September 26, 2006
“Blessed are you among women.” This Scriptural verse came immediately to mind when I stood up before over two hundred women who were gathered to begin their annual retreat. This past weekend I had the privilege of conducting a weekend retreat for the female members of The People of Hope, a charismatic covenant community recently recognized by the archbishop of Newark as a “Private Association of the Faithful.” The community, which will be celebrating its thirtieth birthday in May, was begun by Catholic laity desiring to live a more intentional and intense form of Christian life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Belonging to a lay covenant community doesn’t mean everyone lives together in one place like hippies in a commune, yet the majority of members live close enough so they can conveniently gather for weekly and monthly community gatherings. One wonderful work which binds community members is Koinonia Academy, a K thru 12 school which they administer, staff, and maintain. Yet the golden thread which truly holds the People of Hope together is their evident love of the Lord and His Church, and each other—something I happily witnessed this weekend.
I must say that the women who participated in the retreat would definitely be regarded in the Church as “the exception, rather than the rule.” Take, for example, their participation in the liturgy. When was the last time you went to Mass and heard everyone singing the hymns, psalm response, and parts of the Mass? Not only that, but every one of them was modestly dressed, received communion at Mass most reverently, and was most attentive during the conferences and homilies. Judging from the confessional, besides having problems like everyone else, these women knew their sins, were evidently contrite, and, get this—everyone knew the act of contrition!
Another interesting fact about the People of Hope is that many of the families are, by today’s standards, quite large, having six, eight, or maybe even eleven children! In fact, a number of the moms on the retreat had their newborns with them. How beautiful it was to see the little ones curled up and asleep in their slings as their mothers came up for Holy Communion! Those who say raising large families is financially and psychologically impossible today may need to drive to Jersey for a reality check.
Experiencing firsthand the corporate expression of faith, charity, and joy this weekend, I believe the name of the community, The People of Hope, is very well suited. Clearly I met some very ordinary people who have made an extraordinary decision, namely, to live a life contrary to the popular culture. They have evidently taken the time, invested the effort, and made some sacrifices to live life with intention, that is, with clearly stated principles, a purpose, and a goal. Rather than follow the herd over the ledge of life, they make a noble attempt to follow the Lord into life.
Tell me, what if you were to stop a teenager coming out of church after Sunday Mass and ask them, “Excuse me, what was your reason for attending Mass this morning?” Would they answer, “Well, God both desires and deserves my worship. He has given me my life’s breath, my daily sustenance, and the priceless treasures of my faith, family, and friends. That’s why I come to celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday, and as often as I can, not only to express my obedience to my heavenly Father, but also my deepest gratitude. I also can’t live a faithful Christian life by my own strength. I need to be supported in my faith, instructed by His word, and nourished by the body and blood of Jesus. Besides, I love going to Mass!”
The scenario I presented is fictional, but it is probable if the teen is a member of the People of Hope. By God’s grace and their effort, with them, what is the exception is the rule. This is why this past weekend I was indeed “blessed among women.”
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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