Creche for Christmas? or How My Little Voice Can Be Heard

Fr. John Borcic — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:17:37 -0500

In the last few years there has been a movement afoot by the ACLU and others of the secular society to, in my estimation, destroy Christmas and just about anything Christian. There have been many efforts, quite successful mind you, of getting municipalities and other public venues to do away with public scenes of the season of Christmas, most notably the Christmas creche or manger scene depicting Joseph, Mary and the Infant Jesus.

Where is the outcry among those who know and believe in what this season is all about? A large majority of American people claim to have a belief in God and many of those also call themselves Christians. But where are they? Hiding? From what? I can see why a parent may not want to confront a teacher or principal on a major issue because they may have the perception that some reprisal might be made toward their child; but what can secular society do to any of us? Besides, by our silence and lack of response, they’re winning already and convincing everyone that they’re right.

Another weak excuse is the old saying, “What can I do? I’m just one little voice.” Well, maybe it’s time we woke up and realized how lame this excuse really is. If a Christmas creche has been banned in the public square or in front of a public building that doesn’t mean that it can’t be displayed on private property.

So, what if we say this year, “Enough!” and diplay the creche in front of every Christian home or place a Christian message in the windows of our homes? Each little voice can be heard and collectively we will speak with a similar resonance that filled the Savvis Center when Pope John Paul II addressed the young people of our City during his visit in January, 1999. By the way, at that time he did challenge us to let our voices be heard and to let our light shine forth before all. We have the ideal reason to take it upon ourselves to do just that!

You can make a difference this Christmas! Encourage your families and your friends to include the chrece as part of their outside decorations; or encourage them to decorate a window with the message we all need to re-state loudly and boldly: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! Just imagine if our efforts produced 50 or 100 or 500 of these in each neighborhood. What a statement that would be to the secularists and what a setback that could be in their efforts to destroy what we have a right to believe. Also remember that Christmas doesn’t end on December 26th. We traditionally celebrate Christmas from the Nativity until Epiphany. Keep the message alive at least until then.

Here’s one more thing we might do. When doing your Christmas shopping this year, feel perfectly free to respond to the “Happy holidays” greeting from the salesperson with a pleasant and sincere, “And Merry Christmas to you.”

For all you can do, thank you!! May you and your family have a most Blessed Christmas this year.

Father John Borcic

Who, What and Why?

Fr. John Borcic — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 12:00:33 -0500

Greetings!!

Who, What and Why? Interrogative pronouns all, and I would like to use them with regards to myself.

Who am I? My name is Father John Borcic and a few months ago Archbishop Burke asked me to become the Executive Director of the Office of Catholic Youth Ministry. His appointment came as a bit of a surprise since I seemed to be well entrenched in my quiet little parish in Dutzow, Missouri, where I was pastor for the past four years. Some of you may have heard of Dutzow, or even been there, since the Catholic Camp of America is in St. Vincent’s backyard.

I have to admit, though, that while it saddened me to have to leave St. Vincent’s, I did welcome the Archbishop’s appointment. It is exciting for me to come to work with two great staffs (the Office of Youth Ministry and the Catholic Youth Council) and to be in a position to help them prepare for a strong future – which leads me to the What question.

What is it that I am supposed to do? My understanding, in speaking to the Archbishop and to Bishop Hermann, is that my principal role is to conduct the merger of the Office of Youth Ministry and the Catholic Youth Council into one agency called the Office of Catholic Youth Ministry. I also understand that this doesn’t mean a reduction in services by either of the two programs. In fact, with a larger staff, and a combined budget, the stage will be set for some growth, even in the immediate future.

Why are we doing this? The merger is coming about as a result of the Strategic Pastoral Plan of 1999-2002 and the resulting reorganization of the Archdiocesan Curia. It is part of a larger pastoral plan that will help the Church in St. Louis realize its goals of conversion, evangelization, Catholic education, serving those in need, and exercising responsible stewardship. Should these not also be the goals of all Catholic organizations and agencies including OYM/CYC?

I will meet with the combined staffs of the two agencies on Thursday, September 8th and from there we will begin our journey to merge CYC and the Office of Youth Ministry. Please pray for us so that we will have a smooth merger and a grand and glorious future.

I hope to meet everyone who serves in youth ministry in any capacity. Please invite me to any special events or programs you may be having throughout the year. If my calendar permits, I will do my best to attend as many of these as I can. Thank you for all you do.

Fr. John Borcic's blog

Creche for Christmas? or How My Little Voice Can Be Heard

Who, What and Why?