Pleading for mercy at 65 mph
I've said many times that I'm not a very good Catholic but I feel the need to reiterate here that, with this post, I'm not pretending to be the more faithful adherent. Still, when Pope Francis called this the Year of Mercy, I'm not sure this is what he had in mind (forwarded by a member).
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Blessing of the Experience Mercy Billboard
WHEN: Wednesday, May 25, 1:30 P.M.
WHERE: Parking lot at 348 First Street S.W., New Brighton, MN
WHO: Fr. Michael Skluzacek and Fr. Andrew Jaspers,
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School, New Brighton
CONTACT: Marty Schutz, parishioner, 763.242.XXXX
In response to Pope Francis’ call for a Jubilee of Mercy, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton, MN has launched an outreach campaign encouraging people to partake of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Skluzacek and Fr. Jaspers will be conducting a brief blessing ceremony of a billboard posted this week as part of the campaign.
I guess you go where the sinners are. This actually reminds me of the WWJD series of church parking photos I did a couple years ago.
In all seriousness, it's a sad day when we have to reach our flock in the seven seconds they are driving by. My church here, like most others, has not only accepted the environment Americans live in but has joined in the program to convert neighborhoods to parking lots. You may or may not like car culture, but it seems to me that an organization dedicated to following the difficult path of Jesus and the Apostles would, as a starting point, realize that people coming into passive contact with other people -- of their own faith and not -- is an essential component of building a community.
Just one more heretical thought to confess.
Charles Marohn (known as “Chuck” to friends and colleagues) is the founder and president of Strong Towns and the bestselling author of “Escaping the Housing Trap: The Strong Towns Response to the Housing Crisis.” With decades of experience as a land use planner and civil engineer, Marohn is on a mission to help cities and towns become stronger and more prosperous. He spreads the Strong Towns message through in-person presentations, the Strong Towns Podcast, and his books and articles. In recognition of his efforts and impact, Planetizen named him one of the 15 Most Influential Urbanists of all time in 2017 and 2023.