Edmonton Journal from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • 33

1ELIGIM EDITOR: JANET VLIEG, 780-498-5687; religionthejournal.canwest.com EDMONTON JOURNAL SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2010 B13 From masses to mass media Jesuit voice on pop culture becomes Stephen Colberts chaplain -x r-r him," Colbert says. Martin's new book, Vie Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: lle Spirituality of Real Life, may prompt another on-air moment. Perhaps Martin is a natural for TV: he discovered his calling while watching a documentary on the Trappist monk Thomas Merton. At the time, Martin, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton School of Business, was a corporate finance executive with a closet full of spectacular suits, a fast-track salary, horrendous hours and stomach-churning pressure. Faith did not sustain him then.

He grew up in a not particularly observant Catholic home and notes he was well into adulthood before he realized praying was not like popping change in "a cosmic gumball machine." "Merton was a revelation. I thought monastic life looked so beautiful. It was like falling in love. I ran out and got all of Merton's books and asked my parish priest, who certainly didn't know me, where I could go to become like Merton, a holy person. "He mentioned the Jesuits.

I had no idea who they were, but I went and got brochures on my lunch hour. I looked at them and I thought, This is crazy like joining the and I ripped them up." Too late. The desire inside him, "a longing for a connection with God and for a way to make that connection real in the world," he says, was inescapable. Martin practically crashed the doors to enter the order's 1988 training class. It took two decades of prayer, study, service and discernment before he took his final vows last November.

St. Ignatius Loyola, a soldier turned priest, founded the Society of Jesus in the 16th century. The religious order is known for its intellectual rigour, for its workaday-world commitments. Now Ignatian spirituality informs all of Martin's books, even the one on how he spent a year helping an off-Broadway troupe produce a play on Judas. On weekends, Martin celebrates mass at the spectacular marble, mosaic and bronze-decorated Church of St.

Ignatius Loyola on Park Avenue in Manhattan. This is where he gave his first homily as a priest and took his final vows. But his daily life is around the corner at America, where he has worked for 10 years, writing and editing. His home office is a two-room suite in the Jesuit residence on the top floors of America's Midtown Manhattan offices, full of art and photos of his stint in Kenya with the Jesuit Refugee Service. It's also near major CATHY LYNN GROSSMAN USA Today James Martin is loath to let a big headline goby without spinning the story toward The Big Story God.

He is, after all, a Catholic priest and a Jesuit, a religious order with a mission of "helping souls." In ancient days, the church told Gospel stories with pictures in stained-glass windows. Now it's the web and TV. Says Martin, 49: "Everyone needs a medium. Mine is popular culture." So hell take on Lindsay Lohan, who dressed as Jesus recently for the cover of fashion magazine Purple, with a 10-point comparison between the actress and Christ. Martin's blog post for the century-old Jesuit weekly magazine America, where he is culture editor, kindly concludes that perhaps she'll take a lesson from the Saviour.

When Mother Teresa's letters, published in 2007, revealed she felt "the absence of God" for decades, Martin told Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert that doubt itself is a statement ofbelief. Martin has been invited back on The Colbert Report twice, and the Catholic comic now introduces Martin as the show's chaplain. "Jim is a Jesuit priest and a funny guy. I'm grateful to know both of 11 II lin.l.r. M.

over pay phone attract criticism from French bishops Stephen Colbert Introduces James Martin TV networks. "Ignatian spirituality is intended for the widest possible audience of believers and seekers," Martin says. He writes in Hie Jesuit Guide that "within the Christian tradition, all spiritualities, no matter what their origins, have the same focus the desire for union with God, an emphasis on love and charity, and a belief in Jesus as the Son of God." It's about realizing that when you are most vulnerable sick, out of directly to God," she said, adding that the line received about 300 calls in its first week. Callers do not talk to a person but are offered an "atmosphere of piety and reflection," where they can listen to prayers, music and other people's confessions and can opt to record their own. The bishops said telephone services had a role to play in lending an ear to the aged, isolated or those with disabilities, but "it is unacceptable First Church of Christ, Scientist 1 1 OB SI 100 Ave.

760-422-4754 Sunday Service Sunday School 1 1 a.m. Reading Room hours ujujui.christionsciencs.ob.co lestimomes or dealing weonesoay p.m. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIS! Westwood Unitarian Congregation 1 1 1 35-65 Avenue 780-434-581 9 10:30 a.m. "Stories from the 1st World Conference of Women's Shelters Speaker Jan Reimer www.westwoodunitarian.ca The Edmonton Journal will be publishing (faster Crvices WORSHIP DIRECTORY on Thursday, April 1, 2010 Booking Deadline: Wednesday. March 24.

2010 To place your Easter Services ad or for more information Phone: 780-429-5498 Fax: 780-429-5588 EDMONTON JOURNAL The Anglican Church of Canada DIOCESE OF EDMONTON The Rt. Rev. Jane Alexander Synod Office: 10035 103 St. 780439-7344 Parishes an listed in the phone book White Pages or at www.edmonton.anglkan.org All Saints' Cathedral 10035 103 sl tsmsm Service at two a.m.. am and 11-00 a m.

RirSemcelMiinrutKiricallTStMsSmi it. LUKe Aram 780-K- VSednesdav Sunday Sen ices at 10:00 am O-l Rev Canon Dan Van Alshne St Margaret EUersind tirst tso-ut-tm am at wx a.m. Holy Lommunwn 11j0 am Sunday Sthool and Nursery Care ft The Rev Capt. Tun Qestertm St. PatriCK Millwoods 7W4K3-M52 1 block south ot 23 Avenue on 85 Street 0.1 83010iVam Holv Communion 5t Peters 11035-127 SI 7SH55-3t5 Holv Communion V1 a 1030 am 6i Children's rVsrani at am SL Timothy oH45si $30 am Hoiv Cc-mmunion PCP KHf am Funih Eudunsi BAS Rrt- l.erh Wilier 7S0-B3-550.

111 3 1 B. I to GETTY IMAGES. FILE as The Colbert Report's chaplain. work, lonely, afraid, "God can move through your defences, strengthen and accompany you." And there's a radical simplicity to that, he says. He says Ignatian spirituality "does not ask you to become a half-naked, twig- eating, cave-dwelling hermit.

It simply invites you to live simply." The book becomes like a read-along spiritual director, someone prompt you with questions, redirect your gaze and help you, Martin says, to "discern where God might be speaking to you." to allow confusion over the notion of confession," they added. "For the Catholic faithful, confession has a sacramental meaning and requires the real presence of a priest." Camille said part of the money goes to charity. Acheaper non-charity line costs 0.12 euros (16 cents). The line says on its website that it aims to encourage youngsters to confess at a time when church attendance is "in free-fall." EDMONTON H. uC Uv.

AREA EDMONTON CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY 10950-135 Street 780-452-9391 Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Everyone Welcome! GOSPEL CENTRE 9445-153 Sl "8048441085 10:00 a.m. Service wwwgospetcentre.com To place your Pentecostal Church ad caU 78429-5498 Catholic Churches of Edmonton SUNDAY MASS TIMES For a full list of mass times at all churches, please visit our website at www.caedm.ca The United Church of Canada "A complete listing is available at www.uccedm.org the white pages of the phone book." St. Andrew's bm 9915-148 St. 780-452-4454 Rev.

Dr. Geof! Wilfong-Pritchard Parish Nurse: Nadine Murphy 10:00 a.m. "Dead Right" www.saintandrewsunited.com Beverly United Church bJk 11910-40 St. 780-477-8372 Rev. Deborah Hoekstra 9:30 a.m.

Worship ServiceSunday School Kirk United 13535-122 Ave. 780-455-0453 Service Time: 10:00 a.m. Dr. Bob Kimmerly kirk.anwc.net Email: kirkuccedm.org Knox-Metropolitan 109 St 83rd Ave 780-439-1718 A Canng. tntiustn Commnty at Ftith 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, Worship Children and Youth Programs Minister: Steven Johann Music Director: Warren Mack www.knox-met.org Knoxmettelusplanet.net McDougall 10025-101 St. 780-428-1818 Revs. John Henry Weinlick A Jean Hutchinson 10:30 a.m. Is Life about Stuff or Spirit? Sat, March 20. Women Brunch Rachel Notley, MLA 11:30 a.m.

to 1:30 p.m. Reserve. Cost $10 Sunday School Free Parking www.mcdougaiiunrtea.com St. Paul's 11528-76 Ave. 780-436-1555 An Affirming Conyvgation withm the ttoffed Cnurcfr at Canada Rev.

Dr. Catherine F. MacLean. Denise Davis Taylor DM, Rev. Dirk Jessen Music: Dr.

John Wiebe Brett Gore 10:00 am Worship Children Youth Program Musical Guests: Edmonton Junior Children Choir www.stpautsunited.org stpaulsunitedigtelus.net Robertson-Wesley 10209-123 St. 780482-1587 An Aftnnmg Congrggfran mfrfi ttt (Mid Chuftfl at CfMl Sunday Worship 10:30 am Sermon: Turning tt Around Children's and Youth Programs Minister: Rev. Jim Allan Interim Minister: Rev. Heather Koots Director of Music: Tammy-Jo Mortensen www.rwuc.org Southminster Steinhauer 10740 -19 Ave. 780435-2028 Aft Affinmng CongreggMfl pTwi Ac URMClUtrtof Cmdi 10 00 a m.

Worship Seme Ministry Team: Nancy Steeves, Jm Spiers www smsuc-com Strathearn 8510-95 Ave. 780-466-5822 Sunday Worsrnp 10:30 am. Youth gr. SS nursery www.suatnearn.snawwep5oace.ca Trinity United Church 881 0 Meadowtarfc Road 78(M89-0860 Rev. Katfy Hogman Sunday Worship -10-30 a.m.

CHitdren and Youth Programs a-fyfy'd Confessions Agence France-Presse PARIS A pay phone line for French Roman Catholics to confess their sins drew criticism from bishops earlier this week. "For advice on confessing, press one. To confess, press two. To listen to some confessions, press three," says a soothing male voice, welcoming the caller to Le Fil du Seigneur, or The Line of the Lord, service. Near death a Offerings is your opportunity to express thoughts on religious issues.

Submissions up to 750 words can be sent to: Religion Department, Edmonton Journal, Box 2421, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2S6 or e-mail: jvliegthejournal.canwest.com Please include a few lines about your faith tradition and involvement in your place of worship. PAUL CHRISTOFFERSEN Jesus advised us in Matthew "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." And this is precisely what I have been doing ever since I nearly died after open-heart surgery in 2000. My near-death experience, which involved numerous out-of-body episodes while in a two-week, medically induced coma, culminated with me deciding to leave my career in the RCMP and delve into a search for the true meaning of life. This was a fife-changing event for me and I needed answers. After waking up in my hospital bed after some two weeks, I knew something major had changed within my being.

For some unknown reason, I knew I would not be returning to my old career. I believe that while in the coma I was counselled and guided by an unknown presence that advised me that my life's journey would now be drastically altered for the better. As a police officer, I served my community and helped people and now I What's So Critical About Faith? lecture by Dr. Ron Kuipers, Institute for Christian Studies, today from 10 a.m. to noon at King's University College, Room 101, 9125 50th St.

Changing Our Ideas About Progress, a Philosopher's Cafe discussion, today from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Steeps, the Urban Tea House, 11116 whyte Ave. Love and Fear in the Scriptures: Understanding Human Relationships, a presentation by Bishop Raymond L. Schultz, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 10014 81st Ave.

No fee; no registration. Healing Grace, a worship service for anyone dealing with emotional pain or mental illness, Wednesday. 6:30 p.m. at Saints Cafe, All Saints Cathedral, 10035 103rd St. Sponsored by Mars Hill Centre.

A Fair Country: Telling Truths About Canada, a book by John Ralston Saul, is the focus of a six-week class on Wednesday evenings starting this Wednesday at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton, 10804 119th St. No charge: participants must bring a copy of the book. To register, call 780-454-8073 or frmail chadminuce.ca. Ahmad iyya Muslim women's Association of Edmonton invites women to its annual Interfarth Symposium. Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

at Bait-ul-Hadi Mosque, 7005 98th Ave. Topic: The Purpose of Life According to My Faith. Women's event; free admission. Refreshments starting at 6.30 m. E-mail amianualberta.ca or call 780-430-7966.

"In case of serious or mortal sins that is, sins that have cut you off from Christ our Lord, it is indispensable to confide in a priest," warns the service, which costs 0.34 euros (48 cents) a minute. The Conference of French Bishops, which groups the country's Catholic leaders, warned in a statement that the line had "no approval from the Catholic Church in France." The site was set up several weeks ago at the beginning of the Christian prod to new 1 C'-v' 1 1 SUPPLIED Paul Christoffersen with a unique licence plate he received as a birthday gift from his wife Charlene would continue that role but in a different way. My convalescence at home took a very long time. I read many books on religion and spirituality and gained additional knowledge about Christianity and other world religions. I had time to think, meditate and contemplate upon so many different things in my life.

My wife Charlene was brought up in a strict Roman Catholic family environment where she dared not question anything dealing with religious issues with her parents. Fortunately, as a young child I was not weaned into any overt religion. Both of us were seeking truth and knowledge about God. Little did we know at the outset that seeking knowledge and truth is what the definition of a Gnostic is. We were Gnostics all along and didn't even realize it.

CALENDAR Edmonton Interfarth Centre for Education Action marks International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Friday at noon in City Hall. Guest speaker: Lewis Cardinal; also music, refreshments and unveiling of Seeking Peace book and posters. Call 780-413-6159. Community meal, March 20 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9009 163rd St. Complete hot meal served, noon to 1 p.m.

No charge. Women's Brunch with MLA Rachel Notley (Edmonton-Strathcona), March 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at McDougall United Church, 10025 101st St. Topic: Women of Influence: Making a Difference.

Cost: $10. Reserve with Dolores at 780-428-1818 or email dbellmcdougallunited, com. Easter Bake Sale, March 20 starting at 10 a.m. at SL Anthony's Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, 6103 172nd baked goods, cabbage rolls, preserves, etc. Call 780-487-0789 or e-mail annetteboykoshaw.ca.

Easter Bake Sale, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Elia Ukrainian Orthodox Church. 11833 66th SL (basement); pas-kas, babkas.

narysnyky. pyrizhky. cakes, etc. Canadian Company of Pilgrims of trie Way of SL James, the Camino de Santiago. Edmonton chapter spnng meeting.

March 22 at 7 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Cathedral lounge, 10035 103rd St. E-mail julia santiago.ca. Romero: 30 Years of Hope, celebration March 26 commemorating 30th anniversary of the death of Oscar Romero, bishop of the poor, at Providence Centre. 3005 119th fasting period of Lent by a group of Catholics working for AABAS, a small Paris company that provides telephone messaging services, its creator said.

It does not offer absolution for sins, which only a priest can provide, said the creator, Camille, who asked that her surname not be used because she has received threats about the service. "The idea is to confess sins which are not capital sins, but minor sins, spiritual path I always needed an intellectual basis for understanding God and I feel that understanding is more important than faith alone. Charlene and I both found that Gnosticism and, more specifically, Christian Gnosticism resonated within us as being authentic and true. We both believe that Jesus himself was a Gnostic as he searched, sought out and gained knowledge throughout his entire life. Knowledge of life, knowledge of God, knowledge of everything.

So, seven years ago I created the Spiritual Free Thought Study Group, which has an open invitation to anyone who's interested in gaining knowledge and getting at the truth on a whole range of topics. Topics include, but are not limited to, religion and spirituality. The matrix of the study group has changed over the years as people come and go; however, it continues to bring like-minded people together who are searching and seeking answers to all the so-called mysteries of life, our world and beyond. Those in the study group are living what Jesus espoused in Matthew 7:7. 1 am fortunate to have been able to facilitate the running and organization of the study group and, now more than ever, there appears to be an increasing thirst to ask, seek and find the Truth.

Paul Christoffersen lives in Fort Saskatchewan, where his Spiritual Free Thought Study Group meets Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, e-mail: pchristoffersenshaw.ca. St. Mass at 6 p.m. celebrated by Most Rev.

Joseph N. MacNeil, archbishop emeritus of Edmonton, followed by a reception. No charge. Call Bob McKeon (English) 780-469-1010, Rogelio Rivera (Spanish) 780-478-0195 or Armando (French) 780-758-9659. Erika Luckett Lisa Ferraro, March 26 at 7 p.m.

at the Centre for Spiritual Living. Performing music inspired by Sufi poet Rumi. Suggested donation: $20. Easter Musical Passion Play, March 27 to 30 at Mill Woods Assembly, 2225 66th St. Free admission; nursery care provided.

For details, including times, visit mwpa.com. West Edmonton Women's Aglow breakfast March 27 at 9:15 a.m. at the Continental Inn, 16625 Stony Plain Rd. Guest speaker: Pastor Fred Lane. Cost: $13.50.

Call Ellen. 780-9622818. Stonehouse25 rock band free concert. March 27 at 7 p.m. at Word of Faith, 3904 91st St.

Come early to get a good seat. Visit www.ewoff.org. Easter Sunday at the Winspear. April 4 at 10:30 a.m. The Centre for Spiritual Living is sponsoring a musical extravaganza with singer-songwriter Faith Rivera and local musical talent.

No charge; donations accepted. Seating first-come. Religion Calendar accepts notices of events open to the public. Sotices must be received in writing bv the Tuesday preceding publication. Fax or e-mail: religion theiomrnal.canwest.com.

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