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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 117
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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Katie and Nathan,

A few thoughts from your proud pastor: Remember that unity is of God and "dis"-unity is of Satan.
That is how how you can always tell if something is good or not whether it be our thoughts words or deeds. In all of your discussions please always ask, "is what I am saying contributing toward unity or division?"

The issues that you are discussing have a HUGE history to them and to discuss them fairly would require a great knowledge of that history. A knowledge and sensitivity of that history would help to color your comments with compassion.

During our August 6 history making meeting which Nathan attended as well as on other areas of this Forum (Evangelization page) we have called for the submitting of ideas that are positive, creative, visionary, prophetic and evangelical ONLY!!!. No tearing down, getting personal, petty, etc. I ask that you discuss matters guided by this same principle. Our Church needs positive ideas and actions. You both did a marvelous job co-hosting our "Light of the East" Radio program. You are still receiving accolades for this. Continue in this same spirit in your discussions.

Also on a very practical note, as much as we enjoy our cyberspace world it has some VERY BIG limitations: Not being in the presence of the persons to whom we correspond we are unable to see body language or hear tone of voice. Comments are forever being misunderstood on this Forum and aruging and apologizing goes on to a nauseating degree. You remember from our Theology of the Body classes, body language speaks louder than words and you cannot see body language in cybespace. Therefore misinterpretation and taking things personally is a very, very commmon pitfall of this medium. In fact it has given the Forum a bad name among many people. Many people are very hesitant to use the Forum for this reason. In fact, I never wanted to be a part of the Forum for this reason and some people actually think that I am very wrong for associating myself with the Forum where so much pettiness and cattiness takes place.

Nonetheless, I took the risk to use the Forum for the good of the Church and I have always been insistent that the Forum be used as the wonderful vehicle that it can be to build up the Body of Christ. Maybe if we looked at the Forum as something actualy holy, a holy vehicle that God gave Man the wisdom to invent, it would keep us all on the right track.

During the radio program you both gave tremendously positive thoughts for the good of your Church. Please keep speaking in this vein.
This is where your gifts are and God wants you to give these gifts to His Church. Your thoughts are very valuable and I commend you for tackling these issues but remember they have a huge history so try to be positive ONLY to build up the Church.

Nathan--something for you to ponder: remember, it was YOU who helped me with my ribbon and tape demonstration on August 6th! Think about that and explain what it meant to Katie. If you think about it well enough it will help you remain positive.

I am very proud of both of you but be positive ONLY and ALWAYS.

--Fr. Thomas J. Loya

Joined: Aug 2005
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If free to do so, I would add...
Reverence and respect for the recent forefathers of our church, those who labored for our church in the past, making our church a reality for us today, is a critical posture for those seeking to excel in religious order and to command the respect of the laity.

Mnohaja l�ita!!


- Larry Lattuca
Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church - Homer Glen, Illinois
Joined: Jan 2002
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Thank You, Father,

You posting is so important for all of us. The administrator should insert it at least once on every page of each thread, so that we may be reminded of the importance of civility in this Forum and in our lives. Especially here, where our communications are limited to written words.

John
Pilgrim and Odd Duck

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 222
ByzanTEEN
ByzanTEEN
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 222
Glory be to Jesus Christ!

Father Tom,

I know what I said was a bit rough and unnecessary. I apologize for what I had said, I've apologized to Katie and I now apologize to you for being less than what God, you, and I know I can be.


Quote
If free to do so, I would add...
Reverence and respect for the recent forefathers of our church, those who labored for our church in the past, making our church a reality for us today, is a critical posture for those seeking to excel in religious order and to command the respect of the laity.
I agree with you to a certain extent, Larry. May we always acknowledge the brave people who founded our church in America.

Peace of Christ be with you all,
Nathan Augustine


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