The Nativity Gospel of Life committee will be monthly bulletin contributors. Within these columns, we hope to encourage a spirit and culture of life within the Church of the Nativity. Our mission is such: “The Nativity Gospel of Life Ministry, as members of the Body of Christ, strive to grow a culture that embraces and cherishes all facets of human life from conception to natural death. We raise awareness, educate, engage, and inspire our community to build a culture that
promotes and defends the dignity of all”. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please reach out to Marin Brown at Mbrown.marin@gmail.com or Michael Sanem at msanem@kcnativity.org.

“Begotten, not made”

I read these words in a note my dad wrote to me. At that time I was the president of the Pro-life
club at St. Teresa’s Academy, and a loud-mouthed one at that. Yet, the meaning of the above
words were taken for granted, and frankly over my head. The full truth of these words, of Christ’s
being, have been slowly and deeply learned over my life. That same slow movement has revealed
the truth of my own being (and therefore all peoples) as well. That I was not some accident of the
cosmos or a spill in a lab. Rather, I was created through the will of the God of the universe out of
sheer love.

From this understanding of my own life, a deeper truth about Life has emerged. As Catholics,
we know that abortion and euthanasia are wrong. Many of us (myself included) have made that
intellectual ascent. But how many of us have made a spiritual ascent to that same truth? We
should recognize that our lives are not only physical, but spiritual as well. Naturally, any injury to
the life and dignity of the human person is an injury to the Body of Christ.

In today’s world, we are so aware of the injustices taking place all around us. Poverty, crime, and
death seem pervasive. The vastness of suffering makes it easy to say that some lives are simply
more valuable than others. That we cannot possibly save everyone, so why try? This is a grave error
that many of us and the people we love fall into.

When we tear at our seamless garment, we tear at the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who is mourned by
injury or injustice to any of his beloveds. He loves the pregnant woman and her baby. He loves the
victim and the murderer. He loves the person who thinks suicide is the only option. He loves the
refugee being trafficked illegally. He loves the father who’s children are being placed in foster care
due to his addiction. The job for us as Christian’s is to mold our hearts to His. As we discern how to
bring Christ’s love to those around us, let us pray for God’s grace to love as He does.

I recently asked a group of teens, “What is your favorite holiday of the year?”

“January 2nd,” replied Jesse. “That’s when the holidays are over.”

Many of the teens agreed with Jesse. The conversation veered to a different topic: How do you manage painful emotions and stress throughout the holiday season?

Holiday traditions and family gatherings often evoke warm memories – or they may trigger fear, unmet expectations, unresolved resentments, or disappointments from the past. Those struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, or lack of connection to family and community may feel particularly isolated and vulnerable during the holidays. They may also grapple with guilt when they fail to share the same joyful spirit as those around them.  

Children and teens are not immune to stress and emotional pain throughout the holidays. Sources of Strength is a socioemotional program in many Johnson County schools that equips youth with skills when they face life’s challenges.  

Your responses to the following questions related to the eight protective factors on the Sources of Strength Wheel can help you manage stress and care for your mental health throughout the holiday season:
    •    Family Support –  What support do you need from family (of origin or choice) when you feel sad, angry, or anxious? Which family members can you turn to when you need encouragement?
    •    Positive Friends – Who lifts you up when you feel sad or lonely? Who can you call if you feel stressed or anxious? Where can you find local support?
    •    Mentors – Do you know someone who offers helpful guidance when you need it? Who can provide gentle direction when you struggle with challenging circumstances?

Make a list of people you can call if you need or want to talk to someone. Include their phone numbers on the list. Put the list in a place where you can easily find it.

•    Healthy Activities – What activities do you enjoy? Running or walking? Music or art? Reading or journaling? Are you getting enough sleep? What helps you relax? The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) provides meaningful reflections on their website at www.chausa.org/meditations. 
•    Generosity – Acts of kindness often lift us up when we’re feeling down. In what ways can you volunteer to help someone today? How can you share your time, talent, and treasure with parish and community organizations?
•    Spirituality – How does your connection with God feed your soul? How does prayer comfort you? Where do you feel spiritually nourished? What makes you feel grateful?  
•    Physical Health – Maintaining good physical health is essential to your mental health. What changes can you make to your diet? Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration mimics symptoms of anxiety. Do you give your body time to heal when you feel sick? 
•    Mental Health – Do you set healthy boundaries to protect your personal well-being? To whom can you turn when you feel lonely or overwhelmed? What mental health resources are available if depression or anxiety interfere with your day-to-day activities?  

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a mental health issue, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Prevention Lifeline, www.988Lifeline.org. Counselors will answer your call, listen to your concerns, and recommend local services and resources.  

Psychology Today has an online directory of mental health professionals in your area. Visit www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists to find online and in-person services.

Find a Catholic counselor on the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas website at www.archkck.org/family/care-support/catholic-counselors.

No one should struggle with mental illness alone. There is help. There is hope.  
May God’s peace and love bless you and your family throughout the holiday season.

November is considered Hospice & Palliative Care month in our country, which is significant from a Catholic perspective since we honor “All Saints & All Souls” in the first 2 days and remember our deceased family & friends throughout the month. Human life is a precious gift from God. Our Catholic faith respects the dignity of life from conception to natural death, “womb to tomb”. Therefore, we are stewards over human life, trying to preserve it and use it for the glory of God.
Euthanasia & physician-assisted-suicide are never morally acceptable options. Having Catholic End-of-Life Advance Directives & a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Healthcare are very important to prepare for the inevitable.

Suffering of this life (physical, emotional, spiritual) can often be alleviated with personal & professional help to recover or treat disease or trauma. Hospice & palliative medicine gives resources for pain & symptom management, as well as compassionate & merciful care to people with chronic or terminal illness. Interdisciplinary experts on a hospice team give psychosocial & spiritual support to the person & family. Last Rites (which include Confession & Absolution, Eucharist & Viaticum, Anointing of the Sick) are encouraged for any Catholic nearing the end-of-life, preferably while still conscious to participate in all these Sacraments. The Catholic Gospel of Life is “good news” with our HOPE in eternal life. Death is a reality for every human being, happening at all ages from prenatal to adulthood. The “circle of life” reunites us with God & all of creation in heavenly peace & joy.

For more information on End-of-life preparation, please refer to the Archdiocesan document entitled “Catholic Guide for End-of-life and Establishing of Advance Directives: Catholic Guide for End of Life Planning - Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (archkck.org).