|
Recent events in the Church have raised concerns within the Jewish community and among some Christians regarding the attitude of the Church to Jews and Judaism. The Holy Father has been clear that relations with the Jews remain a priority of the Church and that there will be no going back on the progress made in Catholic-Jewish relations.
As we approach the season of Lent we are reminded that preaching and teaching about Jews and Judaism during this time and especially during Holy Week has in past led to misunderstanding, often with tragic consequences for our Jewish brothers and sisters. While much has happened over the last half century to change this reality, the current situation reminds us that it is important to be aware of the sensibilities of our Jewish friends and the potential for misunderstanding on the part of Catholics when caution is not used in preaching and in other areas such as dramatizations of the passion and Seder meals.
There are a number of excellent resources to assist with liturgical planning, preaching, and education during Lent, Holy Week and the Easter season. Easily accessed resources are listed below along with links to a number of websites dealing with Christian-Jewish relations.
Other educational resources available through the US Catholic Conference:
- The Bible, The Jews and the Death of Jesus: A Collection of Catholic Documents. Published by the Bishops Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, US Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2004. (The text includes Criteria for the Evaluation of Dramatizations of the Passion and the Guidelines on the Presentation of Jews and Judaism in Catholic Preaching.)
-
Walking God’s Paths: Christian and Jews in Candid Conversation
Six 15 minute video segments tracing the history of Jewish-Catholic relations. The series is designed to stimulate discussion between Catholics and Jews but may also be used for a parish study group. Supplemental materials and study guides are available.
Links:
Boston College – Center for Jewish Learning
Sacred Heart University – Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding
Jewish-Christian Relations
International Service of Jewish-Christian Documentation
New Hampshire Jewish-Catholic Seder Guidelines Please address questions to the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Concerns, 414-769-3483, or email longdinj@archmil.org
|
