Len Rusay), because he is a very "hands on" type, that knows everything that is happening! For the most part, the activities were a surprise for him and our weekend associate (Father Joe Murphy). We tried to keep it ‘liturgically correct,’ however, taking charge and ‘invading the Sanctuary’ during mass, was completely foreign to me. Father Len was a real trouper and seemed genuinely pleased with all our efforts.” In addition the parish held a holy hour to pray for an increase in vocations, prayers cards with a blessing were distributed, the children in Religious Education will compose a Spiritual Bouquet, the Rosarians group purchased a stole which will be embroidered by a parishioner. A press release was sent to the local secular and diocesan newspapers.
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COUNCIL NOTES :
The Milwaukee Council was informed that an Ad Hoc Committee on the Rights of Priests is being formed. Members include Father Bryan Massingale, 2 laymen and 3 laywomen. A report to the Priests Council is due in January. A presentation was given from the Archdiocesan Minister to Priests. He will visit all priests both active and retired within two years. Major priests’ concerns include confidentiality, stressors, priesthood in a changing church, and issues surrounding trust and relationships. The Vicar for Clergy report noted its continuing work with repercussions from the sexual abuse crisis and care for the priests involved, welcoming international priests and their placement in the archdiocese, and priests’ penance services.
The Dallas Council discussed how it would commemorate the Year of the Eucharist in May 2005. The council urged participation among all cultural groups in the diocese. The amended Priest Remuneration in Special Circumstances Policy was approved. The council is still considering amendments to the Remuneration Policy Under Normal Circumstances and the Diocesan Alcohol Policy.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 The National Pastoral Life Center is hosting its annual parish leadership convention from November 18-20 at the Sheraton City Centre Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. The theme for this year's assembly is The Catholic Parish Global & Local - A Light for the World! (La Parroquia Catholica Global y Local - Una Luz Para el Mundo!) Plenary speakers include Father Domingo Rodriguez, ST, Rev. Eric F. Law, Father J. Bryan Hehir and Sister Amata Miller, IHM. A variety of workshops will take place each day of the conference. Rev. Law will conduct a two-day multi-cultural seminar titled "Skills for Ministry in a Complex and Multi-contextual World." For more information contact NPLC, 18 Bleecker St. New York, NY 10012-2404. Tel: (212) 431-7825. Fax: (212) 274-9786. Web site: www.nplc.org.
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 The National Pastoral Life Center is hosting its Pastoring in Today’s Parish Workshop. Two assemblies are planned for 2005. January 16-21, at Marywood Center in Jacksonville, Florida. July 10-15, at Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio, Texas. Track II: Leadership in Today’s Parish Workshop will run concurrently with the Pastoring in Today’s Parish at the July meeting in San Antonio. Pastoring in Today’s Parish is designed exclusively for pastors, administrators, and coordinators of parishes; those beginning their first pastorate, those moving to a new parish, or those wanting a fresh look at their ministry. Track II: Leadership in Today’s Parish is designed for those who have participated in the Pastoring workshop and concentrates specifically on leadership of the pastor, parish administrator, or parish life director. The workshop is limited to the first 50 registrants. For more information contact Sister Donna Ciangio, OP or Bob Marshall, NPLC, 18 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10012-2424. Tel: (212) 431-7825. Fax: (212) 274-9786. E-mail: conferences@nplc.org. Web site: www.nplc.org.
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 The National Organization for the Continuing Education for Roman Catholic Clergy (NOCERCC) is devoting its 2005 national convention to revitalizing the US church’s commitment to the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests. The theme the assembly is Back to the Future: the Hope and Promise In the Bishops’ Basic Plan. The convention will take place from Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2005 at the New Radisson Hotel Miami in Miami, Florida. Plenary speakers include Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Father Louis Cameli, Dr. Bryan Froehle, and Sister Theresa Koernke, IHM. A New Directors Workshop facilitated by Dr. Mary Ann Boyarski, director of the Office of Continuing Formation of Priests for the Diocese of Harrisburg, will take place on Jan. 29 and 30. In addition, a pre-convention workshop focusing on Spanish-Language Liturgy Update will take place on Monday; Jan. 31.This workshop will be facilitated by Sister Doris Turek, SSND. For more information contact, NOCERCC, 1337 W. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60622. Tel: (312) 226-1890. Fax: (312) 829-8915. E-mail: nocercc@nocercc.org. Web site: www.nocercc.org.
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 The Institute for Priestly Formation announced its Fourth Annual Symposium of the Spirituality and Identity of the Diocesan Priest from March 3-6, 2005. The theme for the symposium is Interiority for Mission: Spiritual Formation for Priests of the New Evangelization. Keynote speaker is Rev. Mr. James Keating, Ph.D. For more information contact, IPF, Father Richard Gabuzda, Director, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. Tel: (800) 637-4279, or (402) 280-2423. E-mail: ipf@creighton.edu. Web site: www.creighton.edu/ipf/.
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 The National Catholic Educational Association - Seminary Dept. and the Society of St. Sulpice announce its 7th Institute for the Preparation of Seminary Formation Staff & Advisors. The institute will take place from June 10-17, 2005 at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, CA. Presenters include Father James Walsh, Father Melvin Blanchette, SS; Father Gerald D. Coleman, SS; Sister Katarina Schuth, OSF; Father Gerald McBrearity, SS; Father Philip S. Keane, SS; and Father Gerald Brown, SS. For more information contact, NCEA- Seminary Dept., 1077 30th St., NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20007-3852. Tel: (202) 337-6232, ext. 222. Fax: (202) 333-6706. E-mail: seminary@ncea.org. Web site: www.ncea.org.
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St. Patrick’s Seminary & University announce its 11th annual Discernment Weekend from Jan. 14-16, 2005 in Menlo Park, CA. To register for the retreat weekend, you must be:
- A single male
- Sponsored by a priest or a religious
- A high school graduate.
For more information contact, Father Gerardo Menchaca or Rev. Mr. Ron Zanoni, St. Patrick’s Seminary, 329 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, CA, 94025. Tel: Father Menchaca, (650) 325-5621, ext. 302, or Rev. Mr. Zanoni, (650) 321-4445. Fax: (650) 322-0997. E-mail: ronzanoni@yahoo.com.
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PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES:
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 Stewards of God’s Mysteries: Priestly Spirituality in A Changing Church, written by Rev. Paul J. Philibert, OP. A collaborative effort of the NFPC launched in 1998. This study of priestly spirituality was inspired to commemorate the Thirtieth anniversary of the NCCB document, Spiritual Renewal of the American Priesthood. A committee composed of Father Melvin C. Blanchette, SS, Father Daniel E. Danielson, and Father Paul J. Philibert, OP produced the study. Available in April for $9.95 from the NFPC, 333 N. Michigan Ave., Ste 1205, Chicago, IL 60601. Phone: (888) 271-6372. Fax: (312) 442-4709. E-mail nfpc@nfpc.org. Web site: www.nfpc.org
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 Evolving Visions of the Priesthood: Changes from Vatican II to the Turn of the New Century, by Dr. Dean R. Hoge and Jacqueline Wenger is an NFPC commissioned book based on a longitudinal study of attitudes of priests begun in 1970 by the National Opinion Research Center. The book provides updated information on changes in priests’ attitudes toward ecclesiology, the needs of priests, and other important issues since the end of Vatican Council II in 1965. The book is published by The Liturgical Press. Available for the special price of $17.00 from the NFPC, 333 N. Michigan Ave., Ste 1205, Chicago, IL 60601. Phone: (888) 271-6372. Fax: (312) 442-4709. E-mail: nfpc@nfpc.org. Web site: www.nfpc.org.
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 The current edition of Seminary Journal (Fall 2004, Vol. 10. No. 2) focuses on high school preparatory seminaries. Featured are: Archbishop Quigley Seminary operated by the Archdiocese of Chicago; Cathedral Preparatory Seminary operated by the Diocese of Brooklyn; and St. Lawrence Seminary, Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, sponsored by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars. Reflections by parents and alumni are also included. Plenary and panel presentations from the NCEA Seminary Department’s Convocation last spring are also contained in the edition. The panel presentation focused on Ministry Formation and Addictions: Implications for Seminaries. Panel presenters included, Michael Morton, Kevin P. McClone, Father Thomas Nestor, and Father Stephen J. Rossetti. Single copies are available for $7.50. Subscriptions for $20.00. Quantity pricing is available. To order contact, Bro. Bernard Stratman, SM, NCEA Seminary Dept., 1077 30th St., NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20007-3852. Tel: (202) 337-6232, ext. 222. Fax: (202) 333-6706. E-mail: seminary@ncea.org. Web site: www.ncea.org.
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 RENEW International presents Why Catholic? Journey Through the Catechism. The comprehensive adult faith formation program is also available in Spanish. The program offers a concrete approach to help adults deepen their Catholic faith and connect its teachings to their everyday lives. With its flexible format, Why Catholic? fosters the goals of “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us,” the US bishops’ landmark pastoral plan for adult faith formation. For more information contact Renew International, 1232 George St., Plainfield, NJ 04062-1717. Tel: (908) 769-5400. Fax: (908) 769-5660. E-mail: WhyCatholic@renewintl.org. Web site: www.renewintl.org & www.WhyCatholic.org.
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 The Society of St. Paul Alba House Communications produces audio cassettes on a variety of issues surrounding priestly life and ministry. Access their Web site at: www.albahouse.org and click “Search engine and Site map.” Then hit “Priests and Religious.” Selections include: The Mystery of Commitment by Sister Vilma Seelaus, OCD, Catholic Traditions and Foundational Spirituality by Father Adrian van Kaam and Dr. Susan Moto, Father Benedict Groeschel Speaks to Priests, Priests Alive: Gifts of Anger and Forgiveness; Intimacy and Spirituality by Bro. Loughlin Sofield, ST, Crises and Renewal in Clergy by Father Canice Connors, OFM Conv., Challenges of Contemporary Priesthood by Father Stephen J. Rossetti, and much more. Information on the web site includes the number of cassettes in a presentation and cost. VISA, Master and Discover Cards accepted.
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 The current crisis in the Church, while profoundly disturbing and troubling, offers possibilities for a renewed and revitalized Church. In Faith That Dares to Speak, Father Donald Cozzens underscores the critical need for laity and clergy to speak honestly and courageously to church authorities. He addresses the obstacles to faithful speech as well as the spiritual and moral foundations of mature, adult conversation and commitment. Available for $19.95 from The Liturgical Press, St. John’s Abbey, P.O. Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500. Tel: (800) 858-5450. Fax: (800) 445-5899. E-mail: sales@litpress.org. Web site: www.litpress.org.
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 New From USCCB Publishing! Thirty-One Questions on Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the second volume in the new Pastoral Liturgy series, is an ideal resource to assist you in celebrating the Year of the Eucharist. This resource takes a pastoral approach to the long-standing practice of Eucharistic adoration. It addresses frequently-asked questions about Eucharistic adoration especially the relationship between Mass and Eucharistic adoration, the importance of Eucharistic adoration, and the difference between Eucharistic adoration and exposition. It also includes excerpts from Redemptionis Sacramentum and Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass. To purchase copies of Thirty-One Questions on Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (publication number 5-595, 1-9 copies, $4.95 each; 10-24 copies, $4.50 each; 25+ copies, $3.95 each), call toll-free 800-235-8722. In the Washington metropolitan area or from outside the United States, call 202-722-8716. Visit the bishops’ Internet site at www.usccb.org.
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 Thirty-Five Years of the BCL Newsletter 1965-2000 is now available! The Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy’s newsletter has been a leading voice in liturgical renewal since the Second Vatican Council. From its beginning in the mid-sixties to the dawn of a new millennium, this new volume is an essential resource for leaders in liturgical ministry. The newsletters are organized chronologically and extensively indexed to make this an easy-to-use reference tool in tracing developments in liturgical thought and action. To purchase copies of Thirty-Five Years of the BCL Newsletter (publication number 5-402, $129.95 each), call toll-free 800-235-8722. In the Washington metropolitan area or from outside the United States, call 202-722-8716. Visit the bishops’ Internet site at www.usccb.org.
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